“And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.” - Winston Churchill, remarks on the Munich Agreement, 1938
I am following Olga Lautman's Trump Tyranny Tracker. She gives a well organized, easy to skim summarization of the days events as related to Trump/Musk administration.
Thanks for the Churchill quote. Listen to the resonance of "as in the olden time." Churchill was a leader grounded in history, in the lessons of the past, and in the particular experience and genius of the British people. Trump neither knows nor is curious about American history. He brags about a new Golden Age, but knows nothing of American greatness in the past or present. We must not secede the past to Trump nor our future. We must retake the story of a complex American greatness.
I would like to offer a possible explanation for why our resistance is not powerfully opposing what is happening in Washington: there is no “Churchill” in our ranks! Which Democrat with a public persona has been able to personify the anger and frustration held by decent, law-abiding citizens?! We are already fighting the misinformation incessantly and loudly put forth on Fox and multiple social media platforms ( something we don’t have), and no political or academic leader has had the courage, “microphone, or opportunity to do so!
As I'm feeling a bit numb and disenfranchised from the repugnant U.S. delegation at this weekend's Munich Security Conference, I'd like to share this outstanding excerpt. It is from a former WH counsel from the Reagan administration. As Joyce Vance describes the article, this is a polite way of saying this is a coup (and yes, the notion recalls Robert's "call a coup a coup," which it very much is):
"What is not debatable, however, is that Congress has not authorized this radical overhaul, and the protocols of the Constitution do not permit statutorily mandated agencies and programs to be transformed -- or reorganized out of existence -- without congressional authorization." [sorry, paywall]:
Yes. Nobody should tell us otherwise. Keep eyes on the money. Keep eyes on statutory and congressional override. Keep all the pressure up, and promote our narrative, everywhere. No, they won't pass most of this through Congress because they lack the numbers and the political will to do so. Thanks to Robert for providing a comprehensive framework to push back. It helps us to not feel so isolated, atomized and demoralized in these very tough days and nights. I especially wish to see pro-democratic forces ally ourselves internationally, against illiberal assaults in many countries (18 countries attacked by Musk now, according to HCR).
There will be an immediate public hearing beginning Monday, 11 AM, by Judge Chutkan, in response to New Mexico v. Musk & DOGE. This indicates there will likely be relief granted to 14 state AGs for DOGE et al violating the nomination clause. It is a big step towards answering the quote above. I believe Trump is also named.
A determined minority can use the motion to recommit, the discharge petition, the veto strategy and procedural disruption to overcome the House majority and significantly influence the outcome of legislation.
Just now I called Senator Schumer's New York office because I couldn't get through on the Washington line. They said I couldn't leave a message because the office was closed until Thursday, and referred me to hit emails. Unfreaking believable!🤬 there is a constitutional crisis going on as we speak and they're on vacation? What are we paying them for?
This is a Congressional recess, and responsible members of Congress are hosting Town Halls w/ their constituents. 1200 people attended Oregon Senator Wyden's town hall Saturday 2/15 west of Portland.
If your electeds don't show up, host a town hall with an empty chair, a chicken (!), cardboard cut-outs, etc. Publicize it through social media, email & texting, newspapers, radio, etc. Use it to encourage and recruit more activists. Use it to encourage calls/emails to Congress.
Keep up the pressure on all electeds. Thank those who deserve it.
NOTE: I cancelled my WaPo subscriptio back in October, but I had paid in advance for a year and it still hasn't run out yet. So I am mostly using it to share the 10 free articles that subscribers can gift each month.
Me as well. My only interactions with Amazon in the future will be through my local library which used Kindle for borrowed e-books. (Only some of the books in their catalog are availble in EPUB format). FYI, Can anyone recommend a downloadable reader for Android that uses EPUB format?
Expect endless emails begging you to come back, "reminding" you that if you don't click the link on some newsletter or other they'll stop sending it (promise?) but of course if you do try to take a look it just reminds you that you can't see because you aren't a subscriber, and blocking them is like whack a mole. I just try to enjoy the evidence that they are getting more desperate as they are abandoned by readers.
I cancelled the NY times more than a year ago - when they showcased some MAGA GOP idiot with a prominent Letter to the Editor that was chock full of misinformation and lies.
I have been getting almost daily emails with a" limited time" (hah!) offer to renew for $50 for the first year of a digital subscription.
Yesterday Asheville Dems had a MAMMOTH turnout for a “Put Your Anger to Work” meeting. Standing room only, cars lining the road for blocks and blocks, the mood was joyful, and the energy almost blew the roof off. Today a noon rally downtown. I’ve never seen so many people so mad and so happy. We’re on the move!
I was at the event yesterday and it was awesome! Anderson Clayton really fired up the crowd. I'm going to the protest today, my work deadline be damned!
thanks! let's keep informing one another of these inspiring events occurring across the country, to motive us and remind ourselves that we are not alone and our numbers continue to grow!
Rachel Maddow just did a segment on protests, and it's remarkable how little is being said in the main stream media about them, given how large and widespread they are.
I didn't know about this! I agree - we are catching up to our visibility, which is still woefully inadequate - will see if I can figure out how to keep up with these in advance - I believe 50501 is good at callouts for their activities, but I still have to go to their site to keep current....
I agree that the Dems need to be brought up to speed on what they can do. I also think the Dems should be forming alliances with the Green Party if they can. This is a time to come together and save our country, and forming alliances helps. Also, Dems should be visiting liberal leaders around the world, as an alliance building activity. Trump had his envoys doing just the opposite, in other words visiting illiberal leaders for alliance.
We need a global alliance of Democrats sharing strategies, and supporting each other. It could be to appeal to the EU to buy products from their states, while EU may well be boycotting Red State products as they did not 2018. Encouraging this without letting on that this is going on is not a bad idea. We need to put the hurt on supporters of Trump in a big way. Have their very existence threatened.
Then there have to be ways to spread real information that counters disinformation on the platforms that conspiracists frequent. One way it to create bills that address things Trump is doing, that do not have to be passed, or even brought to the floor, but to be drafted in such a way that they get press, in fact they should first be presented to the press.
There is going to be a national boycott on the 28th. Can you spread the word? It is a day not to buy anything American. And, there is currently an Amazon boycott and a Nestle's boycott will start later this week. https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/
Since these boycotts are not for all days, and every day, it would be good to boycott products collectively to let businesses know how they get their wealth and before it comes from tax breaks from Trump it comes from earning money from the people. People should be organizing one day boycotts of specific businesses. It can be like on Fridays a certain business is targeted like they are doing in Croatia.
So calling for a national or international boycott of Amazon because Bezos did not publish an add, on a Friday around the world, will get support in liberal democracies. One needs Democrats Abroad to spread the word. It will also make global consumers aware of what is behind their purchases.
Yes, agree 100% on global alliances. Thanks for this. I'm not sure if you are referring to U.S. Green (which became somewhat toxic with Jill Stein), German Green, etc. The broader principle still holds perfectly and is becoming increasingly essential. I especially love the targeted boycotts and actions. H.C. Richardson mentions tonight Musk is now attacking 18 different countries. She also mentions the British response sharply recognizes it is illiberal vs. liberal -- e.g., "culture war" -- within the U.S. that has now broken out and threatened to engulf our allies and worldwide democracy in general. We can and should do better together as democratic allies, despite their demagogic rhetoric and divisive power grabs. This quote today by the excellent British journalist George Monbiot really captured it well:
"We're shocked by Trump and Musk's antics because we judge them against the idea that governments should serve the people. But they have no such intention. Government for them is about seizing power and wealth. Let's stop being shocked, and build a global, democratic counter-movement."
The US Green Party is a completely different entity than the one in Europe, with different goals and priorities. The only thing they share is the name. Please be careful to distinguish this because aligning with US Green Party is likely to hurt us.
We had a major environmental issue on the ballot a few years ago, and among the non-voters were the Pacific Green members. Amazing hypocrisy and indifference.
Exactly. Democrats Abroad can help in doing this. I know that the US Greens are somewhat toxic with Jill Stein, but as a party it does not need to be that. Dems should be aligning with other parties in the ways that they can, and might help them have less fringe people and ideas. And yes. Republican agents of Trump and Musk himself have been actively making alliances with illiberal leaders. The Dems should be making alliances with democratic leaders in these same countries. They should also be picking democratic countries in which to meet like CPAP did in Hungary, and pay for the youth in the party to come.
I have no expectation of Trump or Musk to do anything other than steal from us and treat us like the enemy if we do not accept that or anything else they are shoving on us. I am glad my daughter is out of the US. I think more people should try to get their children out. Make sure your children can get vaccines, and that your daughters of child bearing years find places that are less women hostile.
I would like to point out that the Democratic party is not useful in its current form either. Rather than develop a new party to get out from under the over reliance on wealthy donors, we need to be fresher. I am living in a country which has coalitions and I see the advantages that our stale 2 party system does not. Especially as it is turning into a one party system.
The problem with this is that it will not happen here quickly. I have also recognized this vestigially ineffective two-party obstruction for thirty years, and also had the privilege of living in five countries. Yes, of course a demographic of 330 million people would function much better with wider spectrum coalition governments rather than a two-party system with one grudgingly functional, one a mafia / klepto bloc.
The problem is more that an enormous amount of people have been effectively disenfranchised for decades, and we have never been successful recreating anything anew. In the current climate, it will not be possible to create new parties and rewrite the constitution to include political parties based upon a coalition structure. Also, given extreme inequality and levels of education / propaganda, etc., the broader populace does not have much appetite nor political literacy to create different, more efficable structures. I believe if you read Heather Cox Richardson, the U.S. Constitution did not even take into account political parties whatsoever, a disadvantage of being the oldest extant democratic constitution.
This is not to say that it couldn't happen at some far point in the future. At the moment it's quite clear the emergency coup devastation will require everybody who is affected -- even ignorant Trump voters -- to salvage whatever shreds we have left now of our democracy as it stood a few weeks ago. That includes the courts, and massive public outcry / pressure campaign. A more immediate issue could be that Elon Musk just jumped into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race today. They need to win that seat otherwise it will revert back to the Scott Walker decade of decimation. Change comes painfully slowly in the U.S.
I was about to say to Linda that I loved many of her ideas but am a bit leery of the Green party since I felt like running for President was done to Help FFOTUS and hurt Biden, then Harris.
But I love the international support idea with a coming together of liberals in all countries. One thing to remember is that our elected officials are inhibited and even in ways prohibited from secretly meeting (or they were - that seems to be acceptable for FF and his regime which doesn't seem to make it okay for Ds, but the current regime is working on dropping all ethicality and legality barriers so who knows?) but a cooperative such as you envision would be able to engage more freely.
I also love the performative legislation or at least legislation proposal idea (many on line are promoting a performative impeachment idea that's similar) and we have been seeing the Rs engage in this (or instance proposing a bill to allow FF to have three terms), as well as in throwing around inflammatory statements to pull press attention. Our reps and unelected Ds can easily be as flamboyant without the lies given the shock content of the news being exposed. One reason people love Crockett so much is she does a flavor of that.
Instead of the US Green Party, check out the Working Families Party. They are skilled organizers working in collaboration with Indivisible, Move On, Public Citizen, and many other activist organizations to build a fierce and powerful opposition movement. And while we’re at it, let’s jettison the idea that there is one great hero who can swoop in to save us. No. We’re the ones who will save us, and among us we have everything we need to succeed.
Jill Stein is not the Green Party. I could run as a Green Party president and you can bet I would not be a puppet of Putin. I would not have the money to win, but it does not matter, I am just pointing out it does not have to be Jill Stein. US politics needs to be reformed and this crisis should tell us that. No more business as usual. I am thinking outside the box, and bringing my experience living abroad. Supporting candidates from the Green party at the Local level could be a good thing.
I think the fact that Jill stein ran in 2016, was then outed as a Russian asset, and then was on the ballot in 2024 tells me that putin has infiltrated the US Green party. That's what he does, and got "practice" for doing with various Olympic organizations, like biathalon. I wouldn't expect much of anything from them, but agree with the rest of your point, especially now that JD met with Afd.
I agree 100% Jill Stein is a Russian asset. I believe that she was funded by Putin in 2024 to be a spoiler in the election. My Yogi, tree hugger, green daughter was going to vote for her because she thought she would support climate change. I got her up to speed with what she was really doing, she did end up voting for Biden even though she thought he was too old. We need to get the word out two more green voters.
Putin has infiltrated the Democratic party too, in maybe less obvious ways, but I think that it is still important to have coalitions, and to help the Green party be more Green, and less of a Putin puppet.
Another way to fight disinformation is to speak directly to the MAGA people in your life, as difficult as that might be. Give them the facts and the truth they are not getting from their media. It will be unpleasant. Do it anyway.
Sorry to say that my husband of 53 years who used to be a Democrat is now a full blown MAGA after listening to Fox News only, he won't even read a newspaper anymore. When I try to talk to him and give him some facts about Trump he says I have Trump derangement syndrome. I have tried several times and realize that it is hopeless to try to reach him. The only way I can keep peace at home is to accept the fact that he is brainwashed. It doesn't stop me however from being a part of the resistance. He sees me make phone calls and be on Zoom calls and doesn't say a word.
Thank you Robert for giving me strength. After reading your encouraging newsletters I have vowed to make 10 phone calls a day to congressmen. I have reached out to several of my senior citizen friends, all in their 70s and 80s , to do the same thing. We have our own little group that gets together and talks about what we can do to be part of the resistance even though we're all pretty computer illiterate. I have to say it is empowering! We were planning to go to the Minnesota Capitol today for the protest but it is 13° below zero so we will have to catch the next one. I'm in the fight for the long run and I truly believe we will win. We have no choice, it's the only way to save democracy.
Cindy, my husband is not a MAGA, in fact he is not American, but politically we are not aligned because I have a more globalist perspective of German politics than he has. He accepts that our daughter is more influenced by my politics than his. We are both dual citizens whereas he is a permanent alien resident in the US, and only a citizen of Germany where he can vote in the election on Sunday as we will.
However, since this past US election we are the most closely aligned politically as we have ever been. It is my shift in looking at the Democratic party which he has always been critical of because it is not progressive enough for his taste. He is a big Bernie fan, and much more left of center than the Dems tend to be. I am more about compromise than he is, meaning I can support a candidate who I believe will get things done even if I don't 100% support what they stand for. Luckily we agree on how to raise our child, and how to manage our money and how to live our lives together, and that counts for something.
If you have any postcards collected over the decades, consider contacting postcards@tonythedemocrat.org to help. I have also used decades of scenery photos when I used up all my postcards. Just check the dimensions requirement on the post office page.
Sure. However, I have a progressive, international family in the US, who is multicolored, multi religious, and there are no MAGAs in my family. In Germany I have no MAGAs in my family. In fact, I live in a city where the AfD is not in office at all. I still have political discussions with people who have different points of view all the time, including amongst my Democrats Abroad friends.
Sorry. I copied it from someone else. I have changed it above after the first person told me. I am in Germany and while I will be boycotting US businesses, I hardly encounter them in my daily life except for google, and will be using a different search engine on that day. A group of us abroad are switching off of US platforms in general as we see the writing on the wall of censorship, spying, data manipulation etc...
The real possibility is that we're going to have to do corporate economic boycotts for more than a day. But do support locally-owned small businesses. In our town, they are the heart of our economy.
We seem to be totally distracted and asleep while Congress is preparing to pass the SAVE Act ( must have a certified copy of birth certificate or passport in order to register to vote). See HR 22 and HR 8281. It’s being fast tracked and will come up for a vote in the House the week of February 24. It passed the House last year and five Dems actually voted for it! Millions of women don’t have a birth certificate that matches their married name. Less affluent people don’t have an extra $14 to get a BC in person in NC, or order one on line for $37. So in order to vote, they have to pay for the right. Last time I looked the 24th Amendment banned a poll tax, but the SAVE Act has a hidden one in it. No more DMV registrations will happen because an official has to verify that the documentary proof is valid. No more mail-in registrations, or online registrations. No more knocking on doors or registering people at a mall ( who carries around a certified copy of their BC?). This Act is devastating, but I see no alarm bells going off by Dems in DC. It needs to be stopped NOW.
Do you believe it will overcome the filibuster in the senate? Seven Democrats would have to vote in favor for it to pass. Can you please address that question?
Agreed. No one would know about this unless they are as involved as we are. Haven’t heard a peep from anyone except through a couple of organizations via email. Maybe there is nothing the Dems can do to stop it, voting-wise, but if we ever find the “secret sauce” to informing the mass public, we have to use it. People just don’t know!
good callout - as Robert's article notes, we must do all things at once - priorities on the list will continue to rearrange on a daily basis - it must still all be done, with discernment as to which moves to the top of the list -and these two bills are urgent and require calls today and every day!
Professor Timothy Snyder suggested the Democrats form a "Shadow Cabinet" to publicly issue quick responses to all the lies and destruction coming from Trump, Musk and helpers. Sarah Longwell of the Bulwark made an impassioned statement on MSNBC's "Deadline Whitehouse" on Democrats creating fast, simple, effective messaging to respond immediately and often to all the terrible things the Trump "administration" is doing.
I've been calling my Democratic Senators and my Democratic Representative repeatedly, urging them to create some system of rapid response communications to refute all the gaslighting coming from Trump and his handpicked group of toadies. I'm sure others here have urged their Senators and Representatives to do the same. Crickets.
The Democrats are avoiding the formation of a rapid, simple, daily response system to offer the public the truth about Trump's schemes. So are there any good reasons why the rapid messaging cannot be created by a group already equipped to hit the ground running like "The Lincoln Project?"
I read somewhere Pete Buttigieg will start to hold public hearings focused on urgent issues to address the need for vocal Democratic opposition. I don't have the details.
This would be welcome news. I think Bernie Sanders is going to be traveling the country speaking out as well. Brian Tyler Cohen did a great interview with Bernie recently. The man knows what he’s talking about and we missed out by passing him over when he was running for Pres. Our party is lost partly because it has failed to adequately be the party of the working people (too many beholden to corporate interests), and because we do what we are doing now. Taking a power point presentation to a gun fight.
I had suggested to slim down the number of shadow cabinet members to give them more visibility, presence and impact. Pete Buttigieg would be at the top of this list.
Yes, and I have supported this as well by contacting both of my Dem senators. I still support this. HOWEVER, I don’t think we can focus only on responding to Trump, etc. Dems also need to constantly, consistently expound on what government, under Dems,has done and will do for working people and families. Start with Social Security and Medicare. Talk about the Affordable Care Act. Bring in the Infrastructure Act and other Biden accomplishments. The list could go on.
Michael Lewis has just written a book based on the actual, real life work of federal government civil servants and how their work benefits Americans. It’s based on a series he did for the Washington Post. Democrats need to publicize these and other concrete examples of how government serves the American people.
Bottom line, don’t just say no to Trump, bring a strong, positive message of what Democrats/government have done and will do for our country.
Absolutely, Gina. That has to be part of any message against the desperate drive towards dictatorship by Trump and his White "Christian" Nationalist (aka "white supremacist") preachers of hate.
one resource to mine for a "shadow cabinet" could be former strong, effective cabinet members who know how things should work, the risks we face, with expertise to help guide our narrative
Do everything everywhere without an articulated endgame is not a strategy. It's throwing sh*t against the wall to see what sticks. An articulated endgame would enable us to marshall and leverage our principal assets, time and money, to achieve our endgame. I would posit that we are not in a marathon. Right now we are in a couple of dozen key and urgent court battles and an 18 month sprint to the mid-term elections. We need to flip a handful of House seats. The pundits are good at summarizing, anlayzing, and providing context for the news. Many talk to one another. They need to start focusing us on which seats are flippable. Too, there is the Wisconsin Supreme Court gerrymandering case. If we can elect Susan Crawford we will open up two additional D House seats. This is nearly half what we need. Support WisDems in its efforts to elect Susan Crawford (you don't have to be from Wisconsin to support her; I'm not.) A final note for now: the readers of this and other simpatico substack columns are not in a malaise, but many of our friends and and family are. We need to draw them in to the fight. We need them to tune into the urgency of our situation. Forward them reading material. Draw them into conversations with the goasl of motivating them to help. If you look at the sum total of what Trump and his cohort of oligarchs and senior appointees are doing this ain't no marathon. Our democracy is in crisis heading into code blue.
I don’t understand the need to pour cold water on a call to action. No said “dont be smart” or “don’t have a strategy.” I was addressing the compulsive need in some to explain why every idea is doomed to failure. We know the challenges. We need leaders not afraid to act.
I've been donating to Susan Crawford on recurring. I just increased my monthly donation. Re postcards: postcardstovoters.org has the best messaging. Tony who founded PTV works directly with the candidates to craft a simple yet strong message. By the end of the day I will have done 330 postcards for Judge Crawford with the message as instructed. Ben Wikler and Judge Crawford were on Simon Rosenberg's Substack, Hopium Chronicles.
Justice Janet Protasiewicz won by 11% in 2023. We need a clear victory for Susan Crawford to stop election denialism, lawsuits, and recounts that the other (dark) side would demand if there was only a slim margin.
Peter, your recommendations are so important. I recommend that you write them with paragraph breaks or bullet points so those feelings malaise see them without seeing a long paragraph a not reading it. Thank you for your energy!
Agree! I am finishing postcards for Susan Crawford. I would like to see the grassroots orgs form a consortium and join forces to better focus our efforts.
Durbin and Duckworth, my Senators, are AWOL on all of this although Duckworth attempted a fight to stop the approval of Hegseth. According to the Congressional Research Service, any Senator can put a blanket hold on nominations. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz did that with the Department of State after Rubio's nomination went through. I've decided to contact Governor J.B. Pritzker tomorrow about these issues and the weakness of our side. I've had positive results when contacting our Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Illinois is involved in all the multi-state lawsuits.
Yesterday I read about the SAVE Act from my email from Marc Elias and then Joyce Vance on Civil Discourse. This made me sick and shaken. I highly doubt we can stop Patel. But the SAVE Act is unconstitutional. I think jd vance wrote the part about women's vote. We all know how he views women. That is a clear violation of the 19th Amendment.
If you can get to DC go to your Senators' offices tomorrow in person. I do not know the security that might be in place. I have friends who are in the DC area for a family event. They are going to Durbin's office as well as Duckworth's office.
If I spent all day reading all these Substacks I would not get anything done, so I only read three. Now I must write new scripts regarding Patel and then regarding the SAVE Act. I do this with three friends. They pass the scripts along to others at Northwestern as well as neighbors.
I love the day of boycott but for me, it will be as permanent as I can possibly adhere to. A lifestyle change. Not just one day. No more Amazon, I’m off Social Media, buying local, buying less, hiking nearby instead of flying somewhere….everything that is going on in the world just causes me to want to overhaul my whole existence to meet the moment. I can’t bear to feed the monster, even with the smallest of things like plastic packaging on my zucchinis. I can clean up my side of the street first. That I have control over.
I want to learn to and teach others how to partner our leaders and to encourage the best in them. I’m angry and even freaked out but I’m sure we can get them to become far stronger by knowing that we are equals and showering them with the strength to take bold action with us. My congressman is showing up and taking our ideas. And we have shown up, as well. We are and must be leaving behind the Father Knows Best era and we have to own our own power and responsibility without destroying others or expecting “them” to do it all and do it perfectly.
Per Rep Jamie Raskin: "A rally a day keeps the fascists at bay."
Per Sen. Tim Kaine: "...your activism matters. Vigorous, peaceful public protest is building all across this nation. Our Founders knew that elections were not sufficient to safeguard democracy, so they protected the right of the people 'peacefully to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.' Your dedication is an integral part of our path forward.
"This year, we will need you to be involved. In speaking up, in calling out dangerous actions, and in holding accountable those who refuse to use their power to protect democracy. Many of you have visited my Senate offices to discuss issues you care about, and I love seeing you — thank you for being so active. I also need your help expanding our reach in challenging areas, because your voice is powerful. There are many members of Congress in redder areas who desperately need to hear from an impassioned public, and I encourage you to organize in their offices with the same enthusiasm I see in mine.
"I’m counting on your resolve, because I’ve seen what we can accomplish with you in the fight.
It’s hard now. But I’m up for the battle ahead, and I feel energized by your active support. The nation is counting on us as we near the 250th birthday of our democracy."
"I feel energized by your active support." In other words, Sen. Kaine sees our activism as a mandate for him to fight the foes of democracy. Let's keep it up!
Trump probably doesn't know it, but he was quoting Napoleon when he said "He who saves his country does not violate any laws". Trump might not like to be reminded of the fate of Napoleon who was defeated at Waterloo and then exiled on the island of Saint Helena, where he died.
Trump probably didn't realize he was quoting Napoleon but I am sure he was directed by one of his cronies who knew exactly that it was a Napoleon quote.
DEMOCRATIC MESSAGING: While important, of course, I think much more important is for them to think about joining the information delivery bloodstream. In every state, there are military bases, police stations, and hospitals whose waiting rooms are tuned to FOX. Someone has already made that decision. Sinclair Broadcasting joins Fox in broadcasting a daily diet of authoritarian supportive "news" and "opinion".
The genius will be in figuring out how to get police, military, hospital and airport lounges to switch off the right wing propaganda that every day Americans hear in public places.
The other effective thing we need to do is to encourage our truly remarkable inter-locuters like Pete Buttigeg to brace the lion, to keep appearing on FOX with a counter-narrative or truth, whichever is appropriate to the sirutation.
Some years ago I was staying at a hotel in Phoenix. In the breakfast room a TV was running, tuned to FOX. There were about 10 other guests, no one really paying attention. So I thought I wasn't impolite when I looked for the remote and switched the channel to CNN. No adverse reaction, just one of the guests, when passing him on my way back to my table, said: "Thanks for doing that. I didn't know where the remote was."
I have many little old lady ex-friends who are totally brainwashed from only watching Fox News. Even when I point out the fact that fox was sued for 787 million for lying to them, it doesn't Faze them a bit. Fox News is even played at military bases. We need to figure out some way to take this propaganda machine down.
And the women.... have they willfully ignored or, worse, do they not mind that Trump is a thrice married serial philanderer who has tilted the Supreme Court to rule against them in Dodd and that men like Hegseth and Gaetz are just fine with him? I could go on....
Thank you, Robert, for everything you wrote this morning. And thank you so much for your Substack meeting yesterday. I had had something of a meltdown on Friday, been in tears much of the day and did not go to a couple of appointments. The horror of what is happening does overwhelm me, too, at times.
Fortunately, I was better by Saturday morning and your Substack talk definitely helped me to get myself back to where I needed to be. For whatever it's worth, I would like to also let you know about a conversation I had with a friend later on Saturday. She is one of the three friends who, after the election, had asked me not to send the Substack newsletters I had been sending her. And she was clearly working hard on protecting herself by blocking out whatever she could.
She knew about my meltdown on Friday because I told her why I wouldn't be attening Friday Zoom meeting that she hosts. And, as usual, she had been very supportive. On Saturday, I asked her to call me over the weekend because I would like to talk to her about something I had been thinking about.
I had been consistently unsuccessful on the few occasions when I suggested she might take some actions before the election. And I stopped doing so.
But I know she is very concerned about what is happening now and I decided to try a different approach. So when she did call, this is a summary of what I said. I told her that, as I'm sure she realizes, I am hoping that as many people as possible will do what the can to participate in the crucial resistance to what is happening. I emphasized, however, that my primary reason for talking to her was that I honestly thought it would help her to feel better to be taking some action. I offered to have her come over and join me in writing some of the postcards I am writing for Susan Crawford for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election to see how that felt. She said that wasn't necessary, but that she would like me to send her information about the current Postcards to Voters Wisconsin campaign and also the information I mentioned about the importance of flooding representatives' and senators' phones with calls. She said she will think about trying those things and would share the information with a couple of friends who have said they were interested in taking some actions. I am not suggesting that I am the reason or only reason that she has gotten to this point. But she did seem to understand better that in trying to do what I can, I also help myself. Just wanted to share that today.
I was exactly where you were Shelly, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless after reading about people dying after they tried to shut down USAID. And then seen Trump hand over Ukraine to Putin just broke me. I have three generations of military in my family. To think of everything they did to fight for our freedom and then see Trump about to give it away.
Listening to Robert's talk on Saturday made me realize I needed to stay in the fight. I am surprised that when I talk to my senior friends who have never been very political and tell them what I am doing by just making a few phone calls, some of them even asked me how they can join in.
The behavior of Dems leadership is precisely NOT TO LEAD. It’s to dither, waste time, give mumbling speeches that give half hearted warnings about fascism & authoritarianism, and then ask for money. If Dems as a party actually wanted to lead they could bc way more than 1/2 the population wants what Dems ostensibly stand for. But that would involve challenging the oligarchs & corporations. Dems can’t do that: something about biting hands & feeding.
I literally bumped into Senator Booker in Union Station a few years ago as he raced to catch the train home to his district. Could not have been more friendly or polite. I admire the Senator - especially in the way in which he wears his heart on his sleeve - but I agree, this is not the time for friendly, polite, hearts-on-sleeves, or powerpoint presentations - nor, in my opinion, is it time for Democrats to work across the aisle with Republicans, as Senator Shumer suggests. What once might have been status quo is no longer status quo.
Happy to hear that Jamie Raskin's attendance at an Olney Theatre production in Maryland this weekend was met with wild applause and loud cheers of welcome and support, and also happy to see Senator Chris Murphy posting relentlessly on Facebook (and no doubt other social media sites to which I'm not a subscriber). And it looks like Pete Buttigieg is getting out of the starting blocks with succinct messages of response and opposition with his usual incisive clarity. Leaders seem to be emerging, but I have also taken to heart the admonition that our current situation is akin to a Quaker meeting in which if we speak up we become the leaders. Happy to speak up, happy to lead in my way, and happy to do everything, everywhere, all at once as best I can. Your column helps reinvigorate my passion and my commitment, and reminds me that the best antidote for depression and paralysis is action.
Well said. I’m glad Jamie Raskin is getting the love that he so well deserves. The true leaders are the ones speaking out and taking action, separating the wheat from the chaff.
“And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.” - Winston Churchill, remarks on the Munich Agreement, 1938
I am following Olga Lautman's Trump Tyranny Tracker. She gives a well organized, easy to skim summarization of the days events as related to Trump/Musk administration.
https://trumptyrannytracker.substack.com/
Yes, I often discover new methods of torture in the TTT. Thank you.
Thanks for the Churchill quote. Listen to the resonance of "as in the olden time." Churchill was a leader grounded in history, in the lessons of the past, and in the particular experience and genius of the British people. Trump neither knows nor is curious about American history. He brags about a new Golden Age, but knows nothing of American greatness in the past or present. We must not secede the past to Trump nor our future. We must retake the story of a complex American greatness.
I would like to offer a possible explanation for why our resistance is not powerfully opposing what is happening in Washington: there is no “Churchill” in our ranks! Which Democrat with a public persona has been able to personify the anger and frustration held by decent, law-abiding citizens?! We are already fighting the misinformation incessantly and loudly put forth on Fox and multiple social media platforms ( something we don’t have), and no political or academic leader has had the courage, “microphone, or opportunity to do so!
I was thinking the same thing. Where is Winston Churchill when we need him? Chuck Schumer does not fill the bill.
As I'm feeling a bit numb and disenfranchised from the repugnant U.S. delegation at this weekend's Munich Security Conference, I'd like to share this outstanding excerpt. It is from a former WH counsel from the Reagan administration. As Joyce Vance describes the article, this is a polite way of saying this is a coup (and yes, the notion recalls Robert's "call a coup a coup," which it very much is):
"What is not debatable, however, is that Congress has not authorized this radical overhaul, and the protocols of the Constitution do not permit statutorily mandated agencies and programs to be transformed -- or reorganized out of existence -- without congressional authorization." [sorry, paywall]:
https://washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/02/11/trump-congress-courts-doge-musk/
Yes. Nobody should tell us otherwise. Keep eyes on the money. Keep eyes on statutory and congressional override. Keep all the pressure up, and promote our narrative, everywhere. No, they won't pass most of this through Congress because they lack the numbers and the political will to do so. Thanks to Robert for providing a comprehensive framework to push back. It helps us to not feel so isolated, atomized and demoralized in these very tough days and nights. I especially wish to see pro-democratic forces ally ourselves internationally, against illiberal assaults in many countries (18 countries attacked by Musk now, according to HCR).
There will be an immediate public hearing beginning Monday, 11 AM, by Judge Chutkan, in response to New Mexico v. Musk & DOGE. This indicates there will likely be relief granted to 14 state AGs for DOGE et al violating the nomination clause. It is a big step towards answering the quote above. I believe Trump is also named.
A determined minority can use the motion to recommit, the discharge petition, the veto strategy and procedural disruption to overcome the House majority and significantly influence the outcome of legislation.
Light up the phone lines.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer
Washington, D.C.
Phone: (202) 224-6542
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 486-4430
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Washington D.C.
(202) 225-5936
.https://jeffries.house.gov/contact/.
Democratic National Committee
(202) 863-8000
.https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Senate Democratic Caucus
.https://www.democrats.senate.gov/about-senate-dems/our-caucus.
House Democratic Caucus
.https://www.dems.gov/.
Senate Republican Conference
.https://www.republican.senate.gov/.
I just called Senator Schumer's number now and a recording came on that the office was closed. They even didn't allow me to leave a message.😡
Just now I called Senator Schumer's New York office because I couldn't get through on the Washington line. They said I couldn't leave a message because the office was closed until Thursday, and referred me to hit emails. Unfreaking believable!🤬 there is a constitutional crisis going on as we speak and they're on vacation? What are we paying them for?
This is a Congressional recess, and responsible members of Congress are hosting Town Halls w/ their constituents. 1200 people attended Oregon Senator Wyden's town hall Saturday 2/15 west of Portland.
If your electeds don't show up, host a town hall with an empty chair, a chicken (!), cardboard cut-outs, etc. Publicize it through social media, email & texting, newspapers, radio, etc. Use it to encourage and recruit more activists. Use it to encourage calls/emails to Congress.
Keep up the pressure on all electeds. Thank those who deserve it.
thank you!
gift version: https://wapo.st/4gJnOT6
NOTE: I cancelled my WaPo subscriptio back in October, but I had paid in advance for a year and it still hasn't run out yet. So I am mostly using it to share the 10 free articles that subscribers can gift each month.
Me too.
Also stopped all of my purchases and interactions with Amazon.
Me as well. My only interactions with Amazon in the future will be through my local library which used Kindle for borrowed e-books. (Only some of the books in their catalog are availble in EPUB format). FYI, Can anyone recommend a downloadable reader for Android that uses EPUB format?
My subscription ran out on February 7th. Their cowardly canceling of the Common Cause ad just confirmed my decision.
That’s what I’m doing. Mine runs out next month.
Expect endless emails begging you to come back, "reminding" you that if you don't click the link on some newsletter or other they'll stop sending it (promise?) but of course if you do try to take a look it just reminds you that you can't see because you aren't a subscriber, and blocking them is like whack a mole. I just try to enjoy the evidence that they are getting more desperate as they are abandoned by readers.
Canceled WAPO and NYT ages ago but found they are trolls.
I agree 💯percent!
I cancelled the NY times more than a year ago - when they showcased some MAGA GOP idiot with a prominent Letter to the Editor that was chock full of misinformation and lies.
I have been getting almost daily emails with a" limited time" (hah!) offer to renew for $50 for the first year of a digital subscription.
Yesterday Asheville Dems had a MAMMOTH turnout for a “Put Your Anger to Work” meeting. Standing room only, cars lining the road for blocks and blocks, the mood was joyful, and the energy almost blew the roof off. Today a noon rally downtown. I’ve never seen so many people so mad and so happy. We’re on the move!
I was at the event yesterday and it was awesome! Anderson Clayton really fired up the crowd. I'm going to the protest today, my work deadline be damned!
We need more Democratic leaders like Anderson Clayton!!
Great news! Thanks for sharing!!!
thanks! let's keep informing one another of these inspiring events occurring across the country, to motive us and remind ourselves that we are not alone and our numbers continue to grow!
Rachel Maddow just did a segment on protests, and it's remarkable how little is being said in the main stream media about them, given how large and widespread they are.
I didn't know about this! I agree - we are catching up to our visibility, which is still woefully inadequate - will see if I can figure out how to keep up with these in advance - I believe 50501 is good at callouts for their activities, but I still have to go to their site to keep current....
On the way home today, I heard an NPR report on protests across the country! Hooray for NPR!
I agree that the Dems need to be brought up to speed on what they can do. I also think the Dems should be forming alliances with the Green Party if they can. This is a time to come together and save our country, and forming alliances helps. Also, Dems should be visiting liberal leaders around the world, as an alliance building activity. Trump had his envoys doing just the opposite, in other words visiting illiberal leaders for alliance.
We need a global alliance of Democrats sharing strategies, and supporting each other. It could be to appeal to the EU to buy products from their states, while EU may well be boycotting Red State products as they did not 2018. Encouraging this without letting on that this is going on is not a bad idea. We need to put the hurt on supporters of Trump in a big way. Have their very existence threatened.
Then there have to be ways to spread real information that counters disinformation on the platforms that conspiracists frequent. One way it to create bills that address things Trump is doing, that do not have to be passed, or even brought to the floor, but to be drafted in such a way that they get press, in fact they should first be presented to the press.
Today is Not My President's Day of protest which you could also notify people about. https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/754857/
There is going to be a national boycott on the 28th. Can you spread the word? It is a day not to buy anything American. And, there is currently an Amazon boycott and a Nestle's boycott will start later this week. https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/
Since these boycotts are not for all days, and every day, it would be good to boycott products collectively to let businesses know how they get their wealth and before it comes from tax breaks from Trump it comes from earning money from the people. People should be organizing one day boycotts of specific businesses. It can be like on Fridays a certain business is targeted like they are doing in Croatia.
https://www.dw.com/en/faced-with-high-prices-croatian-buyers-boycott-supermarkets/video-71543657#:~:text=In%20January%2C%20an%20association%20in,general%20boycott%20day%20for%20shopping.
So calling for a national or international boycott of Amazon because Bezos did not publish an add, on a Friday around the world, will get support in liberal democracies. One needs Democrats Abroad to spread the word. It will also make global consumers aware of what is behind their purchases.
Yes, agree 100% on global alliances. Thanks for this. I'm not sure if you are referring to U.S. Green (which became somewhat toxic with Jill Stein), German Green, etc. The broader principle still holds perfectly and is becoming increasingly essential. I especially love the targeted boycotts and actions. H.C. Richardson mentions tonight Musk is now attacking 18 different countries. She also mentions the British response sharply recognizes it is illiberal vs. liberal -- e.g., "culture war" -- within the U.S. that has now broken out and threatened to engulf our allies and worldwide democracy in general. We can and should do better together as democratic allies, despite their demagogic rhetoric and divisive power grabs. This quote today by the excellent British journalist George Monbiot really captured it well:
"We're shocked by Trump and Musk's antics because we judge them against the idea that governments should serve the people. But they have no such intention. Government for them is about seizing power and wealth. Let's stop being shocked, and build a global, democratic counter-movement."
The US Green Party is a completely different entity than the one in Europe, with different goals and priorities. The only thing they share is the name. Please be careful to distinguish this because aligning with US Green Party is likely to hurt us.
We had a major environmental issue on the ballot a few years ago, and among the non-voters were the Pacific Green members. Amazing hypocrisy and indifference.
That is what I alluded to. Thanks. U.S. Green is not in any way like Die Gruene / Die Linke coalition, for example.
Exactly. Democrats Abroad can help in doing this. I know that the US Greens are somewhat toxic with Jill Stein, but as a party it does not need to be that. Dems should be aligning with other parties in the ways that they can, and might help them have less fringe people and ideas. And yes. Republican agents of Trump and Musk himself have been actively making alliances with illiberal leaders. The Dems should be making alliances with democratic leaders in these same countries. They should also be picking democratic countries in which to meet like CPAP did in Hungary, and pay for the youth in the party to come.
I have no expectation of Trump or Musk to do anything other than steal from us and treat us like the enemy if we do not accept that or anything else they are shoving on us. I am glad my daughter is out of the US. I think more people should try to get their children out. Make sure your children can get vaccines, and that your daughters of child bearing years find places that are less women hostile.
Well as long as theUS Green aparty runs candidates like Jill Stein it can pound sand. It's not useful in its current form.
I would like to point out that the Democratic party is not useful in its current form either. Rather than develop a new party to get out from under the over reliance on wealthy donors, we need to be fresher. I am living in a country which has coalitions and I see the advantages that our stale 2 party system does not. Especially as it is turning into a one party system.
The problem with this is that it will not happen here quickly. I have also recognized this vestigially ineffective two-party obstruction for thirty years, and also had the privilege of living in five countries. Yes, of course a demographic of 330 million people would function much better with wider spectrum coalition governments rather than a two-party system with one grudgingly functional, one a mafia / klepto bloc.
The problem is more that an enormous amount of people have been effectively disenfranchised for decades, and we have never been successful recreating anything anew. In the current climate, it will not be possible to create new parties and rewrite the constitution to include political parties based upon a coalition structure. Also, given extreme inequality and levels of education / propaganda, etc., the broader populace does not have much appetite nor political literacy to create different, more efficable structures. I believe if you read Heather Cox Richardson, the U.S. Constitution did not even take into account political parties whatsoever, a disadvantage of being the oldest extant democratic constitution.
This is not to say that it couldn't happen at some far point in the future. At the moment it's quite clear the emergency coup devastation will require everybody who is affected -- even ignorant Trump voters -- to salvage whatever shreds we have left now of our democracy as it stood a few weeks ago. That includes the courts, and massive public outcry / pressure campaign. A more immediate issue could be that Elon Musk just jumped into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race today. They need to win that seat otherwise it will revert back to the Scott Walker decade of decimation. Change comes painfully slowly in the U.S.
I was about to say to Linda that I loved many of her ideas but am a bit leery of the Green party since I felt like running for President was done to Help FFOTUS and hurt Biden, then Harris.
But I love the international support idea with a coming together of liberals in all countries. One thing to remember is that our elected officials are inhibited and even in ways prohibited from secretly meeting (or they were - that seems to be acceptable for FF and his regime which doesn't seem to make it okay for Ds, but the current regime is working on dropping all ethicality and legality barriers so who knows?) but a cooperative such as you envision would be able to engage more freely.
I also love the performative legislation or at least legislation proposal idea (many on line are promoting a performative impeachment idea that's similar) and we have been seeing the Rs engage in this (or instance proposing a bill to allow FF to have three terms), as well as in throwing around inflammatory statements to pull press attention. Our reps and unelected Ds can easily be as flamboyant without the lies given the shock content of the news being exposed. One reason people love Crockett so much is she does a flavor of that.
Instead of the US Green Party, check out the Working Families Party. They are skilled organizers working in collaboration with Indivisible, Move On, Public Citizen, and many other activist organizations to build a fierce and powerful opposition movement. And while we’re at it, let’s jettison the idea that there is one great hero who can swoop in to save us. No. We’re the ones who will save us, and among us we have everything we need to succeed.
Jill Stein is not the Green Party. I could run as a Green Party president and you can bet I would not be a puppet of Putin. I would not have the money to win, but it does not matter, I am just pointing out it does not have to be Jill Stein. US politics needs to be reformed and this crisis should tell us that. No more business as usual. I am thinking outside the box, and bringing my experience living abroad. Supporting candidates from the Green party at the Local level could be a good thing.
I think the fact that Jill stein ran in 2016, was then outed as a Russian asset, and then was on the ballot in 2024 tells me that putin has infiltrated the US Green party. That's what he does, and got "practice" for doing with various Olympic organizations, like biathalon. I wouldn't expect much of anything from them, but agree with the rest of your point, especially now that JD met with Afd.
I agree 100% Jill Stein is a Russian asset. I believe that she was funded by Putin in 2024 to be a spoiler in the election. My Yogi, tree hugger, green daughter was going to vote for her because she thought she would support climate change. I got her up to speed with what she was really doing, she did end up voting for Biden even though she thought he was too old. We need to get the word out two more green voters.
And Biden did more to combat climate change than stein ever could.
Putin has infiltrated the Democratic party too, in maybe less obvious ways, but I think that it is still important to have coalitions, and to help the Green party be more Green, and less of a Putin puppet.
The date you listed for the national boycott is wrong. It is February 28 not the 27th. The link is correct, though.
Thank you. I will correct it.
Another way to fight disinformation is to speak directly to the MAGA people in your life, as difficult as that might be. Give them the facts and the truth they are not getting from their media. It will be unpleasant. Do it anyway.
Sorry to say that my husband of 53 years who used to be a Democrat is now a full blown MAGA after listening to Fox News only, he won't even read a newspaper anymore. When I try to talk to him and give him some facts about Trump he says I have Trump derangement syndrome. I have tried several times and realize that it is hopeless to try to reach him. The only way I can keep peace at home is to accept the fact that he is brainwashed. It doesn't stop me however from being a part of the resistance. He sees me make phone calls and be on Zoom calls and doesn't say a word.
Thank you Robert for giving me strength. After reading your encouraging newsletters I have vowed to make 10 phone calls a day to congressmen. I have reached out to several of my senior citizen friends, all in their 70s and 80s , to do the same thing. We have our own little group that gets together and talks about what we can do to be part of the resistance even though we're all pretty computer illiterate. I have to say it is empowering! We were planning to go to the Minnesota Capitol today for the protest but it is 13° below zero so we will have to catch the next one. I'm in the fight for the long run and I truly believe we will win. We have no choice, it's the only way to save democracy.
Cindy, my husband is not a MAGA, in fact he is not American, but politically we are not aligned because I have a more globalist perspective of German politics than he has. He accepts that our daughter is more influenced by my politics than his. We are both dual citizens whereas he is a permanent alien resident in the US, and only a citizen of Germany where he can vote in the election on Sunday as we will.
However, since this past US election we are the most closely aligned politically as we have ever been. It is my shift in looking at the Democratic party which he has always been critical of because it is not progressive enough for his taste. He is a big Bernie fan, and much more left of center than the Dems tend to be. I am more about compromise than he is, meaning I can support a candidate who I believe will get things done even if I don't 100% support what they stand for. Luckily we agree on how to raise our child, and how to manage our money and how to live our lives together, and that counts for something.
If you have any postcards collected over the decades, consider contacting postcards@tonythedemocrat.org to help. I have also used decades of scenery photos when I used up all my postcards. Just check the dimensions requirement on the post office page.
Sure. However, I have a progressive, international family in the US, who is multicolored, multi religious, and there are no MAGAs in my family. In Germany I have no MAGAs in my family. In fact, I live in a city where the AfD is not in office at all. I still have political discussions with people who have different points of view all the time, including amongst my Democrats Abroad friends.
love these - will do
Beware!
You say "There is going to be a national boycott on the 27th."
Your link https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/ says...
"WHEN:
"Thursday February 27th from Midnight till Friday The 28th Midnight
"(A full 24 hours of the 28th)
"12:00 AM to 12:00 AM"
So what should you tell your friends? The 27th?
They are going to come back with "All day the 27th I didn't buy anything, and now I find out it was really "A full 24 hours of the 28th"?
Sorry. I copied it from someone else. I have changed it above after the first person told me. I am in Germany and while I will be boycotting US businesses, I hardly encounter them in my daily life except for google, and will be using a different search engine on that day. A group of us abroad are switching off of US platforms in general as we see the writing on the wall of censorship, spying, data manipulation etc...
The real possibility is that we're going to have to do corporate economic boycotts for more than a day. But do support locally-owned small businesses. In our town, they are the heart of our economy.
12am - 12pm on February 28th?
Maybe they should have said "12:01 AM to 11:59 PM".
12 pm is Noon.
We seem to be totally distracted and asleep while Congress is preparing to pass the SAVE Act ( must have a certified copy of birth certificate or passport in order to register to vote). See HR 22 and HR 8281. It’s being fast tracked and will come up for a vote in the House the week of February 24. It passed the House last year and five Dems actually voted for it! Millions of women don’t have a birth certificate that matches their married name. Less affluent people don’t have an extra $14 to get a BC in person in NC, or order one on line for $37. So in order to vote, they have to pay for the right. Last time I looked the 24th Amendment banned a poll tax, but the SAVE Act has a hidden one in it. No more DMV registrations will happen because an official has to verify that the documentary proof is valid. No more mail-in registrations, or online registrations. No more knocking on doors or registering people at a mall ( who carries around a certified copy of their BC?). This Act is devastating, but I see no alarm bells going off by Dems in DC. It needs to be stopped NOW.
Do you believe it will overcome the filibuster in the senate? Seven Democrats would have to vote in favor for it to pass. Can you please address that question?
Agreed. No one would know about this unless they are as involved as we are. Haven’t heard a peep from anyone except through a couple of organizations via email. Maybe there is nothing the Dems can do to stop it, voting-wise, but if we ever find the “secret sauce” to informing the mass public, we have to use it. People just don’t know!
good callout - as Robert's article notes, we must do all things at once - priorities on the list will continue to rearrange on a daily basis - it must still all be done, with discernment as to which moves to the top of the list -and these two bills are urgent and require calls today and every day!
Professor Timothy Snyder suggested the Democrats form a "Shadow Cabinet" to publicly issue quick responses to all the lies and destruction coming from Trump, Musk and helpers. Sarah Longwell of the Bulwark made an impassioned statement on MSNBC's "Deadline Whitehouse" on Democrats creating fast, simple, effective messaging to respond immediately and often to all the terrible things the Trump "administration" is doing.
I've been calling my Democratic Senators and my Democratic Representative repeatedly, urging them to create some system of rapid response communications to refute all the gaslighting coming from Trump and his handpicked group of toadies. I'm sure others here have urged their Senators and Representatives to do the same. Crickets.
The Democrats are avoiding the formation of a rapid, simple, daily response system to offer the public the truth about Trump's schemes. So are there any good reasons why the rapid messaging cannot be created by a group already equipped to hit the ground running like "The Lincoln Project?"
I read somewhere Pete Buttigieg will start to hold public hearings focused on urgent issues to address the need for vocal Democratic opposition. I don't have the details.
This would be welcome news. I think Bernie Sanders is going to be traveling the country speaking out as well. Brian Tyler Cohen did a great interview with Bernie recently. The man knows what he’s talking about and we missed out by passing him over when he was running for Pres. Our party is lost partly because it has failed to adequately be the party of the working people (too many beholden to corporate interests), and because we do what we are doing now. Taking a power point presentation to a gun fight.
I had suggested to slim down the number of shadow cabinet members to give them more visibility, presence and impact. Pete Buttigieg would be at the top of this list.
Yes, and I have supported this as well by contacting both of my Dem senators. I still support this. HOWEVER, I don’t think we can focus only on responding to Trump, etc. Dems also need to constantly, consistently expound on what government, under Dems,has done and will do for working people and families. Start with Social Security and Medicare. Talk about the Affordable Care Act. Bring in the Infrastructure Act and other Biden accomplishments. The list could go on.
Michael Lewis has just written a book based on the actual, real life work of federal government civil servants and how their work benefits Americans. It’s based on a series he did for the Washington Post. Democrats need to publicize these and other concrete examples of how government serves the American people.
Bottom line, don’t just say no to Trump, bring a strong, positive message of what Democrats/government have done and will do for our country.
Absolutely, Gina. That has to be part of any message against the desperate drive towards dictatorship by Trump and his White "Christian" Nationalist (aka "white supremacist") preachers of hate.
https://jemartisby.substack.com/p/now-we-call-it-white-christian-nationalism
https://isps.yale.edu/news/blog/2022/10/understanding-white-christian-nationalism
one resource to mine for a "shadow cabinet" could be former strong, effective cabinet members who know how things should work, the risks we face, with expertise to help guide our narrative
Yes. I think we need a few current Democrat leaders, but mainly the former folks who have more time to put towards forward motion.
Do everything everywhere without an articulated endgame is not a strategy. It's throwing sh*t against the wall to see what sticks. An articulated endgame would enable us to marshall and leverage our principal assets, time and money, to achieve our endgame. I would posit that we are not in a marathon. Right now we are in a couple of dozen key and urgent court battles and an 18 month sprint to the mid-term elections. We need to flip a handful of House seats. The pundits are good at summarizing, anlayzing, and providing context for the news. Many talk to one another. They need to start focusing us on which seats are flippable. Too, there is the Wisconsin Supreme Court gerrymandering case. If we can elect Susan Crawford we will open up two additional D House seats. This is nearly half what we need. Support WisDems in its efforts to elect Susan Crawford (you don't have to be from Wisconsin to support her; I'm not.) A final note for now: the readers of this and other simpatico substack columns are not in a malaise, but many of our friends and and family are. We need to draw them in to the fight. We need them to tune into the urgency of our situation. Forward them reading material. Draw them into conversations with the goasl of motivating them to help. If you look at the sum total of what Trump and his cohort of oligarchs and senior appointees are doing this ain't no marathon. Our democracy is in crisis heading into code blue.
I don’t understand the need to pour cold water on a call to action. No said “dont be smart” or “don’t have a strategy.” I was addressing the compulsive need in some to explain why every idea is doomed to failure. We know the challenges. We need leaders not afraid to act.
I've been donating to Susan Crawford on recurring. I just increased my monthly donation. Re postcards: postcardstovoters.org has the best messaging. Tony who founded PTV works directly with the candidates to craft a simple yet strong message. By the end of the day I will have done 330 postcards for Judge Crawford with the message as instructed. Ben Wikler and Judge Crawford were on Simon Rosenberg's Substack, Hopium Chronicles.
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/exciting-new-discussion-with-susan
Justice Janet Protasiewicz won by 11% in 2023. We need a clear victory for Susan Crawford to stop election denialism, lawsuits, and recounts that the other (dark) side would demand if there was only a slim margin.
I’m doing postcards for Susan Crawford through Postcards to Swing States. https://www.turnoutpac.org/postcards
And I am writing postcards for Field Team 6, for Crawford, to register more voters. Voterizer.org to easily register.
Peter, your recommendations are so important. I recommend that you write them with paragraph breaks or bullet points so those feelings malaise see them without seeing a long paragraph a not reading it. Thank you for your energy!
Agree! I am finishing postcards for Susan Crawford. I would like to see the grassroots orgs form a consortium and join forces to better focus our efforts.
Durbin and Duckworth, my Senators, are AWOL on all of this although Duckworth attempted a fight to stop the approval of Hegseth. According to the Congressional Research Service, any Senator can put a blanket hold on nominations. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz did that with the Department of State after Rubio's nomination went through. I've decided to contact Governor J.B. Pritzker tomorrow about these issues and the weakness of our side. I've had positive results when contacting our Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Illinois is involved in all the multi-state lawsuits.
Yesterday I read about the SAVE Act from my email from Marc Elias and then Joyce Vance on Civil Discourse. This made me sick and shaken. I highly doubt we can stop Patel. But the SAVE Act is unconstitutional. I think jd vance wrote the part about women's vote. We all know how he views women. That is a clear violation of the 19th Amendment.
If you can get to DC go to your Senators' offices tomorrow in person. I do not know the security that might be in place. I have friends who are in the DC area for a family event. They are going to Durbin's office as well as Duckworth's office.
If I spent all day reading all these Substacks I would not get anything done, so I only read three. Now I must write new scripts regarding Patel and then regarding the SAVE Act. I do this with three friends. They pass the scripts along to others at Northwestern as well as neighbors.
Thank you!
my top 3 - this Substack, Hopium, Adam Kinsinger
ditto - could others share their top 3?
Robert, HRC and Ron Filipkowski (This Week or Weekend in Politics)
I have 4 now. We need somewhere to get Public Health Information. It's 'Your Local Epidemiologist"
https://substack.com/inbox/post/157266192
Robert on Today's Edition
Simon on Hopium Chronicles
Joyce Vance on Civil Discourse
Go to the home offices this week.
Good morning Everyone,
I love the day of boycott but for me, it will be as permanent as I can possibly adhere to. A lifestyle change. Not just one day. No more Amazon, I’m off Social Media, buying local, buying less, hiking nearby instead of flying somewhere….everything that is going on in the world just causes me to want to overhaul my whole existence to meet the moment. I can’t bear to feed the monster, even with the smallest of things like plastic packaging on my zucchinis. I can clean up my side of the street first. That I have control over.
I want to learn to and teach others how to partner our leaders and to encourage the best in them. I’m angry and even freaked out but I’m sure we can get them to become far stronger by knowing that we are equals and showering them with the strength to take bold action with us. My congressman is showing up and taking our ideas. And we have shown up, as well. We are and must be leaving behind the Father Knows Best era and we have to own our own power and responsibility without destroying others or expecting “them” to do it all and do it perfectly.
Per Rep Jamie Raskin: "A rally a day keeps the fascists at bay."
Per Sen. Tim Kaine: "...your activism matters. Vigorous, peaceful public protest is building all across this nation. Our Founders knew that elections were not sufficient to safeguard democracy, so they protected the right of the people 'peacefully to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.' Your dedication is an integral part of our path forward.
"This year, we will need you to be involved. In speaking up, in calling out dangerous actions, and in holding accountable those who refuse to use their power to protect democracy. Many of you have visited my Senate offices to discuss issues you care about, and I love seeing you — thank you for being so active. I also need your help expanding our reach in challenging areas, because your voice is powerful. There are many members of Congress in redder areas who desperately need to hear from an impassioned public, and I encourage you to organize in their offices with the same enthusiasm I see in mine.
"I’m counting on your resolve, because I’ve seen what we can accomplish with you in the fight.
It’s hard now. But I’m up for the battle ahead, and I feel energized by your active support. The nation is counting on us as we near the 250th birthday of our democracy."
"I feel energized by your active support." In other words, Sen. Kaine sees our activism as a mandate for him to fight the foes of democracy. Let's keep it up!
Trump probably doesn't know it, but he was quoting Napoleon when he said "He who saves his country does not violate any laws". Trump might not like to be reminded of the fate of Napoleon who was defeated at Waterloo and then exiled on the island of Saint Helena, where he died.
Trump probably didn't realize he was quoting Napoleon but I am sure he was directed by one of his cronies who knew exactly that it was a Napoleon quote.
Can we say "Steven Miller."
DEMOCRATIC MESSAGING: While important, of course, I think much more important is for them to think about joining the information delivery bloodstream. In every state, there are military bases, police stations, and hospitals whose waiting rooms are tuned to FOX. Someone has already made that decision. Sinclair Broadcasting joins Fox in broadcasting a daily diet of authoritarian supportive "news" and "opinion".
The genius will be in figuring out how to get police, military, hospital and airport lounges to switch off the right wing propaganda that every day Americans hear in public places.
The other effective thing we need to do is to encourage our truly remarkable inter-locuters like Pete Buttigeg to brace the lion, to keep appearing on FOX with a counter-narrative or truth, whichever is appropriate to the sirutation.
Some years ago I was staying at a hotel in Phoenix. In the breakfast room a TV was running, tuned to FOX. There were about 10 other guests, no one really paying attention. So I thought I wasn't impolite when I looked for the remote and switched the channel to CNN. No adverse reaction, just one of the guests, when passing him on my way back to my table, said: "Thanks for doing that. I didn't know where the remote was."
More, more, more. More switches like that. But the real person to convince is the Hotel manager.
I have many little old lady ex-friends who are totally brainwashed from only watching Fox News. Even when I point out the fact that fox was sued for 787 million for lying to them, it doesn't Faze them a bit. Fox News is even played at military bases. We need to figure out some way to take this propaganda machine down.
And the women.... have they willfully ignored or, worse, do they not mind that Trump is a thrice married serial philanderer who has tilted the Supreme Court to rule against them in Dodd and that men like Hegseth and Gaetz are just fine with him? I could go on....
Thank you, Robert, for everything you wrote this morning. And thank you so much for your Substack meeting yesterday. I had had something of a meltdown on Friday, been in tears much of the day and did not go to a couple of appointments. The horror of what is happening does overwhelm me, too, at times.
Fortunately, I was better by Saturday morning and your Substack talk definitely helped me to get myself back to where I needed to be. For whatever it's worth, I would like to also let you know about a conversation I had with a friend later on Saturday. She is one of the three friends who, after the election, had asked me not to send the Substack newsletters I had been sending her. And she was clearly working hard on protecting herself by blocking out whatever she could.
She knew about my meltdown on Friday because I told her why I wouldn't be attening Friday Zoom meeting that she hosts. And, as usual, she had been very supportive. On Saturday, I asked her to call me over the weekend because I would like to talk to her about something I had been thinking about.
I had been consistently unsuccessful on the few occasions when I suggested she might take some actions before the election. And I stopped doing so.
But I know she is very concerned about what is happening now and I decided to try a different approach. So when she did call, this is a summary of what I said. I told her that, as I'm sure she realizes, I am hoping that as many people as possible will do what the can to participate in the crucial resistance to what is happening. I emphasized, however, that my primary reason for talking to her was that I honestly thought it would help her to feel better to be taking some action. I offered to have her come over and join me in writing some of the postcards I am writing for Susan Crawford for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election to see how that felt. She said that wasn't necessary, but that she would like me to send her information about the current Postcards to Voters Wisconsin campaign and also the information I mentioned about the importance of flooding representatives' and senators' phones with calls. She said she will think about trying those things and would share the information with a couple of friends who have said they were interested in taking some actions. I am not suggesting that I am the reason or only reason that she has gotten to this point. But she did seem to understand better that in trying to do what I can, I also help myself. Just wanted to share that today.
I was exactly where you were Shelly, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless after reading about people dying after they tried to shut down USAID. And then seen Trump hand over Ukraine to Putin just broke me. I have three generations of military in my family. To think of everything they did to fight for our freedom and then see Trump about to give it away.
Listening to Robert's talk on Saturday made me realize I needed to stay in the fight. I am surprised that when I talk to my senior friends who have never been very political and tell them what I am doing by just making a few phone calls, some of them even asked me how they can join in.
The behavior of Dems leadership is precisely NOT TO LEAD. It’s to dither, waste time, give mumbling speeches that give half hearted warnings about fascism & authoritarianism, and then ask for money. If Dems as a party actually wanted to lead they could bc way more than 1/2 the population wants what Dems ostensibly stand for. But that would involve challenging the oligarchs & corporations. Dems can’t do that: something about biting hands & feeding.
A long time ago a friend gave me a button that read, “If the people will lead / The leaders will follow.” Still true.
I literally bumped into Senator Booker in Union Station a few years ago as he raced to catch the train home to his district. Could not have been more friendly or polite. I admire the Senator - especially in the way in which he wears his heart on his sleeve - but I agree, this is not the time for friendly, polite, hearts-on-sleeves, or powerpoint presentations - nor, in my opinion, is it time for Democrats to work across the aisle with Republicans, as Senator Shumer suggests. What once might have been status quo is no longer status quo.
Happy to hear that Jamie Raskin's attendance at an Olney Theatre production in Maryland this weekend was met with wild applause and loud cheers of welcome and support, and also happy to see Senator Chris Murphy posting relentlessly on Facebook (and no doubt other social media sites to which I'm not a subscriber). And it looks like Pete Buttigieg is getting out of the starting blocks with succinct messages of response and opposition with his usual incisive clarity. Leaders seem to be emerging, but I have also taken to heart the admonition that our current situation is akin to a Quaker meeting in which if we speak up we become the leaders. Happy to speak up, happy to lead in my way, and happy to do everything, everywhere, all at once as best I can. Your column helps reinvigorate my passion and my commitment, and reminds me that the best antidote for depression and paralysis is action.
Well said. I’m glad Jamie Raskin is getting the love that he so well deserves. The true leaders are the ones speaking out and taking action, separating the wheat from the chaff.