Today, the “American Century” ended, after only 80 years. Today, the country that liberated the world 80 years ago stabbed in the back people who believe in what we claim we believe, who depended on us in t heir struggle against what can only be called the forces of darkness.
Today, an American president announced he had called America’s enemy and had joined hin in betraying the people of Ukraine. An American president celebrated an attack on all the things that made America great, that brought people into the streets to welcome the American soldiers who had liberated them from fascist oppression. Today an American president took a shit on the Statue of Liberty, the first best sight my late wife, who arrived here aged 3, as a child born in a refugee camp after her family escaped both the Red Army and the Wehrmacht, who never forgot looking out the porthole of the troopship that brought them here and saw her first sight of America, the Statue of Liberty and thought “America!” as she remembered.
Today the American president and the fools, tools, villains, opportunists, jumped-up traitors, blackguards, and goons who support him took a shit on what my eighth great grandfather Isaac Cleaver and his brothers James and Ezekiel, and Ezekiel’s son, Ezekiel Cleaver Jr., who all joined Captain Tench France’s Company, 1st Battalion, Philadelphia County Militia in 1776 and served from then to 1782, among other things crossing the Delaware with General Washington and saving the Revolution, who were friends and business associates with Betsy Ross (something I only recently learned) sacrificed to create: this country. My ancestors were described by their contemporaries as “His word was his bond.” A reputation takes decades to create and minutes to destroy, and today we cannot say of ourselves any more as a country that “our word is our bond.”
Today we stabbed Ukraine in the back as thoroughly as Neville Chamberlain stabbed Czechoslovakia in 1938. To the same end. Our enemies who this worthless moron the fools of this country made president a second time after knowing him to be a traitor thinks are his friends see him only as a fool, and us as fools for allowing this.
This is the worst day in the history of America. This is the day we ceased to be the country we say we are.
After Donald Trump’s phone call of surrender to Vladimir Putin, in which the two criminals decided the future of Ukraine with Trump conceding Ukraine’s territory that Russia has illegally seized since 2014. He gave away any hope that Ukraine could join NATO. And his worthless drunkard white supremacist scum masquerading as the American Secretary of Defense told Europe to go defend themselves, that we will not provide any support for any eventual NATO involvement in future "security guarantees" for Ukraine, along with continuing American military support for Ukraine including helping to rebuild the country.
We have just given every person, every government, every country, that ever thought well of us reason to hate us for our spineless betrayal of our word.
What the “most determined ignoramus I ever knew,” in the words of John Kelly, did today was a total and unmitigated defeat; it is a "disaster of the first magnitude." What Trump has done today will not satisfy Putin or any of the other enemies of America, but he has now told them they can act with impunity and never worry about the reaction of America. Their further aggressions are now guaranteed. And no one will ever look to us for support in the face of the demands to come, knowing our word cannot be trusted.
Today, America stopped being the America I know and love. The America my ancestors knew and sacrificed to create.
I’m too ashamed of my country to continue. That it has come to this.
Like Neville Chamberlain before him, Trump will find out in due time that there is no appeasing of bullies. None. They just want more, really they EXPECT more.Tump has sold our country to the Devil, he, himself being beyond diabolical. May he and all the" fools ,tools, villains, opportunists, jumped-up traitors, blackguards and goons" rot in a special traitors hell.
Chamberlain was a good and decent man who always opposed Hitler, although he lacked the vision and moral certainty to do so effectively. Tump does not want to appease Putin, he wants to join him.
Jon Margolis raises a very important point: Trump *identifies* with Putin; Trump *admires* Putin. Why? Because Trump is fundamentally a weakling.
Trump is a weakling who cozies up to dictators because – lacking psychological strength and strength of character – he identifies with dictators, whom he mistakenly considers strong men (two words). He evidently thinks their „strength“ will rub off on him. He thinks associating with „strongmen“ somehow will make him a strong man – instead it repeatedly exposes how fundamentally weak a person he is.
Trump is a bully, so he already knows that the only effective means of ending the bullying is to stand up to them and that's what he fears. That's what is so frustrating about the absence of major Democratic political players from the opposition/resistance field. Their quest for "bipartisan cooperation" is nothing more or less than acquiescence in the Mumpista coup. Trump with Putin is more comparable to Mussolini and Hitler although which fills what role is open to discussion. As Jon points out, Chamberlain thought he was doing what was best for England and was simply wrong; Trump has no concern at all for what is best for the United States, he is only seeking his own freedom from the insecurity and fear that has haunted him his whole life.
No, the United States didn't betray Ukraine, Trump did. Shame on Trump and his minions; more power to those of us who oppose what he is doing and will do what we can to see it ended.
Trump was elected by the plurality of voters and we all knew he would give Ukraine to Putin. So Yes, the USA betrayed Ukraine and our EU allies. We have become pathetic as an ally! May God have mercy on us and civilization.
Thank you, TC. This is a keeper. I will hang it on my mental dart board next to Robert’s list. In the midst of all this horror at least the vision of the dart board made me laugh!
It is fine to look at today’s actions and those of the past three weeks, but what we must also do is project what will happen next and get ahead of it.
We said if Trump won this wi have been the last election. That is still likely true.
The purging of the judiciary is likely. Arrests of protesters and organizers is likely. The closing of critical media is likely.
The military in our streets and auxiliary police made up of proud boy types is likely.
They have followed the 1933 playbook so far, so we can easily look at what happened next and be ready for it to happen here.
My ancestors fled religious and political tyranny in Lorraine (which had just become French, Catholic, and Monarchist again) to relative freedom in the British colony of Virginia. My 4th great-grandfather, George Shoemaker, served during the Revolutionary War in Captain Baxter's Company of Rockingham Militia. My relatives served and died in the Civil War in the 92nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. My father served in the US Army during World War II. I did the same during the Vietnam War. Our family has seen a lot. We're not moving again.
Interestingly, now that I have the full history of Cleavers in America, I find that the family did five times over two centuries ally themselves with the Shoemaker family, Cleaver males marrying Shoemaker females four times and a Cleaver female marrying a Shoemaker male once. This was in Pennsylvania between 1692 and 1832. Wonder if these Shoemakers are any kin of yours?
Possibly, but we didn't move to Pennsylvania until 1802, mainly to the western part of the state. Since our average family size was 8-11 children back then, I'd say the odds are in favor.
So well stated. Thank you! I totally agree with every word you wrote.
Yesterday should be the day people - everyone with a conscience and cognitive thinking skills - finally declare the GOP dead in the water. The media MUST stop identifying Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy as "moderate Republicans". They are FASCISTS, just like the rest of the Fascist Party of America. Oh, Susan and Lisa have learned well how to wring their hands in dismay, telling people they are "concerned" or "have questions", spouting lie after lie before they vote as they are told to do. Don't give McConnell any credit for his vote against the Russian asset Gabbard. He is the cause of so much of what we are going through today.
What these traitors to American democracy and our constitution have failed to grasp, however, is the strength and determination of the grassroots across the country to save/restore our democracy. We are not fooled by their words. Rather, we are empowered by their actions and subservience to pupil
We will not go "gently into the night" like Dem leaders lHakeem Jefferies and Chuck Schumer. We will not acquiesce and go about our daily lives as if our current situation is acceptable. We will rally and demonstrate and cause good trouble until, once again, the powers of evil are removed from the People's House. It may take decades to do this but do it we will!!!
The beginning words of your second paragraph is the apt descriptor: Trump, his minions, Vought, Hegeseth, Kash, Heritage, the Roberts Court, Leonard Leo, GOP elected officials, Musk, Thiel, Yarvin, Crowe, Zucky, et al are traitors one and all; and we should use that appellation whenever we speak or write about them.
Well TCinLA, Trump has told our enemies that they can act with impunity just as it appears the SCOTUS did for Trump with their immunity decisions, a decision that took the philosophical road while being silent on his call to D.C. and “March to the Capitol to take back your country.”
It is clear that Donald J. Trump has aligned himself with authoritarian leaders - Putin, Erdogan, Orban. Netanyahu, Modi and several of our South American leaders.
It is time to call out the Republican House & Senate leader to uphold their oath of office or step aside. They are and surely have been Trump’s enablers and co-conspirators.
I, for one, am ready to not shop, not buy anything for a designated time in protest. Like in the south when blacks refused to ride the buses. I'm asking what can we all shut down? I'll do it. I'm just one person in my 70's now, but I'm ready to be part of a major protest.
I have already added a note to my calendar. I swear that I will not under any circumstances, short of a life-or-death situation, purchase anything from anyone that day. As Kamala Harris said, "Together we win."
Please clarify that small businesses are exempt from the 24 hour blackout! Focus the blackout on corporations and businesses who donated to project 2025 and the GQP. This is a great opportunity to drive shoppers to independent family business as a viable alternative.
I agree Elaine! Not only could we withhold our tax returns - we could all pause paying federal taxes now. Submit W-4s to reduce our withholding to zero. If enough of us did that, it could be a significant immediate impact!
That’s a great idea. There are some Quaker’s who did this for years to protest war. They created an account where they put their tax payments so not to seem as tax shirkers.
I’m quite taken with that idea - as I sit at my desk procrastinating that very task. I’ve told all my friends that I’m going to do that. But, the push back I get is this: if we starve the government, more agencies and programs will have their budgets cut… I don’t know. It surely would be something harder to shrug off than people marching. We have to hurt them where they will feel it. Maybe it would be better not to pay our state taxes if you are represented by a Republican in Congress, as I am. Maybe that would say something more directly? Please, give me guidance!
Carmany, from where I sit, MUSK is the one who's starving those essential programs. What are they doing with the billions of dollars they're impounding? That's going to be earmarked for tax cuts for the wealthy. So, I'm not giving them the money that they want to keep for themselves! If their plans fail, and by some miracle the funding begins to flow to the programs that MY congressional representatives have designated, then I can catch up on paying my taxes.
I don't know what to tell you about state taxes. I live in California, which of course pays more into the federal government than it receives in federal benefits. And considering that there's a strong likelihood that no disaster assistance will be coming from Trump, I'd prefer to pay my federal taxes to California or to a dedicated program providing disaster relief, or agricultural assistance, here. At this point, I'd even be quite willing to vote for California to secede from the Union altogether - I certainly hope it doesn't come to that.
Hey, Elaine. Glad to see you on Robert’s substack. It gives me hope as well as information I need to try to lower my blood pressure during these horrific times. Hope you are well.
I have no idea what will happen, what I know is what I can observe, feel, and what resonates through my soul.
Trump has sold Ukraine, basically blown up NATO, and put the Baltics at incredible risk of invasion.
Because we can share as a community that enhances our inherent fallibility.
My gratitude for Robert, Simon Rosenberg for last night, and my Congresswoman Foushee for answering our pleas (that began last Monday) by holding a townhall last night.
“I have a bad feeling about this.” The phrase is spoken for the first time in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope by Luke Skywalker when he says he has a "bad feeling" about the small moon (the Death Star, unknown to him) he and his friends in the Millennium Falcon were approaching. Well, that has become my daily experience upon hearing each new dagger thrust into the heart of democracy by Trump and his company.
Continuing the Star Wars theme, it looks like the war is over and the small, tightly organized rebel forces are all that is left to return the Republic to its former glory. Scary how closely we’re following that story arc.
I’m going to repeat in part the words of our Canadian friend Jamie (@jamie190193) from yesterday’s comments as I can’t put it better myself.
“I firmly believe that we live in the world we do because, on some level, we collectively allow it. There are those who choose to wait out another four years, thinking that change will come in the next election cycle. Others convince themselves that their lives are not being affected—at least not yet. Some shrink back, exhausted, feeling like they have no more energy to fight. Some want to "keep the peace" at any cost, while others choose to remain uninformed about politics because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. And then there are those who simply ignore what is happening, hoping it will all go away on its own.
But change does not come from passivity—it comes from action. Every person can do something, no matter how small. Many of us in Canada are taking steps, whether by boycotting U.S. products and prioritizing Canadian-made goods, choosing to vacation within Canada rather than traveling to the U.S., or getting involved in provincial politics to push back against harmful ideologies before they spread.
Awareness is not enough. Awareness without action is meaningless. The only thing that brings real change is standing up and doing something. Sitting in our heads, thinking and debating, will not solve anything—we must take steps, however small, to make a difference.”
What I like about Jamie’s words is that they point to both our power in the matter and our opportunity to make a difference.
While there is a preaching to the choir feeling in telling readers here to take action, I’m convinced that there are still hidden opportunities for us to discover our own power to make a difference not unlike Luke’s long journey in discovering the Force.
So nothing wrong here and going forward into a new day coming from “nothing is handled.”
Good morning, everyone, and may the Force be with you.
I feel like you phrased this so well, in the epic storytelling mode of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, that we can use this to reach others, especially the two younger generations that never experienced segregated bathrooms and water fountains. This history of injustice is within our lifetimes, and I see MANY of us standing up to fight those same battles we thought had been won in 1964's Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Women especially. Not only are they taking away our right to decide who to love and when/if to start a family, our ability to have our own finances, banking and businesses, but now they are further restricting our ability to vote with the SAVE Act, and telling us to go back to being in the home, barefoot and pregnant, with no other purpose in life - and to keep silent about it, Handmaids!
Um, NO! Rise up! In the words of Beyonce' - "Who run the world? Girls!"
If only Lysistrata, the Greek play, were included in the playbook to stop this coup!
"This history of injustice is within our lifetimes, and I see MANY of us standing up to fight those same battles we thought had been won in 1964's Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act".
I sincerely hope that you are right. But I am honestly disgusted by the number of people who are "okay" with (and even cheer on!) Trump's dangerous and democracy-destroying agenda. And it is a sad, sad state of affairs that the only way to motivate many of them to action is to convince them that there is something concrete in it for THEM - helping the most vulnerable would never even cross their minds!
I'm reminded of a quote from a midwestern woman (who had a family farm) during Trump's first tariff war with China. "They're hurting the wrong people!" While she might have meant that in a macro sense that the brunt of the tariffs was hitting American farmers instead of China, I suspect the she would have been fine hurting undocumented Immigrants or other ethnic groups - just not white Christian Evangelicals!
"This history of injustice is within our lifetimes..."
It's no wonder that there has been a concerted attack on education and the teaching of *real* history in Red states . It might encourage young people to actually think - and work collectively - to make "Good Trouble".
Just like the Jim Crow South tried (and succeeded) to pit poor white people against poor black people, Trump and company are pitting working class whites against recent immigrants (both documented and undocumented) who want the same thing that they do - to make a better life for their families.
Years ago (before the Great Recession of the late '00s), our local history museum did an oral history project to talk to people who had grown up during the Great Depression of the 20th century. So mostly people in their late 70s and 80s who were very young during the Depression. Their stories had been transcribed and were displayed with photos and memorabilia.
The thing that stood out for me was that while no one had had very much, they were willing to share what they had with their community and even perfect strangers who knocked on their doors to see if there were any odd jobs that could be traded for a meal and a place to lay their head for a night or two.
Even back when I visited the mumeum and saw the exhibit, my thought was that a similar sense of cooperation would be unlikely to materialize if a Depression were to happen again. (And this was well before Trump stirred the pot!) I thought a dystopian nightmare where everyone was out for themselves was the far more likely scenario.
I am working hard for the best possible outcome - for people wake up to what is happening and work collectively to fight back, but I get a recurring pit in my stomach that it might be too little, too late.
My fear is that all that Trump is doing is a feature rather than an accident. He WANTS mass resistance as an excuse to declare Martial Law and he is pushing the boundaries hard to make some incident, either here at home or abroad, as the excuse he needs to concentrate even more power in his hands. I like more massive non-violent moves like the idea of Feb 28th and simply not buying or doing anything that supports corporate America on that day. But mass rallies...he is itching for just such a thing to turn violent in order to move forward with his longed-for police state. He is doing everything possible to create the climate for that will light the match for him...
The list you provided of Trump’s abuses of our constitutional system reminds me of the list of King George’s abuses in the Declaration of Independence. It is very helpful to keep that big picture in view, rather than just reacting to the next insult as it occurs. Just one correction: Trump did not pardon Mayor Adams. It is worse. Instead, the Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, ordered federal prosecutors to drop the bribery charges against Adams, citing concerns about interference with his official duties and reelection campaign. Those charges can be reinstated at any time. Trump now owns Adams.
I too was thinking about the Declaration of Independence and the list of 27 complaints against the king. We need an updated version of the Declaration with a list of 27 complaints against Trump.and post it everywhere. Robert got us a start on the list.
It seems to me that there are only two possibilities. Either:
(a) We are experiencing a coup; the literal takeover of the government of the United States by unelected forces acting unconstitutionally; or
(b) We are not experiencing a coup and the traditional "guardrails" and processes of our long established government can be applied to fix the excesses to which we all object.
If the answer is "a," then the only potentially effective response is a counter-coup, i.e. taking direct action intended to re-take the government. This in turn can only be effected in two ways: violently or non-violently. "Violently" seems to me to be absurd on its face and I hope that doesn't need much elucidation. Therefore non-violent resistance has to be the first, second and third priority of everyone concerned about the takeover of the United States. Strikes, marches/protests numbering in the hundreds of thousands at a minimum, tax protests, etc. We will essentially be following the blueprint of a number of Eastern European countries over recent decades.
If the answer is "b," the implicit assumption is that the government is still operating under the Constitution and the policies to which we object can be opposed/defeated by traditional means. At the end of the day this means convincing at least 4 Republican Senators and 4 Republican Representatives that if they care about this country they have to switch sides now and to do so fundamentally and with real conviction and determination.* I don't mean switch sides as in becoming Democrats. I mean switch sides as in concluding that we are in a crisis that requires consistent opposition at a level above "mere policy," where the nature of the threat requires a consistent assertion of congressional and judicial independence and Constitutional powers. Think South Korea where a coup initiated by the executive was effectively countered by the legislature.
*Over time this actually means convincing 13 Republicans to switch sides because we're assuming the processes of government still work and it currently takes 60 votes in the Senate to pass most legislation.
That's it. I don't see a third option. Both options require actually taking the threat seriously as an existential crisis that requires our full attention, energy and effort. Anything else is too little too late.
We are experienced a coup, but it is modified in the sense of a 21st, admin-techno takeover. What are called guardrails is a little loose; the main channel of defense, the courts, will play to our advantage over time. But it still is a challenging public pushback and your points hold. I think it's a bit of both options, but still very much an ongoing coup conceptually.
Well, the main channel of defense just ruled that a union does not have standing to represent the workers making up the union, so I'm not holding out much hope there. I haven't read the decision yet but on the face of it this seems like an absurd result and reminds us, or at least me, that depending on a court system that ultimately is headed by John Roberts and which has produced decisions like Dobbs, presidential immunity and Citizen's United may not be the bulwark of democracy and constitutionalism we hope it is. And I say that as a lawyer, which is not intended as a claim of expertise but rather as an indication of my lack of faith in a system which has fed my family for over 40 years.
Hey gang, great to have the courts and the rule of law on our side...but that only works if the current if the decisions are adhered to by the current "administration" whatever that is. Don't rely on the courts to save us- that's a bad bet.
Today was a very difficult day to process. I am especially concerned about Gabbard and Ukraine, and how these developments tie into one another. Intelligence assets and goals can be sold out and exploited. Our own citizens can die as a result of this, and much blood and loss will result from those we have helped and supported. Our allies, whom we have supported and who enrich us culturally, intellectually and politically, are shunned. What I wonder is how some of these security and intelligence bulwarks can actually be repaired, along with any remaining goodwill of allied partnerships.
At the same time, we do continue to resist and prevail in the courts, and in the forum of public opinion as we find our ways through. The reckless speed of destruction may also backfire in parts over time, as we already see in weak EOs. It seems, however, a little lopsided. I am not sure how ordinary citizenry can do as much in terms of international networks, intelligence channels -- mostly concealed by design -- security and military strategy as we can pushing back against domestic policy and agencies. That is why today's developments are hard for me to digest. The casual decimation of over 75 years of alliance and international infrastructure is being hobbled within a month. I take a little comfort in the cabinet heads' raw incompetence. It leaves some room for defiance and long-time personnel within respective departments, who choose to remain and continue to quietly perform essential work. Like the FBI now, they may screw the top until they resign or are fired.
How much of our intelligence and diplomatic ties can remain or resist in the face of these changes? Can the international order as we have known since WWII be resuscitated in any recognizable form? What does it mean right now to essentially become an outsized Russian vassal state, while at the same time functioning as a nominal democratic polity? Tough questions in a hostile environment like this. The court system will continue its work, as our public fora continue to grow and resist. It's not so much an abdication on the part of the people, but of the peoples' chief saboteurs and accomplices. It challenges us to claim our public authority as leadership reveals itself as hollow shells. I simply don't have the answers to it all right now.
What if we all did not pay our taxes? Legally, of course, by filing extensions. Those getting refunds can go ahead and file but if all who owe don’t pay on the usual schedule, wouldn’t that cause a cash flow problem?
Technically, an extension is for the paperwork (tax return) and not for payment. Payment is due April 15. Otherwise, interest and penalties will be assessed. We can still decide to withhold payment until one sees fit, but there will be monetary consequences.
Chris, I think you overlooked the fact that to legally file for an extension, you have to pay what you think you will owe or else face penalties and interest.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
"Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy."
What brought the apartheid government to its knees finally in the late 1980s was a combination of large scale protests and economic boycotts of white-owned businesses in South Africa, and US sanctions. We will have to use a combination of those to end this foul regime.
Thanks for your daily updates—-n particular since our world has been rocked by DJT. Your commentary has been detailed, focused and, thankfully, sharable (I have copied and shared segments on my social media accounts over the past few days..)
One point (of several points) today is important: information about Mondays critically important protests has been scattered or not even covered. These important citizen led activities MUST generate press- if they are to be successful we (include myself) must know where to go!,,,
"Trump is actively trying to end 230 years of constitutional democracy and has made some headway. "
Why this focus on Trump? When it is the entire Republican party. The shorthand 'Trump' skews the perspective.
Trump is the crash test dummy for Project 2025. Put in the driver's seat by plutocrats and populists - without a steering wheel, brakes, or guard rails. Causing human and institutional wreckage - before repeatedly crashing into the wall of the judiciary. So far. While individual judges are holding firm. The Roberts Court KochLeo majority has been hollowing out the foundation.
Who will triumph amidst the wreckage: Putin, Trump, or Musk?
IMHO, Trump has been played expertly by both Putin and Musk and looks more like the pathetic failing crime boss he is.
Putin hasn't had to send a single soldier to the US and is already running our national intelligence and defense departments and soon will have the FBI, too. I think he already has Fox News.
Musk is likely to have our data and access to the US Treasury and possibly our bank accounts.
I wrote to my Democratic AG about Musk's illegal access to our data. In the reply I received was a good list of actions we can take to protect out data to the best of our ability. I have copied and pasted it below:
If you have concerns about your personal data being compromised or stolen, here are some things you can always do now to protect your information.
* Freeze your credit. Freezing your credit prevents identity thieves from taking out loans or opening credit cards in your name if your information is compromised in a data breach. You can freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Learn more here.
* Keep an eye out. Be wary if you receive bills for services or products that you did not request. Hang on to unusual mail and digital notices from unknown lenders or businesses.
* Stay secure. Protect against possible data breaches by not using the same password for multiple accounts, not reusing old passwords, changing your passwords frequently, and using two-factor authentication when possible.
* Update your cybersecurity software. The more up to date your software is, the better it can protect you and your personal information against data breaches.
* Monitor your finances frequently. Check your financial accounts and credit statements often. If you see any suspicious activity in your accounts, report it immediately.
* Read your explanation of benefits. When your health insurance company sends you an explanation of the services it has covered, make sure you recognize the services. If you don’t, contact your insurance company and health provider to make sure your health records are accurate.
* Notify law enforcement. Oftentimes, law enforcement will not issue you a police report for your stolen private information until an identity thief actually uses your data. If you suspect that your information is being used by an identity thief, contact local law enforcement immediately.
Thats Another Fine Mess
TODAY IS THE WORST DAY IN OUR HISTORY
TCinLA
Feb 12, 2025
Today, the “American Century” ended, after only 80 years. Today, the country that liberated the world 80 years ago stabbed in the back people who believe in what we claim we believe, who depended on us in t heir struggle against what can only be called the forces of darkness.
Today, an American president announced he had called America’s enemy and had joined hin in betraying the people of Ukraine. An American president celebrated an attack on all the things that made America great, that brought people into the streets to welcome the American soldiers who had liberated them from fascist oppression. Today an American president took a shit on the Statue of Liberty, the first best sight my late wife, who arrived here aged 3, as a child born in a refugee camp after her family escaped both the Red Army and the Wehrmacht, who never forgot looking out the porthole of the troopship that brought them here and saw her first sight of America, the Statue of Liberty and thought “America!” as she remembered.
Today the American president and the fools, tools, villains, opportunists, jumped-up traitors, blackguards, and goons who support him took a shit on what my eighth great grandfather Isaac Cleaver and his brothers James and Ezekiel, and Ezekiel’s son, Ezekiel Cleaver Jr., who all joined Captain Tench France’s Company, 1st Battalion, Philadelphia County Militia in 1776 and served from then to 1782, among other things crossing the Delaware with General Washington and saving the Revolution, who were friends and business associates with Betsy Ross (something I only recently learned) sacrificed to create: this country. My ancestors were described by their contemporaries as “His word was his bond.” A reputation takes decades to create and minutes to destroy, and today we cannot say of ourselves any more as a country that “our word is our bond.”
Today we stabbed Ukraine in the back as thoroughly as Neville Chamberlain stabbed Czechoslovakia in 1938. To the same end. Our enemies who this worthless moron the fools of this country made president a second time after knowing him to be a traitor thinks are his friends see him only as a fool, and us as fools for allowing this.
This is the worst day in the history of America. This is the day we ceased to be the country we say we are.
After Donald Trump’s phone call of surrender to Vladimir Putin, in which the two criminals decided the future of Ukraine with Trump conceding Ukraine’s territory that Russia has illegally seized since 2014. He gave away any hope that Ukraine could join NATO. And his worthless drunkard white supremacist scum masquerading as the American Secretary of Defense told Europe to go defend themselves, that we will not provide any support for any eventual NATO involvement in future "security guarantees" for Ukraine, along with continuing American military support for Ukraine including helping to rebuild the country.
We have just given every person, every government, every country, that ever thought well of us reason to hate us for our spineless betrayal of our word.
What the “most determined ignoramus I ever knew,” in the words of John Kelly, did today was a total and unmitigated defeat; it is a "disaster of the first magnitude." What Trump has done today will not satisfy Putin or any of the other enemies of America, but he has now told them they can act with impunity and never worry about the reaction of America. Their further aggressions are now guaranteed. And no one will ever look to us for support in the face of the demands to come, knowing our word cannot be trusted.
Today, America stopped being the America I know and love. The America my ancestors knew and sacrificed to create.
I’m too ashamed of my country to continue. That it has come to this.
Like Neville Chamberlain before him, Trump will find out in due time that there is no appeasing of bullies. None. They just want more, really they EXPECT more.Tump has sold our country to the Devil, he, himself being beyond diabolical. May he and all the" fools ,tools, villains, opportunists, jumped-up traitors, blackguards and goons" rot in a special traitors hell.
Chamberlain was a good and decent man who always opposed Hitler, although he lacked the vision and moral certainty to do so effectively. Tump does not want to appease Putin, he wants to join him.
Jon Margolis raises a very important point: Trump *identifies* with Putin; Trump *admires* Putin. Why? Because Trump is fundamentally a weakling.
Trump is a weakling who cozies up to dictators because – lacking psychological strength and strength of character – he identifies with dictators, whom he mistakenly considers strong men (two words). He evidently thinks their „strength“ will rub off on him. He thinks associating with „strongmen“ somehow will make him a strong man – instead it repeatedly exposes how fundamentally weak a person he is.
Trump is a bully, so he already knows that the only effective means of ending the bullying is to stand up to them and that's what he fears. That's what is so frustrating about the absence of major Democratic political players from the opposition/resistance field. Their quest for "bipartisan cooperation" is nothing more or less than acquiescence in the Mumpista coup. Trump with Putin is more comparable to Mussolini and Hitler although which fills what role is open to discussion. As Jon points out, Chamberlain thought he was doing what was best for England and was simply wrong; Trump has no concern at all for what is best for the United States, he is only seeking his own freedom from the insecurity and fear that has haunted him his whole life.
totally agree - the Ukraine reminded me totally of Chamberlain and Hitler - with Chamberlain saying Hitler told me ... and I believed him!!!!
I am heartsick about Ukraine. You said it all. Shame on the US.
No, the United States didn't betray Ukraine, Trump did. Shame on Trump and his minions; more power to those of us who oppose what he is doing and will do what we can to see it ended.
Trump was elected by the plurality of voters and we all knew he would give Ukraine to Putin. So Yes, the USA betrayed Ukraine and our EU allies. We have become pathetic as an ally! May God have mercy on us and civilization.
100%. Any Dem Senator who voted for Mump's nominees betrayed Ukraine.
We should all be devastated and ashamed. I know I am.
You should not be ashamed because you have nothing to be ashamed about. I am devastated and angry!
Heartsick.
Heartsick, and also *angry* … deeply angry.
Thank you, TC. This is a keeper. I will hang it on my mental dart board next to Robert’s list. In the midst of all this horror at least the vision of the dart board made me laugh!
It is fine to look at today’s actions and those of the past three weeks, but what we must also do is project what will happen next and get ahead of it.
We said if Trump won this wi have been the last election. That is still likely true.
The purging of the judiciary is likely. Arrests of protesters and organizers is likely. The closing of critical media is likely.
The military in our streets and auxiliary police made up of proud boy types is likely.
They have followed the 1933 playbook so far, so we can easily look at what happened next and be ready for it to happen here.
My ancestors fled religious and political tyranny in Lorraine (which had just become French, Catholic, and Monarchist again) to relative freedom in the British colony of Virginia. My 4th great-grandfather, George Shoemaker, served during the Revolutionary War in Captain Baxter's Company of Rockingham Militia. My relatives served and died in the Civil War in the 92nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. My father served in the US Army during World War II. I did the same during the Vietnam War. Our family has seen a lot. We're not moving again.
Interestingly, now that I have the full history of Cleavers in America, I find that the family did five times over two centuries ally themselves with the Shoemaker family, Cleaver males marrying Shoemaker females four times and a Cleaver female marrying a Shoemaker male once. This was in Pennsylvania between 1692 and 1832. Wonder if these Shoemakers are any kin of yours?
Possibly, but we didn't move to Pennsylvania until 1802, mainly to the western part of the state. Since our average family size was 8-11 children back then, I'd say the odds are in favor.
So well stated. Thank you! I totally agree with every word you wrote.
Yesterday should be the day people - everyone with a conscience and cognitive thinking skills - finally declare the GOP dead in the water. The media MUST stop identifying Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy as "moderate Republicans". They are FASCISTS, just like the rest of the Fascist Party of America. Oh, Susan and Lisa have learned well how to wring their hands in dismay, telling people they are "concerned" or "have questions", spouting lie after lie before they vote as they are told to do. Don't give McConnell any credit for his vote against the Russian asset Gabbard. He is the cause of so much of what we are going through today.
What these traitors to American democracy and our constitution have failed to grasp, however, is the strength and determination of the grassroots across the country to save/restore our democracy. We are not fooled by their words. Rather, we are empowered by their actions and subservience to pupil
We will not go "gently into the night" like Dem leaders lHakeem Jefferies and Chuck Schumer. We will not acquiesce and go about our daily lives as if our current situation is acceptable. We will rally and demonstrate and cause good trouble until, once again, the powers of evil are removed from the People's House. It may take decades to do this but do it we will!!!
The beginning words of your second paragraph is the apt descriptor: Trump, his minions, Vought, Hegeseth, Kash, Heritage, the Roberts Court, Leonard Leo, GOP elected officials, Musk, Thiel, Yarvin, Crowe, Zucky, et al are traitors one and all; and we should use that appellation whenever we speak or write about them.
Well said. I predict that China will invade Taiwan within weeks.
*Shhhh* !!
Interestingly, an overnight online poll shows 87% of respondents either "disagree" or "strongly disagree" with the Trump surrender on Ukraine.
Well TCinLA, Trump has told our enemies that they can act with impunity just as it appears the SCOTUS did for Trump with their immunity decisions, a decision that took the philosophical road while being silent on his call to D.C. and “March to the Capitol to take back your country.”
It is clear that Donald J. Trump has aligned himself with authoritarian leaders - Putin, Erdogan, Orban. Netanyahu, Modi and several of our South American leaders.
It is time to call out the Republican House & Senate leader to uphold their oath of office or step aside. They are and surely have been Trump’s enablers and co-conspirators.
I agree TC. I am angry, ashamed and afraid. But I will fight in every way I can.
Great statement
I shared your post with 20 of my friends. I am so angry and sad for our country.
I, for one, am ready to not shop, not buy anything for a designated time in protest. Like in the south when blacks refused to ride the buses. I'm asking what can we all shut down? I'll do it. I'm just one person in my 70's now, but I'm ready to be part of a major protest.
Dee, tell your family and friends...
The 24 hour Economic Blackout
WHEN:
Friday, February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not make any purchases
Do not shop online, or in-store
https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/
I have already added a note to my calendar. I swear that I will not under any circumstances, short of a life-or-death situation, purchase anything from anyone that day. As Kamala Harris said, "Together we win."
Please clarify that small businesses are exempt from the 24 hour blackout! Focus the blackout on corporations and businesses who donated to project 2025 and the GQP. This is a great opportunity to drive shoppers to independent family business as a viable alternative.
Thank you, Ellie.
Thanks Ellie.
Let’s start by withholding tax returns!
I agree Elaine! Not only could we withhold our tax returns - we could all pause paying federal taxes now. Submit W-4s to reduce our withholding to zero. If enough of us did that, it could be a significant immediate impact!
Yes! I've already done this - I'm transferring the withholding amount to an investment account - I'll have it IF I decide to pay the taxes later.
That’s a great idea. There are some Quaker’s who did this for years to protest war. They created an account where they put their tax payments so not to seem as tax shirkers.
I’m quite taken with that idea - as I sit at my desk procrastinating that very task. I’ve told all my friends that I’m going to do that. But, the push back I get is this: if we starve the government, more agencies and programs will have their budgets cut… I don’t know. It surely would be something harder to shrug off than people marching. We have to hurt them where they will feel it. Maybe it would be better not to pay our state taxes if you are represented by a Republican in Congress, as I am. Maybe that would say something more directly? Please, give me guidance!
Carmany, from where I sit, MUSK is the one who's starving those essential programs. What are they doing with the billions of dollars they're impounding? That's going to be earmarked for tax cuts for the wealthy. So, I'm not giving them the money that they want to keep for themselves! If their plans fail, and by some miracle the funding begins to flow to the programs that MY congressional representatives have designated, then I can catch up on paying my taxes.
I don't know what to tell you about state taxes. I live in California, which of course pays more into the federal government than it receives in federal benefits. And considering that there's a strong likelihood that no disaster assistance will be coming from Trump, I'd prefer to pay my federal taxes to California or to a dedicated program providing disaster relief, or agricultural assistance, here. At this point, I'd even be quite willing to vote for California to secede from the Union altogether - I certainly hope it doesn't come to that.
You’re giving me strength! I did hear that Denmark might like to buy California!
Hey, Elaine. Glad to see you on Robert’s substack. It gives me hope as well as information I need to try to lower my blood pressure during these horrific times. Hope you are well.
I was happy to see your name. I am well and pleased with my move to GHF. Let’s march together!
Here is a list of cities that are currently planning "Not My President's Day" protests and events:
⬇️ I believe this 2/12 Newsweek article best explains the 50501 movement and how it started.
https://www.newsweek.com/50501-movement-organizaers-not-my-presidenti-day-protests-2029529
There are protests planned in Maine for the 17th in Augusta (the capitol) and Bangor, Ellsworth, and Bucksport. Maybe more to come.
I am in my 70's too and ready for battle wherever it may be.
I'll join you, Dee. Let's pick a business of the day to boycott. I have had it with these traitors. We have just begun to fight!
me too!
I’m in!
I’m in!
I have no idea what will happen, what I know is what I can observe, feel, and what resonates through my soul.
Trump has sold Ukraine, basically blown up NATO, and put the Baltics at incredible risk of invasion.
Because we can share as a community that enhances our inherent fallibility.
My gratitude for Robert, Simon Rosenberg for last night, and my Congresswoman Foushee for answering our pleas (that began last Monday) by holding a townhall last night.
“I have a bad feeling about this.” The phrase is spoken for the first time in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope by Luke Skywalker when he says he has a "bad feeling" about the small moon (the Death Star, unknown to him) he and his friends in the Millennium Falcon were approaching. Well, that has become my daily experience upon hearing each new dagger thrust into the heart of democracy by Trump and his company.
Continuing the Star Wars theme, it looks like the war is over and the small, tightly organized rebel forces are all that is left to return the Republic to its former glory. Scary how closely we’re following that story arc.
I’m going to repeat in part the words of our Canadian friend Jamie (@jamie190193) from yesterday’s comments as I can’t put it better myself.
“I firmly believe that we live in the world we do because, on some level, we collectively allow it. There are those who choose to wait out another four years, thinking that change will come in the next election cycle. Others convince themselves that their lives are not being affected—at least not yet. Some shrink back, exhausted, feeling like they have no more energy to fight. Some want to "keep the peace" at any cost, while others choose to remain uninformed about politics because it feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. And then there are those who simply ignore what is happening, hoping it will all go away on its own.
But change does not come from passivity—it comes from action. Every person can do something, no matter how small. Many of us in Canada are taking steps, whether by boycotting U.S. products and prioritizing Canadian-made goods, choosing to vacation within Canada rather than traveling to the U.S., or getting involved in provincial politics to push back against harmful ideologies before they spread.
Awareness is not enough. Awareness without action is meaningless. The only thing that brings real change is standing up and doing something. Sitting in our heads, thinking and debating, will not solve anything—we must take steps, however small, to make a difference.”
What I like about Jamie’s words is that they point to both our power in the matter and our opportunity to make a difference.
While there is a preaching to the choir feeling in telling readers here to take action, I’m convinced that there are still hidden opportunities for us to discover our own power to make a difference not unlike Luke’s long journey in discovering the Force.
So nothing wrong here and going forward into a new day coming from “nothing is handled.”
Good morning, everyone, and may the Force be with you.
I feel like you phrased this so well, in the epic storytelling mode of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, that we can use this to reach others, especially the two younger generations that never experienced segregated bathrooms and water fountains. This history of injustice is within our lifetimes, and I see MANY of us standing up to fight those same battles we thought had been won in 1964's Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Women especially. Not only are they taking away our right to decide who to love and when/if to start a family, our ability to have our own finances, banking and businesses, but now they are further restricting our ability to vote with the SAVE Act, and telling us to go back to being in the home, barefoot and pregnant, with no other purpose in life - and to keep silent about it, Handmaids!
Um, NO! Rise up! In the words of Beyonce' - "Who run the world? Girls!"
If only Lysistrata, the Greek play, were included in the playbook to stop this coup!
"This history of injustice is within our lifetimes, and I see MANY of us standing up to fight those same battles we thought had been won in 1964's Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act".
I sincerely hope that you are right. But I am honestly disgusted by the number of people who are "okay" with (and even cheer on!) Trump's dangerous and democracy-destroying agenda. And it is a sad, sad state of affairs that the only way to motivate many of them to action is to convince them that there is something concrete in it for THEM - helping the most vulnerable would never even cross their minds!
I'm reminded of a quote from a midwestern woman (who had a family farm) during Trump's first tariff war with China. "They're hurting the wrong people!" While she might have meant that in a macro sense that the brunt of the tariffs was hitting American farmers instead of China, I suspect the she would have been fine hurting undocumented Immigrants or other ethnic groups - just not white Christian Evangelicals!
"This history of injustice is within our lifetimes..."
It's no wonder that there has been a concerted attack on education and the teaching of *real* history in Red states . It might encourage young people to actually think - and work collectively - to make "Good Trouble".
Just like the Jim Crow South tried (and succeeded) to pit poor white people against poor black people, Trump and company are pitting working class whites against recent immigrants (both documented and undocumented) who want the same thing that they do - to make a better life for their families.
Years ago (before the Great Recession of the late '00s), our local history museum did an oral history project to talk to people who had grown up during the Great Depression of the 20th century. So mostly people in their late 70s and 80s who were very young during the Depression. Their stories had been transcribed and were displayed with photos and memorabilia.
The thing that stood out for me was that while no one had had very much, they were willing to share what they had with their community and even perfect strangers who knocked on their doors to see if there were any odd jobs that could be traded for a meal and a place to lay their head for a night or two.
Even back when I visited the mumeum and saw the exhibit, my thought was that a similar sense of cooperation would be unlikely to materialize if a Depression were to happen again. (And this was well before Trump stirred the pot!) I thought a dystopian nightmare where everyone was out for themselves was the far more likely scenario.
I am working hard for the best possible outcome - for people wake up to what is happening and work collectively to fight back, but I get a recurring pit in my stomach that it might be too little, too late.
you said it!
What Luke couldn’t say, because Star Wars (the original, and best title) is a family movie: “We’re fucked.”
Thank you Bern. This is excellent.
I am wondering if this is the group Robert mentioned that is sponsoring the 2/28 boycott. Does anyone know anything about this org or the protest?
The group promoting it is People's Union
https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/
Here are details:
The 24 hour Economic Blackout
> As our first initial act, we turn it off.
> For one day we show them who really holds the power.
>
> WHEN:
> Friday February 28th from
> 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
>
> WHAT NOT TO DO:
> Do not make any purchases
> Do not shop online, or in-store
> No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy
> Nowhere!
> Do not spend money on:
> Fast Food
> Gas
> Major Retailers
> Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending
>
> WHAT YOU CAN DO:
> Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary
> (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies)
> If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.
>
> SPREAD THE MESSAGE
> Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!
>
> WHY THIS MATTERS!
> ~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line.
> ~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message.
> ~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)
>
> This is our first action.
> This is how we make history.
> February 28th
> The 24 Hour Economic Black Out Begins.
That's it
My fear is that all that Trump is doing is a feature rather than an accident. He WANTS mass resistance as an excuse to declare Martial Law and he is pushing the boundaries hard to make some incident, either here at home or abroad, as the excuse he needs to concentrate even more power in his hands. I like more massive non-violent moves like the idea of Feb 28th and simply not buying or doing anything that supports corporate America on that day. But mass rallies...he is itching for just such a thing to turn violent in order to move forward with his longed-for police state. He is doing everything possible to create the climate for that will light the match for him...
agree
The list you provided of Trump’s abuses of our constitutional system reminds me of the list of King George’s abuses in the Declaration of Independence. It is very helpful to keep that big picture in view, rather than just reacting to the next insult as it occurs. Just one correction: Trump did not pardon Mayor Adams. It is worse. Instead, the Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, ordered federal prosecutors to drop the bribery charges against Adams, citing concerns about interference with his official duties and reelection campaign. Those charges can be reinstated at any time. Trump now owns Adams.
I too was thinking about the Declaration of Independence and the list of 27 complaints against the king. We need an updated version of the Declaration with a list of 27 complaints against Trump.and post it everywhere. Robert got us a start on the list.
If only we could keep his transgression count to 27….
It seems to me that there are only two possibilities. Either:
(a) We are experiencing a coup; the literal takeover of the government of the United States by unelected forces acting unconstitutionally; or
(b) We are not experiencing a coup and the traditional "guardrails" and processes of our long established government can be applied to fix the excesses to which we all object.
If the answer is "a," then the only potentially effective response is a counter-coup, i.e. taking direct action intended to re-take the government. This in turn can only be effected in two ways: violently or non-violently. "Violently" seems to me to be absurd on its face and I hope that doesn't need much elucidation. Therefore non-violent resistance has to be the first, second and third priority of everyone concerned about the takeover of the United States. Strikes, marches/protests numbering in the hundreds of thousands at a minimum, tax protests, etc. We will essentially be following the blueprint of a number of Eastern European countries over recent decades.
If the answer is "b," the implicit assumption is that the government is still operating under the Constitution and the policies to which we object can be opposed/defeated by traditional means. At the end of the day this means convincing at least 4 Republican Senators and 4 Republican Representatives that if they care about this country they have to switch sides now and to do so fundamentally and with real conviction and determination.* I don't mean switch sides as in becoming Democrats. I mean switch sides as in concluding that we are in a crisis that requires consistent opposition at a level above "mere policy," where the nature of the threat requires a consistent assertion of congressional and judicial independence and Constitutional powers. Think South Korea where a coup initiated by the executive was effectively countered by the legislature.
*Over time this actually means convincing 13 Republicans to switch sides because we're assuming the processes of government still work and it currently takes 60 votes in the Senate to pass most legislation.
That's it. I don't see a third option. Both options require actually taking the threat seriously as an existential crisis that requires our full attention, energy and effort. Anything else is too little too late.
We are experienced a coup, but it is modified in the sense of a 21st, admin-techno takeover. What are called guardrails is a little loose; the main channel of defense, the courts, will play to our advantage over time. But it still is a challenging public pushback and your points hold. I think it's a bit of both options, but still very much an ongoing coup conceptually.
Well, the main channel of defense just ruled that a union does not have standing to represent the workers making up the union, so I'm not holding out much hope there. I haven't read the decision yet but on the face of it this seems like an absurd result and reminds us, or at least me, that depending on a court system that ultimately is headed by John Roberts and which has produced decisions like Dobbs, presidential immunity and Citizen's United may not be the bulwark of democracy and constitutionalism we hope it is. And I say that as a lawyer, which is not intended as a claim of expertise but rather as an indication of my lack of faith in a system which has fed my family for over 40 years.
Thank you for your service as a defender of the 'rule of law,' Jeff, and for your humility.
Hey gang, great to have the courts and the rule of law on our side...but that only works if the current if the decisions are adhered to by the current "administration" whatever that is. Don't rely on the courts to save us- that's a bad bet.
Today was a very difficult day to process. I am especially concerned about Gabbard and Ukraine, and how these developments tie into one another. Intelligence assets and goals can be sold out and exploited. Our own citizens can die as a result of this, and much blood and loss will result from those we have helped and supported. Our allies, whom we have supported and who enrich us culturally, intellectually and politically, are shunned. What I wonder is how some of these security and intelligence bulwarks can actually be repaired, along with any remaining goodwill of allied partnerships.
At the same time, we do continue to resist and prevail in the courts, and in the forum of public opinion as we find our ways through. The reckless speed of destruction may also backfire in parts over time, as we already see in weak EOs. It seems, however, a little lopsided. I am not sure how ordinary citizenry can do as much in terms of international networks, intelligence channels -- mostly concealed by design -- security and military strategy as we can pushing back against domestic policy and agencies. That is why today's developments are hard for me to digest. The casual decimation of over 75 years of alliance and international infrastructure is being hobbled within a month. I take a little comfort in the cabinet heads' raw incompetence. It leaves some room for defiance and long-time personnel within respective departments, who choose to remain and continue to quietly perform essential work. Like the FBI now, they may screw the top until they resign or are fired.
How much of our intelligence and diplomatic ties can remain or resist in the face of these changes? Can the international order as we have known since WWII be resuscitated in any recognizable form? What does it mean right now to essentially become an outsized Russian vassal state, while at the same time functioning as a nominal democratic polity? Tough questions in a hostile environment like this. The court system will continue its work, as our public fora continue to grow and resist. It's not so much an abdication on the part of the people, but of the peoples' chief saboteurs and accomplices. It challenges us to claim our public authority as leadership reveals itself as hollow shells. I simply don't have the answers to it all right now.
2025 Ukraine-Feb. 13
The American souls of World War II
Are turning in their graves
While half of our country
Is rejoicing with raves!
The valiant Ukraine
With Zelensky at the lead
Has been sold down the river
By American complicity and greed
The American oligarchs maintain
The land that was lost by Ukraine
Is now gone forever
Never to be regained
A gift to the Kremlin and Putin
Which was number one on its shopping list
Gone is the independent Ukraine
Disappeared into the mist
Appeasement! Appeasement! The order of the day
How else can we see it? There’s no other way
We kowtow to the Russian bear
For the souls of World War II, too much to bear
Our alliance with war-torn Europe
Has now been severed to the core
The U.S. is no reliable ally
Like it always was heretofore
Our values, our principles of freedom for all
The souls in their graves cry foul!
While the Russians drink champagne
And with laughter howl!
©2025 David Morrill Williams
Both my late parents were WWII veterans and they must be turning in their graves.
My father, a WWII vet, would be too.
What if we all did not pay our taxes? Legally, of course, by filing extensions. Those getting refunds can go ahead and file but if all who owe don’t pay on the usual schedule, wouldn’t that cause a cash flow problem?
I had thought about that as well. Why send money to billionaires? Thanks for pointing out a legal way to do it!
See my caveat in response to Chris's post.
Technically, an extension is for the paperwork (tax return) and not for payment. Payment is due April 15. Otherwise, interest and penalties will be assessed. We can still decide to withhold payment until one sees fit, but there will be monetary consequences.
Chris, I think you overlooked the fact that to legally file for an extension, you have to pay what you think you will owe or else face penalties and interest.
https://www.irs.gov/filing/get-an-extension-to-file-your-tax-return
Great idea,
See my caveat in response to Chris's post.
Thank you for this COMPREHENSIVE letter.
The TRUTH, while difficult, to hear, is VITAL.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy."
- Robert G. Ingersoll
"Abraham Lincoln, a Lecture"
1895
Or as one of my old bosses used to say, “Prosperity conceals genius; adversity reveals it”.
What brought the apartheid government to its knees finally in the late 1980s was a combination of large scale protests and economic boycotts of white-owned businesses in South Africa, and US sanctions. We will have to use a combination of those to end this foul regime.
Thanks for your daily updates—-n particular since our world has been rocked by DJT. Your commentary has been detailed, focused and, thankfully, sharable (I have copied and shared segments on my social media accounts over the past few days..)
One point (of several points) today is important: information about Mondays critically important protests has been scattered or not even covered. These important citizen led activities MUST generate press- if they are to be successful we (include myself) must know where to go!,,,
"Trump is actively trying to end 230 years of constitutional democracy and has made some headway. "
Why this focus on Trump? When it is the entire Republican party. The shorthand 'Trump' skews the perspective.
Trump is the crash test dummy for Project 2025. Put in the driver's seat by plutocrats and populists - without a steering wheel, brakes, or guard rails. Causing human and institutional wreckage - before repeatedly crashing into the wall of the judiciary. So far. While individual judges are holding firm. The Roberts Court KochLeo majority has been hollowing out the foundation.
Thank you Robert-
Who will triumph amidst the wreckage: Putin, Trump, or Musk?
IMHO, Trump has been played expertly by both Putin and Musk and looks more like the pathetic failing crime boss he is.
Putin hasn't had to send a single soldier to the US and is already running our national intelligence and defense departments and soon will have the FBI, too. I think he already has Fox News.
Musk is likely to have our data and access to the US Treasury and possibly our bank accounts.
So, Putin vs. Musk?
I wrote to my Democratic AG about Musk's illegal access to our data. In the reply I received was a good list of actions we can take to protect out data to the best of our ability. I have copied and pasted it below:
If you have concerns about your personal data being compromised or stolen, here are some things you can always do now to protect your information.
* Freeze your credit. Freezing your credit prevents identity thieves from taking out loans or opening credit cards in your name if your information is compromised in a data breach. You can freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Learn more here.
* Keep an eye out. Be wary if you receive bills for services or products that you did not request. Hang on to unusual mail and digital notices from unknown lenders or businesses.
* Stay secure. Protect against possible data breaches by not using the same password for multiple accounts, not reusing old passwords, changing your passwords frequently, and using two-factor authentication when possible.
* Update your cybersecurity software. The more up to date your software is, the better it can protect you and your personal information against data breaches.
* Monitor your finances frequently. Check your financial accounts and credit statements often. If you see any suspicious activity in your accounts, report it immediately.
* Read your explanation of benefits. When your health insurance company sends you an explanation of the services it has covered, make sure you recognize the services. If you don’t, contact your insurance company and health provider to make sure your health records are accurate.
* Notify law enforcement. Oftentimes, law enforcement will not issue you a police report for your stolen private information until an identity thief actually uses your data. If you suspect that your information is being used by an identity thief, contact local law enforcement immediately.