In 2026, there will be 20 MAGA Senators up for re-election, minus Satan’s Favorite Mitch McConnell, who is retiring. The Rogue’s Gallery includes Tommy Tuberville, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham, and Markwayne Mullin. A concerted effort to field strong candidates with a sober message of clarity and truth can defeat them.
John, While I don’t dispute your assertion, I would note that prior to 2026 we can expect to see an attack on free and fair elections like we’ve not seen before. Hence, the imperative that we start organizing now to claw back, at every turn, freedoms and rights that are in peril. One option is to align ourselves with Indivisible’s 2-year mission to maintain some amount of democracy allowing for sufficiently free and and fair elections to achieve significant victories in the midterms—breaking Trump’s hold on Congress and state legislatures as we move towards the 2028 election cycle.
This absolutely correct. I don't think this countries elections systems are any longer fair. There is too much voter suppression and possible election hacking. That and the enormous amount of billionaire money and foreign hacking that is going to go into overdrive in our elections in the next election cycle.
There is a presumption we all share that the 26 election will be free and fair. Not so fast if the North Carolina Republican playbook is a blueprint for the entire nation:
Write the DNC and tell them to get it in gear. I am getting pallid little emails begging for money with absolutely NO clear message of unification or change, and I have been writing back to them that we need bold, different, and specific messaging if they want our hard-earned dollars. Give them some ideas. Our nation is not the nation that TrumpMusk wants to recreate, the days of isolation and domination as tools for success are behind us. The world is smaller, more interdependent, and the United States has a choice to make, being a major player in successful international affairs or being a third-world behemoth like Russia, shaking its fist at a world that has left it behind.
Im getting the same, One of my senators (Gillibrand) wrote in her newsletter last night all about what she's doing to help 9-11 survivors ( yes this is important) nothing about what is happening in Washington!
A couple of weeks ago, I got a text from Gillibrand, as new chair of the DSCC, asking for money. I responded that until I see a plan for how they will oppose Trump, I will not give a penny. I promptly received a text saying, “you will no longer receive texts from me.” She clearly does not want to hear dissent. F her! But there is no way she will lose her next race.
Sadly, I think simpler and better messaging is all thats needed. Inflation, grocery bills and eggs. Didn't fix day 1 and getting worse by the minute. War in Ukraine , didn't fix day 1. Dictator day 1 and ongoing. Mask firings by Musk. Lost your job yet ? Friends and family lost theirs ? The entire globe knows him to be a pathological liar. Drag their noses in those lies and people reeling under this regime may take note. Policy, National Security, 80 years of stability trashed is too complex and too abstract. Hammer home the in the minute chaos and destuction.
We cannot trust the voting!! Musk will see that we lose!! He and all his money plus I think that he has a way of cheating unless we count each vote by hand!!! DO NOT TRUST ANY OF THEM!!
They have seized our personal information in week one. Their intent to squeeze and silence those who speak and write against them could not be clearer. They have made massive inroads to capture and control the Fourth Estate. If there was any doubt that they are all agents of Putin, that could not be more blatantly put now. Many times, I have written out against this administration openly and as forcefully as my father taught me. However, it has become obvious that a cancer took root and its cells have divided. It is not enough to dislodge Trump. The cancer cells are also Vance, Musk, Miller, Bannon and DeSantis, who is growing a second cancer down here in Florida where I am stuck for the last 58 years because Florida has no reciprocity with other states for law licenses. I say this because, as much as I cannot think too hard about it or I will lose my mind, I do believe that violence is coming if the military is not with “us” in removing those who undoubtedly have treason in their hearts. The majority of our legislative body has told us in so many words it will not defend us as South Korea’s legislature defended its people. The body has not represented the interests of the people for decades before Trump, and our Supreme Court, also clearly captive for Trump, will not save us either. The signal came when it ordered that he could withhold funds while it considers the case before it. This same court told Nixon no on impoundment without reservation. The military, the CIA, the FBI-they are our only hope. These bodies are made up not of wealthy people, but of average Americans who swore loyalty to our constitution and our form of government and country and offered to die for those things, many of them second, third, fourth generations, who lost family members for the cause. I think of my daughter’s Uncle, who died alone in a tank in Germany in World War II at the age of 19. His parents were new immigrants to this nation, who gave the oldest of their two Jewish sons to defeat Hitler, having run here from Poland. His sacrifice alone was not enough to cut off the head of the cancer. It took many human lives, war machines, and weapons of mass destruction. I know that unless these people rise up with the rest of us, the cancer will not be excised. Unlike Hitler, Trump is a spoiled rich kid with low intellect and who has never known a day of true difficulty beyond the cruel words of his father. If he is overtaken, he will go quietly into exile rather than die for his cause, as his only cause is himself. However, he must be overtaken. He has declared his loyalty to Putin. He has threatened to invade and take the sovereign lands of Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Gaza. He has openly declared war on 51% of his populace. This is not a “President of the United States.” We are under a coup, and 49% of our populace is under the spell of those in power! May the forces of the universe help those who believe in the cause of our democracy and the great experiment of our Founding Fathers and who have power to rise up and take our country back do what needs to be done. Our words are necessary to the cause but not sufficient to do the job.
Laura, While, as you state, the Republican-controlled House and Senate already have capitulated and the courts, too, won’t save us, I neither would bank on the military, the CIA, or the FBI given the purges underway by Trump loyalist appointed heads of each. That, in my view, leaves us as the last check on Trump’s power, aligning ourselves with organizations like Indivisible, stopping what we can, delaying what we can’t stop, and exacting a political toll where we can do neither. The immediate objective is to maintain enough of our constitutional republic to allow for sufficiently free and fair elections in 2026.
You are assuming that there will be free and fair elections. While I did not write about it above, I do not believe there will be. There might be some semblance of elections, but if the Save Act passes, millions of women will be robbed of their vote. Many people in my state do not realize that their mail in ballots were canceled by the Republican legislature, while they continue to work to snuff out early voting so there will not be enough time to vote and people like my 89 year old mother, who lived through the last world war and cannot stand in line for hours to vote, won’t vote. I haven’t mentioned the gerrymandering, but I could write all day about the ways in which our votes have long ago been stolen. These are not ordinary times. We have to stop thinking these people are going away in the next election cycle. He has groomed Don Jr., also a moron, and is grooming Baron. This is a cancer.
Precisely. This has been meticulously planned since the Age of Reagan, with the appointment of ultra conservative Supreme Court justices, hard right legislators, and of course, the incessant gerrymandering over the last few decades. On November 5th, the final piece was laid in this puzzle, cementing the beginning of the end of our democracy.
Laura, As I have stated in another post on this site, prior to 2026 we can expect to see an attack on free and fair elections like we have not seen before. Hence the imperative, aligning ourselves with organizations like Indivisible, of starting now to claw back, at every turn, freedoms and rights that are in peril.
I agree with you that we must fight on every level. I belong to the ACLU, to the SPLC, to Planned Parenthood, to the AARP, and have donated to and supported many organizations that seek to preserve the democracy, our rights, our way of life, and even our history (Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and Jefferson’s home as well). I attend meetings, lives, participate and blog daily.
When back when we fought in Poland to defend Constitution, democracy and free the country from under the soviet pale, we -- at least people I knew-- did not believe the victory was possible. But we fought. Some battles have to be fought because they have to be fought, not because we think they can be won
"Our words are necessary to the cause but not sufficient to do the job."
It is essential that we are expressing our outrage, as words are the initial seeds of revolution, but it is going to take serious action to stop the assault on democracy that is underway.
Since Democratic politicians seem to be in a state of silent shock for the most part, I see little chance of a plan emerging from their ranks. I honestly do not believe there will be fair elections in 2026.
Something drastic needs to happen to realign America with its destiny.
Thank you for your erudite and heartfelt post, Laura! I live in Florida and am, like you, appalled at our lack of representation by our so-called elected representatives. Please tell me if you believe a complete democratic boycott of the State of the Union address would be worthwhile.
That was the topic of dinner conversation last night. I think it must be. I also think that we lack that kind of leadership. People like Schumer are not bad people. They are simply entrenched in old ways like an old general. While we are unfortunately fighting the same evil for the second time in 80 years, the ways in which we fight will be different. Diplomacy, rules, and order are no longer residing within the right side of our legislative body, and those on the left, by and large, are still not shaken from their coma. We are not dealing with civilized people. We are dealing with people seeking to preserve their gilded way of life at our expense. Grand gestures of defiance are the least that is necessary.
Thanks, Laura, and we are exactly on the same page. I also agree that Schumer is a good man, but like you, he is not suited for these very dangerous and tumultuous times. Perhaps much like many of the Jewish leaders in the US who were ill prepared for the coming Holocaust during the 1930s and 40s. As you imply, we need to pull out all of the stops in our resistance and show the world that we are serious and committed.
I am well aware of the phony “unitary executive” theory and that they are simply “making it so” without waiting for the inevitable opinion to tell them no. In saying that I dare not think to long, I am revealing the only way in which I can compartmentalize in order to do my work on a daily basis, ironically, helping people end their marriages. I must function, making noise here and elsewhere and donating money. I, like most of us, have a family to feed. I am nearly 59. Beyond words, money, and time, it will not be me fighting to win this “war.” I may not survive, but I must live until then.
There is not enough tracking of Musk's activities. His actions are the real coup. He is taking over all of government by firing and defunding the people and agencies who run it. Donald Trump's activities are atrocious, but Elon needs to be monitored and stopped. There must be people in the security agencies that know what he is doing is illegal and damaging to our country. The longer this goes on, the greater they consolidate their power.
As John D. Commented. Yes. We need strong candidates to win in 2026. Great damage to our Constitution has already been done, so quickly. I am shocked at how weak we seem to be. We have discovered that "the courts" are not enough when the battle is with lawless liars. We need courageous people now to fight now. We need a way to get our message told to the world, unfiltered by corporate media. We need to empower people to speak for us...Bernie, AOC, Jasmine and others. Can a Democrat speak before the UN?
@K M L, I couldn’t agree more and simply would add, while the resistance movement, that clearly is gaining momentum, is necessary, it’s not sufficient. We also need an opposition movement as you have proposed if we’re to purge Donald Trump et al. And, as you state, we must start now.
My hope for more protests and demonstrations against Trump's support for Putin over President Zelenskyy and Ukraine were bolstered greatly by the following exciting news:
"Vice President JD Vance thought that he was going to attack democracy and be able to go on a nice, quiet family ski vacation in Vermont.
He was very wrong.
Vance arrived in Vermont and was met by hundreds of protesters.
Fox News reported that Vance was forced to flee to an undisclosed location after protesters met him at the ski resort, ' More protesters met the Vance family outside of the resort, and the family ultimately had to move to an undisclosed location.'”
From what I have read, Vance was highly praised in Russia. One awful high ranking person said he was glad to see “the insolent pig” Zelensky put in his place by Vance. I owe a modest amount in Federal taxes in April, but not one dime from me is going to a regime of traitors.
I pay taxes quarterly as an independent contractor, but I cannot bring myself to write the next check to the US Treasury, now being run by fascists sympathizing with Putin and the axis of evil. That amounts to taxation without representation.
Thank you Steve, as always, for the rich history and context you bring forward . You are our modern day Thomas Paine. It is clear you are preparing us for inevitable journey across the Delaware.
I have posted the following comment before. I apologize to those who have read it. But, since I believe a very effective means of rebuking the Trump administration for siding with Putin over President Zelenskyy is direct support of Pres. Zelenskyy and Ukraine by donating to the charity below, I am posting it again. You can direct your money toward supporting Ukraine's defense effort, humanitarian aid, rebuilding Ukraine, supporting its terrified pet population and other worthy efforts:
"UNITED24 is registered in the USA as a 501c3 organization by the Embassy of Ukraine. Visit their website to give."
100% of funds raised via UNITED24, however, are transferred directly to the National Bank of Ukraine, and used directly on aid. Each and every dollar is used as intended. UNITED24 is not an NGO, but the platform collaborates with charities and partners worldwide.
The initiative of the President of Ukraine - UNITED24
UNITED24 - The initiative of the President of Ukraine
Steve, thank you for this "all-hands-on-deck" appeal to save our nation. I know that I have mentioned in earlier posts that my distant paternal grandfather fought with the 9th Virginia Regiment, later consolidating with the 1st Virginia Regiment, during the American Revolutionary War. Now we must fight for the very survival of the country that was won in that distant past. Our enemy today walks among us, seeking to destroy us as a free and democratic republic. Our enemy within is seated at the highest reaches of our country in the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial Branches of our government. Every true, red-blooded American Patriot must coalesce to form a most formidable force. Time is of the essence.
Thank you Steve. Another beautiful and inspiring post!! I've been letting loose on Facebook since Friday. No more holding back. I will not shut up. My Maga family can kiss my butt. I will defy 'till I die!!! ❤️🇺🇸🇺🇦💙
What is old is new again, these words cut both ways. Trump has brought back the darker side of this equation with his buffoonish but dangerous use of tyrannical scare tactics to subdue his detractors. He lies in rapid succession, to fast to keep up with and counter with truths. His bullying tactics and his high status as president gives him plenty of sycophants to back up and echo his malignancy. Trump is more dangerous to us than King George was. I say this because he is a son born on our shores. His clownish behavior is off-putting when first encountered. However, do not underestimate his deceitful ways. He is the ultimate crime boss and has made our government his criminal empire.
What about all democrats boycotting the State of the Union address? This government has no concern for anyone who voted against Trump so we should in turn show the work and MAGA that we are many and that we will stand up to them!
There is no state of "Union" so a boycott should be pretty easy. I know I sure as hell won't watch a Nazi/KGB asset talk about how aggrieved he is to the nation.
I guarantee, if anyone of the democrats calls Trump a liar during his State of The Union address (when rambles off some ridiculous statistics), they will be immediately removed for the Congressional floor, and investigated by Bondi’s DOJ, and Patel’s FBI. They already installed America’s favorite fascist, Ed Rollins, as US Attorney for DC; so the federal coup is complete!….:)
Don't forget that Dan Borgino, a bellicose fascist podcast personality, has been named Deputy FBI director under the abominable Kash Patel. Any protestor would be arrested, member of Congress or not.The best Democratic strategy would be to refuse to attend the "non-SOTU" event. Instead attend and call for protests outside the Capitol while Trump is telling his anti-American, pro-Russian lies. Trump and his "flying monkies," Vance and Musk, would be furious and driven to commit actions and say things that will further alienate them from "we the people." Our ranks will swell.
Steve, I became a member of your Sub-stack page yesterday after I read your posts concerning the revolting meeting in the White House with Zelenskyy. I’ve been reading you and watching you over the years and you struck a nerve in me that said, it’s time! Time to support you and be at your side in any way I can - along with the rest of your supporters. You’ve given this country so much over the years. I don’t always agree with your politics but I know one thing: You are a true American Patriot.
After the WH disgrace, I was weeping (literally) for all the true patriots who helped win this country’s freedom. And so, I went to my night table drawer and put on my uncle’s dog tags from WW2. He served in the 768th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in the Pacific. He was among those brave soles who stormed the beaches in Tinnian and Saipan to help rid the world of fascist and dictators. Two ugly battles that don’t get a lot of attention, but were awful just the same. I have to say. I have been lifted up by the sense of patriotism that he and the rest of the Greatest Generation brought with them into battle.
We are a Democracy and Donald, Elon, JD will not succeed in bringing us down because we have the one ideal they don’t understand. Patriotism. It means more than they could ever imagine. They’re a bunch of rich fools, but the joke is going to be on them. I’m sticking with you, Steve, and the rest of the true, patriotic Americans. We will get through this and be better for it.
This is my posting all day today everywhere: "No matter how the orange stain threatens the r's in congress some of them must stand up... We have soldiers willing to die & do die for this country. These "r" politicians need to face loosing an election and shrug off the death threats the faceless trump goons on-line try to scare them with. Most of your voters already know you steal etc.. they vote you in because you are "the devil they know" you're an idiot if you think otherwise"
Steve, Thomas Paine is a wonderful American whose writings galvanized the Founding Fathers and the Colonists of the day. Please take this question in good faith. Chris Best (Canadian), Hamish McKenzie (New Zealander), and the "elusive and mysterious" Jairaj Sethi (so identified by Best on line) was born and raised in Japan, attended University in Canada (Waterloo) and now resides in San Francisco. I do not know if any of these gentlemen, who are partners in the establishment of Substack in 2017 (I believe that is the date) are now American citizens. I know McKenzie worked for Tesla at one time and wrote a book on Elon Musk, which I have not read.
I like Substack and its concept. However, it would be valuable to know a bit about its origin and that of its developers - whom I expect shall gain a great deal financially with ever increasing subscribership, just like any MSM entity in the U.S now does through advertising dollars.
Any skinny you can share with us on this trio of communications software developers? They are young, smart, and ambitious. What is their purpose in piercing the American communications market, if they do not have vested interest as citizens of the U.S.? None of their academic backgrounds appears to be in the social or political sciences. Curious.
In 2026, there will be 20 MAGA Senators up for re-election, minus Satan’s Favorite Mitch McConnell, who is retiring. The Rogue’s Gallery includes Tommy Tuberville, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham, and Markwayne Mullin. A concerted effort to field strong candidates with a sober message of clarity and truth can defeat them.
John, While I don’t dispute your assertion, I would note that prior to 2026 we can expect to see an attack on free and fair elections like we’ve not seen before. Hence, the imperative that we start organizing now to claw back, at every turn, freedoms and rights that are in peril. One option is to align ourselves with Indivisible’s 2-year mission to maintain some amount of democracy allowing for sufficiently free and and fair elections to achieve significant victories in the midterms—breaking Trump’s hold on Congress and state legislatures as we move towards the 2028 election cycle.
This absolutely correct. I don't think this countries elections systems are any longer fair. There is too much voter suppression and possible election hacking. That and the enormous amount of billionaire money and foreign hacking that is going to go into overdrive in our elections in the next election cycle.
I hope to be wrong but the pace, mode and extent of destruction wreaked upon us could be an electoral suicide. IF there will be elections
truth
There is a presumption we all share that the 26 election will be free and fair. Not so fast if the North Carolina Republican playbook is a blueprint for the entire nation:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/opinion/north-carolina-republicans-election.html
Write the DNC and tell them to get it in gear. I am getting pallid little emails begging for money with absolutely NO clear message of unification or change, and I have been writing back to them that we need bold, different, and specific messaging if they want our hard-earned dollars. Give them some ideas. Our nation is not the nation that TrumpMusk wants to recreate, the days of isolation and domination as tools for success are behind us. The world is smaller, more interdependent, and the United States has a choice to make, being a major player in successful international affairs or being a third-world behemoth like Russia, shaking its fist at a world that has left it behind.
Im getting the same, One of my senators (Gillibrand) wrote in her newsletter last night all about what she's doing to help 9-11 survivors ( yes this is important) nothing about what is happening in Washington!
She's got to go
A couple of weeks ago, I got a text from Gillibrand, as new chair of the DSCC, asking for money. I responded that until I see a plan for how they will oppose Trump, I will not give a penny. I promptly received a text saying, “you will no longer receive texts from me.” She clearly does not want to hear dissent. F her! But there is no way she will lose her next race.
No time for this cowardice !!!!!
Sadly, I think simpler and better messaging is all thats needed. Inflation, grocery bills and eggs. Didn't fix day 1 and getting worse by the minute. War in Ukraine , didn't fix day 1. Dictator day 1 and ongoing. Mask firings by Musk. Lost your job yet ? Friends and family lost theirs ? The entire globe knows him to be a pathological liar. Drag their noses in those lies and people reeling under this regime may take note. Policy, National Security, 80 years of stability trashed is too complex and too abstract. Hammer home the in the minute chaos and destuction.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! THE DEMS ARE ASKING AND ASKING FOR $$$> WE NEED ACTION !!!
Same here
We cannot trust the voting!! Musk will see that we lose!! He and all his money plus I think that he has a way of cheating unless we count each vote by hand!!! DO NOT TRUST ANY OF THEM!!
They have seized our personal information in week one. Their intent to squeeze and silence those who speak and write against them could not be clearer. They have made massive inroads to capture and control the Fourth Estate. If there was any doubt that they are all agents of Putin, that could not be more blatantly put now. Many times, I have written out against this administration openly and as forcefully as my father taught me. However, it has become obvious that a cancer took root and its cells have divided. It is not enough to dislodge Trump. The cancer cells are also Vance, Musk, Miller, Bannon and DeSantis, who is growing a second cancer down here in Florida where I am stuck for the last 58 years because Florida has no reciprocity with other states for law licenses. I say this because, as much as I cannot think too hard about it or I will lose my mind, I do believe that violence is coming if the military is not with “us” in removing those who undoubtedly have treason in their hearts. The majority of our legislative body has told us in so many words it will not defend us as South Korea’s legislature defended its people. The body has not represented the interests of the people for decades before Trump, and our Supreme Court, also clearly captive for Trump, will not save us either. The signal came when it ordered that he could withhold funds while it considers the case before it. This same court told Nixon no on impoundment without reservation. The military, the CIA, the FBI-they are our only hope. These bodies are made up not of wealthy people, but of average Americans who swore loyalty to our constitution and our form of government and country and offered to die for those things, many of them second, third, fourth generations, who lost family members for the cause. I think of my daughter’s Uncle, who died alone in a tank in Germany in World War II at the age of 19. His parents were new immigrants to this nation, who gave the oldest of their two Jewish sons to defeat Hitler, having run here from Poland. His sacrifice alone was not enough to cut off the head of the cancer. It took many human lives, war machines, and weapons of mass destruction. I know that unless these people rise up with the rest of us, the cancer will not be excised. Unlike Hitler, Trump is a spoiled rich kid with low intellect and who has never known a day of true difficulty beyond the cruel words of his father. If he is overtaken, he will go quietly into exile rather than die for his cause, as his only cause is himself. However, he must be overtaken. He has declared his loyalty to Putin. He has threatened to invade and take the sovereign lands of Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Gaza. He has openly declared war on 51% of his populace. This is not a “President of the United States.” We are under a coup, and 49% of our populace is under the spell of those in power! May the forces of the universe help those who believe in the cause of our democracy and the great experiment of our Founding Fathers and who have power to rise up and take our country back do what needs to be done. Our words are necessary to the cause but not sufficient to do the job.
Laura, While, as you state, the Republican-controlled House and Senate already have capitulated and the courts, too, won’t save us, I neither would bank on the military, the CIA, or the FBI given the purges underway by Trump loyalist appointed heads of each. That, in my view, leaves us as the last check on Trump’s power, aligning ourselves with organizations like Indivisible, stopping what we can, delaying what we can’t stop, and exacting a political toll where we can do neither. The immediate objective is to maintain enough of our constitutional republic to allow for sufficiently free and fair elections in 2026.
You are assuming that there will be free and fair elections. While I did not write about it above, I do not believe there will be. There might be some semblance of elections, but if the Save Act passes, millions of women will be robbed of their vote. Many people in my state do not realize that their mail in ballots were canceled by the Republican legislature, while they continue to work to snuff out early voting so there will not be enough time to vote and people like my 89 year old mother, who lived through the last world war and cannot stand in line for hours to vote, won’t vote. I haven’t mentioned the gerrymandering, but I could write all day about the ways in which our votes have long ago been stolen. These are not ordinary times. We have to stop thinking these people are going away in the next election cycle. He has groomed Don Jr., also a moron, and is grooming Baron. This is a cancer.
Precisely. This has been meticulously planned since the Age of Reagan, with the appointment of ultra conservative Supreme Court justices, hard right legislators, and of course, the incessant gerrymandering over the last few decades. On November 5th, the final piece was laid in this puzzle, cementing the beginning of the end of our democracy.
Laura, As I have stated in another post on this site, prior to 2026 we can expect to see an attack on free and fair elections like we have not seen before. Hence the imperative, aligning ourselves with organizations like Indivisible, of starting now to claw back, at every turn, freedoms and rights that are in peril.
I agree with you that we must fight on every level. I belong to the ACLU, to the SPLC, to Planned Parenthood, to the AARP, and have donated to and supported many organizations that seek to preserve the democracy, our rights, our way of life, and even our history (Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and Jefferson’s home as well). I attend meetings, lives, participate and blog daily.
Laura, I appreciate you writing and hearing you haven’t succumbed to the belief there’s nothing to be done because nothing can be done.
When back when we fought in Poland to defend Constitution, democracy and free the country from under the soviet pale, we -- at least people I knew-- did not believe the victory was possible. But we fought. Some battles have to be fought because they have to be fought, not because we think they can be won
National Strike ?
yes
Laura, I fear you are correct in your statement,
"Our words are necessary to the cause but not sufficient to do the job."
It is essential that we are expressing our outrage, as words are the initial seeds of revolution, but it is going to take serious action to stop the assault on democracy that is underway.
Since Democratic politicians seem to be in a state of silent shock for the most part, I see little chance of a plan emerging from their ranks. I honestly do not believe there will be fair elections in 2026.
Something drastic needs to happen to realign America with its destiny.
Thank you for your erudite and heartfelt post, Laura! I live in Florida and am, like you, appalled at our lack of representation by our so-called elected representatives. Please tell me if you believe a complete democratic boycott of the State of the Union address would be worthwhile.
That was the topic of dinner conversation last night. I think it must be. I also think that we lack that kind of leadership. People like Schumer are not bad people. They are simply entrenched in old ways like an old general. While we are unfortunately fighting the same evil for the second time in 80 years, the ways in which we fight will be different. Diplomacy, rules, and order are no longer residing within the right side of our legislative body, and those on the left, by and large, are still not shaken from their coma. We are not dealing with civilized people. We are dealing with people seeking to preserve their gilded way of life at our expense. Grand gestures of defiance are the least that is necessary.
Thanks, Laura, and we are exactly on the same page. I also agree that Schumer is a good man, but like you, he is not suited for these very dangerous and tumultuous times. Perhaps much like many of the Jewish leaders in the US who were ill prepared for the coming Holocaust during the 1930s and 40s. As you imply, we need to pull out all of the stops in our resistance and show the world that we are serious and committed.
I am well aware of the phony “unitary executive” theory and that they are simply “making it so” without waiting for the inevitable opinion to tell them no. In saying that I dare not think to long, I am revealing the only way in which I can compartmentalize in order to do my work on a daily basis, ironically, helping people end their marriages. I must function, making noise here and elsewhere and donating money. I, like most of us, have a family to feed. I am nearly 59. Beyond words, money, and time, it will not be me fighting to win this “war.” I may not survive, but I must live until then.
There is not enough tracking of Musk's activities. His actions are the real coup. He is taking over all of government by firing and defunding the people and agencies who run it. Donald Trump's activities are atrocious, but Elon needs to be monitored and stopped. There must be people in the security agencies that know what he is doing is illegal and damaging to our country. The longer this goes on, the greater they consolidate their power.
Trump is enabling him. The buck stops with Trump. He never wanted Vance. It is clear that Musk has been given free reign.
As John D. Commented. Yes. We need strong candidates to win in 2026. Great damage to our Constitution has already been done, so quickly. I am shocked at how weak we seem to be. We have discovered that "the courts" are not enough when the battle is with lawless liars. We need courageous people now to fight now. We need a way to get our message told to the world, unfiltered by corporate media. We need to empower people to speak for us...Bernie, AOC, Jasmine and others. Can a Democrat speak before the UN?
@K M L, I couldn’t agree more and simply would add, while the resistance movement, that clearly is gaining momentum, is necessary, it’s not sufficient. We also need an opposition movement as you have proposed if we’re to purge Donald Trump et al. And, as you state, we must start now.
My hope for more protests and demonstrations against Trump's support for Putin over President Zelenskyy and Ukraine were bolstered greatly by the following exciting news:
"Vice President JD Vance thought that he was going to attack democracy and be able to go on a nice, quiet family ski vacation in Vermont.
He was very wrong.
Vance arrived in Vermont and was met by hundreds of protesters.
Fox News reported that Vance was forced to flee to an undisclosed location after protesters met him at the ski resort, ' More protesters met the Vance family outside of the resort, and the family ultimately had to move to an undisclosed location.'”
You can read more about this and watch a video @ https://www.politicususa.com/p/jd-vance-flees-to-undisclosed-location
Made my day😍
From what I have read, Vance was highly praised in Russia. One awful high ranking person said he was glad to see “the insolent pig” Zelensky put in his place by Vance. I owe a modest amount in Federal taxes in April, but not one dime from me is going to a regime of traitors.
I pay taxes quarterly as an independent contractor, but I cannot bring myself to write the next check to the US Treasury, now being run by fascists sympathizing with Putin and the axis of evil. That amounts to taxation without representation.
We need to have a national don't pay your taxes to Russia campaign!!!
Thank you Steve, as always, for the rich history and context you bring forward . You are our modern day Thomas Paine. It is clear you are preparing us for inevitable journey across the Delaware.
I have posted the following comment before. I apologize to those who have read it. But, since I believe a very effective means of rebuking the Trump administration for siding with Putin over President Zelenskyy is direct support of Pres. Zelenskyy and Ukraine by donating to the charity below, I am posting it again. You can direct your money toward supporting Ukraine's defense effort, humanitarian aid, rebuilding Ukraine, supporting its terrified pet population and other worthy efforts:
"UNITED24 is registered in the USA as a 501c3 organization by the Embassy of Ukraine. Visit their website to give."
100% of funds raised via UNITED24, however, are transferred directly to the National Bank of Ukraine, and used directly on aid. Each and every dollar is used as intended. UNITED24 is not an NGO, but the platform collaborates with charities and partners worldwide.
The initiative of the President of Ukraine - UNITED24
UNITED24 - The initiative of the President of Ukraine
https://u24.gov.ua ›
Done. I donated some of the tax money I will not be paying the IRS in April.
I donated on Friday Anthony and downloaded the App. 🇺🇦🇺🇸
Steve, thank you for this "all-hands-on-deck" appeal to save our nation. I know that I have mentioned in earlier posts that my distant paternal grandfather fought with the 9th Virginia Regiment, later consolidating with the 1st Virginia Regiment, during the American Revolutionary War. Now we must fight for the very survival of the country that was won in that distant past. Our enemy today walks among us, seeking to destroy us as a free and democratic republic. Our enemy within is seated at the highest reaches of our country in the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial Branches of our government. Every true, red-blooded American Patriot must coalesce to form a most formidable force. Time is of the essence.
I'm defiant and will be until I die.
Thank you Steve. Another beautiful and inspiring post!! I've been letting loose on Facebook since Friday. No more holding back. I will not shut up. My Maga family can kiss my butt. I will defy 'till I die!!! ❤️🇺🇸🇺🇦💙
What is old is new again, these words cut both ways. Trump has brought back the darker side of this equation with his buffoonish but dangerous use of tyrannical scare tactics to subdue his detractors. He lies in rapid succession, to fast to keep up with and counter with truths. His bullying tactics and his high status as president gives him plenty of sycophants to back up and echo his malignancy. Trump is more dangerous to us than King George was. I say this because he is a son born on our shores. His clownish behavior is off-putting when first encountered. However, do not underestimate his deceitful ways. He is the ultimate crime boss and has made our government his criminal empire.
What about all democrats boycotting the State of the Union address? This government has no concern for anyone who voted against Trump so we should in turn show the work and MAGA that we are many and that we will stand up to them!
There is no state of "Union" so a boycott should be pretty easy. I know I sure as hell won't watch a Nazi/KGB asset talk about how aggrieved he is to the nation.
I guarantee, if anyone of the democrats calls Trump a liar during his State of The Union address (when rambles off some ridiculous statistics), they will be immediately removed for the Congressional floor, and investigated by Bondi’s DOJ, and Patel’s FBI. They already installed America’s favorite fascist, Ed Rollins, as US Attorney for DC; so the federal coup is complete!….:)
Don't forget that Dan Borgino, a bellicose fascist podcast personality, has been named Deputy FBI director under the abominable Kash Patel. Any protestor would be arrested, member of Congress or not.The best Democratic strategy would be to refuse to attend the "non-SOTU" event. Instead attend and call for protests outside the Capitol while Trump is telling his anti-American, pro-Russian lies. Trump and his "flying monkies," Vance and Musk, would be furious and driven to commit actions and say things that will further alienate them from "we the people." Our ranks will swell.
Agreed, the State of the Union, is going to be a propaganda extravaganza!…:)
Steve, I became a member of your Sub-stack page yesterday after I read your posts concerning the revolting meeting in the White House with Zelenskyy. I’ve been reading you and watching you over the years and you struck a nerve in me that said, it’s time! Time to support you and be at your side in any way I can - along with the rest of your supporters. You’ve given this country so much over the years. I don’t always agree with your politics but I know one thing: You are a true American Patriot.
After the WH disgrace, I was weeping (literally) for all the true patriots who helped win this country’s freedom. And so, I went to my night table drawer and put on my uncle’s dog tags from WW2. He served in the 768th Amphibious Tractor Battalion in the Pacific. He was among those brave soles who stormed the beaches in Tinnian and Saipan to help rid the world of fascist and dictators. Two ugly battles that don’t get a lot of attention, but were awful just the same. I have to say. I have been lifted up by the sense of patriotism that he and the rest of the Greatest Generation brought with them into battle.
We are a Democracy and Donald, Elon, JD will not succeed in bringing us down because we have the one ideal they don’t understand. Patriotism. It means more than they could ever imagine. They’re a bunch of rich fools, but the joke is going to be on them. I’m sticking with you, Steve, and the rest of the true, patriotic Americans. We will get through this and be better for it.
This is my posting all day today everywhere: "No matter how the orange stain threatens the r's in congress some of them must stand up... We have soldiers willing to die & do die for this country. These "r" politicians need to face loosing an election and shrug off the death threats the faceless trump goons on-line try to scare them with. Most of your voters already know you steal etc.. they vote you in because you are "the devil they know" you're an idiot if you think otherwise"
Steve, Thomas Paine is a wonderful American whose writings galvanized the Founding Fathers and the Colonists of the day. Please take this question in good faith. Chris Best (Canadian), Hamish McKenzie (New Zealander), and the "elusive and mysterious" Jairaj Sethi (so identified by Best on line) was born and raised in Japan, attended University in Canada (Waterloo) and now resides in San Francisco. I do not know if any of these gentlemen, who are partners in the establishment of Substack in 2017 (I believe that is the date) are now American citizens. I know McKenzie worked for Tesla at one time and wrote a book on Elon Musk, which I have not read.
I like Substack and its concept. However, it would be valuable to know a bit about its origin and that of its developers - whom I expect shall gain a great deal financially with ever increasing subscribership, just like any MSM entity in the U.S now does through advertising dollars.
Any skinny you can share with us on this trio of communications software developers? They are young, smart, and ambitious. What is their purpose in piercing the American communications market, if they do not have vested interest as citizens of the U.S.? None of their academic backgrounds appears to be in the social or political sciences. Curious.
Thank you.
Hi Steve, how can we write an open letter apologizing to Ukraine and our Allies?
would be a little cathartic to have million upon millions of us sign on to such letters