What thawed out from a hard winter at Valley Forge turned out to be men of steel filled with resolve. It was one bad winter. We are there again. We know what to do. Wear them down. Wear them out. Vote’m Out! Block the concentration camps. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/concentration-camping?r=3m1bs
Trump is the new King George, and the 200 million Americans who despise Trump are the new patriots. We need a 2nd, modeized edition of the Declaration and tens of millions of people willing to back it up.
Doesn’t need modernizing. Need all Americans to READ it. And PAY ATTENTION to what it implies/says for what’s happening these days. And DECIDE that FF47 and his Junk Drawer and Bucket of Deplorables need to go — NOW!
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it." - Abraham Lincoln
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” …
That as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
That as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
“When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security” …
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
He has defied Article 1 of the Constitution (All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.) by refusing to expend funds duly authorized by Congress and by attempting to eliminate Departments previously authorized by Congress.
By the unilateral imposition of tariffs, he has violated Article 1 Section 7 of the Constitution (All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.) and Section 8 (The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excise)
“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people….”
“For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world”
unilaterally imposing outrageous tariffs,
He has violated the following Bill of Rights:
First Amendment by attempting to intimidate states, legal firms and educational institutions from their right of free speech by suspending duly authorized federal funding or federal contracts.
The Sixth Amendment by denying individuals the right to a speedy and fair trial by an impartial jury.
We, therefore, on behalf of millions of patriotic Americans, call President Trump to account for all his crimes and beseech our fellow citizens to join us in this crusade for liberty and the preservation of democracy.
Sounds like We the People need to write and new Declaration of Independence that uses much of the same wording of the Original but with specifics as to what has happened to our 3 Branches of Government, checks and balances, bipartisan legislation, 41 Senators able to stop all legislation of the House and Senate-hence no budget passed except by reconciliation that can be passed by simple Majority in the Senate. Got 51 votes so PASS whatever budget bill you want to destroy, kill, reward, punish people, states, companies! Result is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Same as under King in 1776!
We are back where We the People started in 1776 and are either in or out of the FIGHT FOR FREEDOMS, RIGHTS, SELF-RULE!
If we survive, it will be thanks to leaders dedicated to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. That excludes the current leadership of both parties and milquetoast “moderate” wannabes and most or all of the donor class. There was nothing moderate or “pragmatic” about the founding fathers or the New Deal.
The comments have been very inspiring. However, for all their eloquence, so many people still do not have a clue as to the danger our country is in. So many people simply are not into politics, or are strangely apathetic. They must be reached. I remember before the election finding out about Project 2025. I told everyone that I knew about it. Most people didn’t believe me
and still know nothing about it, even though it is being implemented now.
On this Fourth of July, I am not very hopeful, but will keep trying to spread the word. It is all I can do.
"Trump has fulfilled his agenda. Project 2025 is no longer a scheme. It is the law."
Same here on informing others. When I told friends and family about what was coming, they scoffed. Even when I gave them the links to and/or a pdf of the text to them they didn't believe it would come to pass.
It is all too much ! There is no rest from what trump ,the supreme court and all of the gop are doing to us.. I cannnot bear what is happening. I am crying all the time. And no I hardly watch or read anything anymore. Everytime I do it's like witnessing a terrible car accident .. Can you help people in the car or are you just looking on. The eight immigrants he is sending to south sudan with the supreme courts permission is beyond what my stomach can stand. Who are these people who got to the highest court in the land? I remember Roberts in his senate confirmation being asked about Roe V Wade and he said it is settled law. He was lying wasn't he? pam bondi is a filthy dirty person who should be charged with all kinds of crimes. She is saying she will go after election officials in the 2026 election.My heart is breaking. What can the billionaires that are not in with Trump do to safe guard our election? My friend says they can't do anything. lost in the wilderness.
"It is all too much ! There is no rest from what trump, the supreme court and all of the gop are doing to us.. I cannnot bear what is happening."
I feel the same way. And Roberts, with his phony sincerity and concern for the reputation of SCOTUS, is as or more disgusting than the other outright fascist Maga "justices," or should I say "just-asses?"
Roberts is just the same as all those Republicons who feign outrage at Trump's onerous "policies", and then cave at crunch time. It is difficult to see what it is that Roberts stands to gain from such obvious capitulation to the destruction of democracy and the rule of law.
Billions more for a police state. Do the Republicans think that, with all the guns owned by the citizenry (and I'd bet mostly MAGA) all these ICE thug encounters are going to be non-violent? Are they that deluded. It will only take one incident to set off the revolution that is surely in our future.
Until one of them is the target. Having seen a roofing contractor nearly in tears after ICE took a third of his crew (who had worked for him for years) away in cuffs, his next encounter might not have been as benign.
Peter, If, as James says (and I agree that it is far more likely than not), "It will only take one incident to set off the revolution that is surely in our future," my desperate hope is that enough in the military and law enforcement will side with those fighting for a return to traditional American values, tolerance, liberty, equality, support for our traditional allies, and democracy to defeat the opposing Maga/fascist/"Christian" Nationalist haters.
Americans are used to our freedoms and civil society. Military and law enforcement are trained to uphold the Constitution, not a tyrannical president & cronnies.
Incredible. Do they pay absolutely no attention to the horrors occuring across America and the widespread coverage of this atrocious piece of legislation? Do they not know that Project 2025 is being implemented and it will forever end the America we love and hurt them badly?
Yes, I would say they either don't pay attention or they LIKE what is happening. White supremisists want to keep power only because they are afraid to be the underdogs. Fear is not strength, it is weakness and will not hold up over time. This is why I have faith that our country will "right" itself, as in correct the leaning ship, and find stasis and equilibrium.
Who are being polled? If you ask FauxNonNews these questions, of course they won't know. They are not a cross-section of Americans. A better poll would be to include the question " do you watch FoxNews exclusively?".
This could take 18 months or 20 years the opposition, the fight, the abolition of this oppressor will be worth it! Peaceful protest and action are the way, truth is the way, knowledge is the way, humbleness is the way, steadiness is the way
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
The five most chilling words of the past 250 years.
Civil War is at hand.
The bill has come due for the republic.
Steve reading again your post of the Declaration of Independence, it seems the actual basis for Project 2025 -- to take every single point and ensure each one is turned against the people in order to establish a tyranny. And DJTyrant is their puppet, the perfect foil.
They have taken EVERY point and turned it inside out. Every single point. That is the playbook, the exact opposite of independence.
That is the one thing he is best at -- hating. Hating democracy. Loving hatred. Loving greed and privilege. Suppressing all that is good and free and just.
Project 2025 is now law.
We HAVE to understand this, and understand that it IS our duty as Americans to preserve and protect these freedoms, to understand tyranny.
Because it is here, now. No more toxic positivity, folks. This is fascist authoritarian tyranny enabled by fearful cowardly sycophants afraid of their own shadows.
I cannot and will not celebrate "Independence Day" until we are truly free, which will mean each of us taking responsibility for our freedoms and rights as enshrined in the embattled Constitution.
Give me liberty or give me death, here we are again.
Agree -- and I truly believe we can do it today, every moment we pay attention to kindness, to helping others, to caring about others. I work / volunteer in California's carceral system and every time I go in, every time an individual demonstrates respect and self-worth and compassion, I know we are defeating the darkness. One individual, one act at a time.
It's not easy to defend freedoms; we have to know what they are, first, and what we value most. Then take responsibility for our part in it.
Unfortuately, everyone has not been free since the Constitution was enacted, so some people already have not been celebrating the 4th. Why not celebrate this age of strife right now, which is the continuation and beginning of real reform in our country?
I read it first thing this morning for the first time ever. They were wise to not name the king personally, but to instead use the pronoun "he." This makes it indisputable that they were speaking to the future, which has arrived.
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power."
I for one will battle to regain our Republic! F you maga, FFOTUS and all you represent. Oaths we have taken my military colleagues, f’n time to fulfill them.
Thank you, Steve, for your insight in your article this morning. Let's hope people are mindful of the state of this country, and have respect themselves and others this 4th of July weekend. I'm not celebrating, but for you and your readers, here's hoping you have a good, fun and Safe holiday, and will reStack ASAP 🙏
What thawed out from a hard winter at Valley Forge turned out to be men of steel filled with resolve. It was one bad winter. We are there again. We know what to do. Wear them down. Wear them out. Vote’m Out! Block the concentration camps. https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/concentration-camping?r=3m1bs
We must act with courage and haste
Before his new army of goons and mercenaries can be trained.
Ron P
Trump is the new King George, and the 200 million Americans who despise Trump are the new patriots. We need a 2nd, modeized edition of the Declaration and tens of millions of people willing to back it up.
Doesn’t need modernizing. Need all Americans to READ it. And PAY ATTENTION to what it implies/says for what’s happening these days. And DECIDE that FF47 and his Junk Drawer and Bucket of Deplorables need to go — NOW!
And read Elliot Oberman’s post below.
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it." - Abraham Lincoln
"...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Abraham Lincoln
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” …
That as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
That as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
“When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security” …
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
He has defied Article 1 of the Constitution (All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.) by refusing to expend funds duly authorized by Congress and by attempting to eliminate Departments previously authorized by Congress.
By the unilateral imposition of tariffs, he has violated Article 1 Section 7 of the Constitution (All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.) and Section 8 (The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excise)
“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people….”
“For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world”
unilaterally imposing outrageous tariffs,
He has violated the following Bill of Rights:
First Amendment by attempting to intimidate states, legal firms and educational institutions from their right of free speech by suspending duly authorized federal funding or federal contracts.
The Sixth Amendment by denying individuals the right to a speedy and fair trial by an impartial jury.
We, therefore, on behalf of millions of patriotic Americans, call President Trump to account for all his crimes and beseech our fellow citizens to join us in this crusade for liberty and the preservation of democracy.
Sounds like We the People need to write and new Declaration of Independence that uses much of the same wording of the Original but with specifics as to what has happened to our 3 Branches of Government, checks and balances, bipartisan legislation, 41 Senators able to stop all legislation of the House and Senate-hence no budget passed except by reconciliation that can be passed by simple Majority in the Senate. Got 51 votes so PASS whatever budget bill you want to destroy, kill, reward, punish people, states, companies! Result is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Same as under King in 1776!
We are back where We the People started in 1776 and are either in or out of the FIGHT FOR FREEDOMS, RIGHTS, SELF-RULE!
WAKE UP AMERICA!
If we survive, it will be thanks to leaders dedicated to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. That excludes the current leadership of both parties and milquetoast “moderate” wannabes and most or all of the donor class. There was nothing moderate or “pragmatic” about the founding fathers or the New Deal.
The comments have been very inspiring. However, for all their eloquence, so many people still do not have a clue as to the danger our country is in. So many people simply are not into politics, or are strangely apathetic. They must be reached. I remember before the election finding out about Project 2025. I told everyone that I knew about it. Most people didn’t believe me
and still know nothing about it, even though it is being implemented now.
On this Fourth of July, I am not very hopeful, but will keep trying to spread the word. It is all I can do.
"Trump has fulfilled his agenda. Project 2025 is no longer a scheme. It is the law."
Same here on informing others. When I told friends and family about what was coming, they scoffed. Even when I gave them the links to and/or a pdf of the text to them they didn't believe it would come to pass.
Heinlein was right - If This Goes On.
I guess we should “ never underestimate the power of human stupidity.”
It is all too much ! There is no rest from what trump ,the supreme court and all of the gop are doing to us.. I cannnot bear what is happening. I am crying all the time. And no I hardly watch or read anything anymore. Everytime I do it's like witnessing a terrible car accident .. Can you help people in the car or are you just looking on. The eight immigrants he is sending to south sudan with the supreme courts permission is beyond what my stomach can stand. Who are these people who got to the highest court in the land? I remember Roberts in his senate confirmation being asked about Roe V Wade and he said it is settled law. He was lying wasn't he? pam bondi is a filthy dirty person who should be charged with all kinds of crimes. She is saying she will go after election officials in the 2026 election.My heart is breaking. What can the billionaires that are not in with Trump do to safe guard our election? My friend says they can't do anything. lost in the wilderness.
"It is all too much ! There is no rest from what trump, the supreme court and all of the gop are doing to us.. I cannnot bear what is happening."
I feel the same way. And Roberts, with his phony sincerity and concern for the reputation of SCOTUS, is as or more disgusting than the other outright fascist Maga "justices," or should I say "just-asses?"
If he was worried about SCOTUS’ reputation, he shouldn’t have allowed Trump to be given immunity for his actions as president.
Precisely, and if he wanted democracy he would not have voted as he did on Citizens United.
Roberts is just the same as all those Republicons who feign outrage at Trump's onerous "policies", and then cave at crunch time. It is difficult to see what it is that Roberts stands to gain from such obvious capitulation to the destruction of democracy and the rule of law.
Do not despair!! We The People are coordinating and acting to overcome this hatefulness! tRump and friends will not last!!
Billions more for a police state. Do the Republicans think that, with all the guns owned by the citizenry (and I'd bet mostly MAGA) all these ICE thug encounters are going to be non-violent? Are they that deluded. It will only take one incident to set off the revolution that is surely in our future.
MAGA gun owners support what ICE is doing.
Until one of them is the target. Having seen a roofing contractor nearly in tears after ICE took a third of his crew (who had worked for him for years) away in cuffs, his next encounter might not have been as benign.
I hope you are right.
Peter, If, as James says (and I agree that it is far more likely than not), "It will only take one incident to set off the revolution that is surely in our future," my desperate hope is that enough in the military and law enforcement will side with those fighting for a return to traditional American values, tolerance, liberty, equality, support for our traditional allies, and democracy to defeat the opposing Maga/fascist/"Christian" Nationalist haters.
It's an interesting question. Is the majority of the military and law enforcement akin to General Mark Milley, or are they akin to MAGA Mike Flynn?
Americans are used to our freedoms and civil society. Military and law enforcement are trained to uphold the Constitution, not a tyrannical president & cronnies.
Let's see what happens when the rubber hits the road.
Cheryl, I want to believe that; but, mounting evidence is weakening my ability to believe, beyond doubt, what you state
So we've been told. I haven't seen much evidence that the training has held up.
I don't see how we can take back American when so many Americans are clueless about what is going on. From Sam Stein:
* Nearly half (48%) of Americans haven’t heard anything about the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill.’
* Only 8% of all Americans name Medicaid cuts as a detail of the bill they have heard about.
Incredible. Do they pay absolutely no attention to the horrors occuring across America and the widespread coverage of this atrocious piece of legislation? Do they not know that Project 2025 is being implemented and it will forever end the America we love and hurt them badly?
Yes, I would say they either don't pay attention or they LIKE what is happening. White supremisists want to keep power only because they are afraid to be the underdogs. Fear is not strength, it is weakness and will not hold up over time. This is why I have faith that our country will "right" itself, as in correct the leaning ship, and find stasis and equilibrium.
It's truly shocking and utterly depressing.
Who are being polled? If you ask FauxNonNews these questions, of course they won't know. They are not a cross-section of Americans. A better poll would be to include the question " do you watch FoxNews exclusively?".
This could take 18 months or 20 years the opposition, the fight, the abolition of this oppressor will be worth it! Peaceful protest and action are the way, truth is the way, knowledge is the way, humbleness is the way, steadiness is the way
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
Sounds like a plan to me.
Project 2025 is now law.
The five most chilling words of the past 250 years.
Civil War is at hand.
The bill has come due for the republic.
Steve reading again your post of the Declaration of Independence, it seems the actual basis for Project 2025 -- to take every single point and ensure each one is turned against the people in order to establish a tyranny. And DJTyrant is their puppet, the perfect foil.
They have taken EVERY point and turned it inside out. Every single point. That is the playbook, the exact opposite of independence.
That is the one thing he is best at -- hating. Hating democracy. Loving hatred. Loving greed and privilege. Suppressing all that is good and free and just.
Project 2025 is now law.
We HAVE to understand this, and understand that it IS our duty as Americans to preserve and protect these freedoms, to understand tyranny.
Because it is here, now. No more toxic positivity, folks. This is fascist authoritarian tyranny enabled by fearful cowardly sycophants afraid of their own shadows.
I cannot and will not celebrate "Independence Day" until we are truly free, which will mean each of us taking responsibility for our freedoms and rights as enshrined in the embattled Constitution.
Give me liberty or give me death, here we are again.
We can still celebrate our Independence from Tryanny as a future endeavor.
Agree -- and I truly believe we can do it today, every moment we pay attention to kindness, to helping others, to caring about others. I work / volunteer in California's carceral system and every time I go in, every time an individual demonstrates respect and self-worth and compassion, I know we are defeating the darkness. One individual, one act at a time.
It's not easy to defend freedoms; we have to know what they are, first, and what we value most. Then take responsibility for our part in it.
Why I love this Substack!
Unfortuately, everyone has not been free since the Constitution was enacted, so some people already have not been celebrating the 4th. Why not celebrate this age of strife right now, which is the continuation and beginning of real reform in our country?
absolutely!
I read it first thing this morning for the first time ever. They were wise to not name the king personally, but to instead use the pronoun "he." This makes it indisputable that they were speaking to the future, which has arrived.
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power."
I for one will battle to regain our Republic! F you maga, FFOTUS and all you represent. Oaths we have taken my military colleagues, f’n time to fulfill them.
FFOTUS: Is that
A) First Fuhrer of the United States
B) Facepainted Fascist of the United States
C) Flag-mocking Fraud Overlord of Unchecked Sadism
D) all of the above
A obviously, altho the other options are accurate.
What does FFOTUS mean?
First Felon of the United States…it’s a factually accurate title.
"It is a hard , hard rain gonna fall" Dylan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5al0HmR4to. July 4th 2025 anthem.
Thank you Steve, for a powerful call to resist the attack on our nation.
Thank you, Steve, for your insight in your article this morning. Let's hope people are mindful of the state of this country, and have respect themselves and others this 4th of July weekend. I'm not celebrating, but for you and your readers, here's hoping you have a good, fun and Safe holiday, and will reStack ASAP 🙏