Is anyone else concerned about Ken Martin as DNC Chair. After the fiasco with David Hogg and now Weingarten and Lee Saunders gone, I am losing faith. Feels like we are floating in a boat without a rudder.
Martin is doing good things. Hogg wanted to have the party change its rules so he could have it both ways--be a high-level party official while endorsing and funding primary candidates. He is better off as an outside activist if he won't abide by a common sense rule that the party leadership should be neutral in the primaries. Remember the criticism Dems got for anointing Harris as Biden's successor candidate rather than have a quick primary?
One great thing the DNC is doing is to release a daily Blueprint on YouTube that includes information on what Democratic lawmakers are doing and what we can do. I've subscribed to it and share it on social media.
Thanks! I didn’t know about Hogg’s conflicting goals, and only knew that the narrative was that younger leaders were being kept out. Now I can share with friends the actual narrative that sometimes the candidate you like doesn’t win, and hopefully he will continue to put his intelligence and passion toward creating change, and come back to try again when his priorities are clearer.
I support Ken Martin in his role as DNC Chair. Although I preferred Ben Wickler, we had many good candidates. State Chairs and Vice Chairs are not permitted to take sides in any primary election, and they are all members of the DNC. For David to do otherwise in such a public manner is a huge problem.
Hi Teri - as I understand it, the DNC issue with the election of the assistant chairs happened on the previous DNC chair's watch. Ken unfortunately inherited the issue and has been working to correct someone else's negligence. Over the two years I've known Simon, I have come to trust his instinct implicitly. So if he is behind Ken, I'm behind Ken.
These comments are very helpful. I'm truly an outsider with the DNC but just want to be sure we are fighting and ready to elect Ds up and down the ballot from Nov. 2025 on. It is terrifying to think of another red trifecta.
You can always contact your DNC representatives to dicuss your concerns and hear their perspectives. That's what I do, especially since I am one of the State Central Committee Members that elects the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman from NM. You can also contact the DNC here https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Like you, I got more concerned with Randi Weingarten's departure. I want to know what is going on, what the nature of the problem is. I think Hogg is great but he is also young and unseasoned, so his departure is not as alarming. But Weingarten is a long-time campaigner. The goal has to be expanding our consituency. As Simon has said, we have to win in what are now "red" states, e.g., Florida, Texas. So what impact do these departures have on that goal?
No, I'm not concerned at all. I think he's doing a terrific job with his "organize everywhere" approach.
I'm glad that David Hogg has stepped back from the DNC. He can't be Vice Chair and support particular Democratic candidates in primaries. However, I get why he wants to support a new generation of leaders, and now he'll be able to devote himself to that. I'm not going to do that, but I'm okay with him doing it. It's his choice.
David Hogg had a conflict of interest, the neutrality policy was 10-year-in-the-works, and he claimed he was the victim. (He may not be old enough to remember the Bernie-Hillary divisions, but I am.) Then the party had a legit challenge to election procedures, and again Hogg claimed it was about him. My opinion of David Hogg fell, not my opinion of Ken Martin. I still respect many of Hogg's views, but not his handling of these two challenges.
I LOVE the new strategy plan and investment in state party infrastructure in all 50 states and 7 territories. Prior to the election, I had been impressed with Martin, Wikler, and O'Malley for different reasons, and was conscious that Wikler was more well known given that WI was a swing state last year.
Thanks for these insights, Rachel. I'm also very impressed with the 50 state strategy and state party investments. Having deep ties to Wisconsin, I've been a Ben Wikler fan, but from my novice perspective, Ken Martin is getting good things done. Would love to get Simon's take on the impact of Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunder's departures.
In Albuquerque, the hearing for resolution “Defending our U.S. Constitution and Separation of Powers” is on Tuesday June 24 at 5 pm. I will be providing testimony in person, and asking others who live in Bernalillo County to be there to testify or submit public comments in writing. In addition to two others from the Hopium Community, I've asked my NM State Senator and colleagues on the DPNM State Central Committee that I serve. Trying to reach Hopium member Susan Lee (are you Susan Lee @smaylone ?) to testify. Location is Alvarado Square in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers, first floor at 415 Silver Ave. SW 87102
I have also asked the Democratic Party of NM’s Veterans and Military Families Caucus for help, since I am a member. One of the Doña Ana County Commissioners is a VMFC Officer Representing CD-2, so that should really help! I’ve asked the Caucus Chair, who lives in Bernalillo Co., and others in the Caucus to provide testimony. This might be my best strategy so far!
Here is my draft, brief testimony. Not yet sure if the time limit is 5 min per person or what is the total time allowed. Feedback, anyone? I've already included comments from Randy of Hopium.
Good evening, Honorable Chairman Olivas, Vice Chair Barboa, Commissioners Barbara Baca, Frank Baca and Walt Benson. The citizens of Bernalillo County are being hurt by the unconstitutional orders, illegal actions, and willful misdeeds of the Executive Branch that are enumerated in the Whereas statements of the resolution.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez of the New Mexico Department of Justice has filed the legal arguments against the administration in many lawsuits, as noted in 18 citations in the resolution. Our Congressional Delegation has been collecting information from their constituents about how they have been adversely affected. Their findings are posted on government websites, and have been presented in Congress.
We the citizens of Bernalillo County are called at this moment in time to speak out, to defend our U.S. Constitution and our rights, and to uphold our responsibilities. We are reminded that during the revolutionary period, local jurisdictions passed declarations of disapproval for harmful decisions that King George III enacted without the consent of the colonies. In that historical spirit, the two statements of resolution will support our Congressional Delegation in their role as members of a coequal branch of government according to the Separation of Powers and in their efforts to ensure that our U.S. Constitution is upheld as the supreme and defining law of our country.
I come before you to request your vote in favor of this resolution. Thank you for serving the citizens of Bernalillo County.
I think your testimony is great, and really like the historical reference. If you have support in your research for stating that the declarations of disapproval passed by local jurisdictions strengthened the resolve of the Continental Congress in the summer of 1776, or that the language of some of these local resolutions found their way into the Declaration of Independence, it might be worth saying that as well.
https://cardozolawreview.com/an-outrage-upon-our-feelings-the-role-of-local-governments-in-resistance-movements/ “An Outrage Upon Our Feelings: The Role of Local Governments in Resistance Movements” by Daniel Farbman Volume 42 Issue 6. 2025 is one reference, although I don't intend to mention it in my sworn testimony. It's just not my area of expertise. Maybe one of the lawyers who are testifying or a historian could include those facts,especially the strong role of towns in the revolutionary movement. (AI had a lot to say about this in response to my search, but I try to ignore that and go to the real refs.)
Right, not mine either! I think your original statement is enough, honestly. Somebody can reasonably infer that resolutions from local jurisdictions must have helped create the environment for the DOI to be approved, and that they can be effective. Probably better in your testimony to keep it brief and direct as your original does.
Please keep posting updates -- we'll be with you in spirit when you testify and I hope it is adopted!!
Deborah. So well written. I love that you wrote “our U.S. Constitution”. I’ve been saying that. It’s ours! People died for it. And it has protected us all these years.
Surprising update: Chair of DPNM Veterans & Military Families Caucus will testify in person 6/24
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for reaching out about this important resolution. I've reviewed the resolution and appreciate the thorough legal foundation you've built, particularly the extensive citations of AG Torrez's ongoing litigation efforts.
I support this resolution and will be available to provide oral testimony at the Bernalillo County hearing on Tuesday, June 24th at 5 PM. As veterans who took an oath to defend the Constitution, I believe we have a particular duty to speak up when we see threats to constitutional principles and separation of powers.
Regarding Shannon Reynolds in Doña Ana County - I'll forward this to him directly along with the resolution so he can assess how best to handle it in his jurisdiction. I'll also share this information with our other caucus members and let them decide individually whether they'd like to participate in testimony or other support.
The documentation you've provided is solid, and having these resolutions from local governments will indeed strengthen the legal and public record. Let me know if you need anything else as we move forward.
I went to the protest in Philadelphia. The speakers were fantastic. After I left, I walked to center city where it seemed that most of the pedestrians were fellow protesters. At a coffee house, I spoke to a few of them. It makes me think that there is a desire to connect that nobody has tapped into (or not much). I wish there were a way to give protesters at the next demonstration something simple and easy to do. Hand them stamped postcards with a brief message that they could send to their representatives/senators? Someone will have a better idea. I have to think that there is energy out there that can be harnessed.
We had a guy at our protest hand out simple small 2-sided fliers with Timothy Snyder’s on tyranny list on one side and what to do next on the other. It included voting info and contacting Congress and had the 5 Calls link.
Asking first is a great idea. I hope that people can follow his example at scale (that's why I hope organizers think of ways to have fliers or postcards distributed). Of course, there may be other and better ways of mobilizing the energy of protesters.
I think that may be the Card Campaign group which Heather Cox Richardson introduced her readers to last year? Great information presented in digestible form with references and in a small format for handing out or leaving in high traffic areas.
Our town's event had a table set up for people to send postcards to our MoCs. They had flyers with bullet points on different topics that people could choose from. It was popular!
that's great. Protesters from other districts come to bigger demonstrations like the ones in Philadelphia, Boston, NY etc. IT would help to have a way for them to contacts their MoC.
Excellent idea. In Connecticut, it is like the old saying "bringing coals to Newcastle" since we are blessed with great MOC's but it accomplishes at least two things: let's our MOC's know that we are out there and support them, and educates constituents who are not up on every damn thing that the GOP is up to (who can blame them, it's certainly exhausting!).
Great idea about handing out information after protests or, really, any time! The Card Campaign is a small grass-roots organization which creates two-sided, related handouts which you can download for free and either print out yourself or take and get printed. They are roughly post card size (but legal size for mailing) and perfect for handing to others or, if you're more introverted/like to avoid conflict, they can easily be left in bathroom stalls, with your tip at a restaurant, on grocery store shelves, in libraries, etc. There are bulleted points with a QR code at the bottom of each card so one can scan to check the source materials. Heather Cox Richardson usually refrains from endorsing groups, but she is the one who got their name out there last year. They originally had information about the Biden vs. Trump Admins, then switched over to Harris, and now have morphed into general information about all the things this regime is doing which will harm those who live here. Check them out on FB and their website: https://cc4democracy.com/
Annie Bear says it best, mobilize to call our reps. over and over and over. 5calls.org shoud be on everyone's phone... spread it, spread it, spread it.
And lets get back out there in mass soon. I think 5 million is an underestimate, as people were reporting doubling and tripling from Hand Off march. We are on the March to 3.5%, sustained to topple MAGA. Seize the momentum and watch this video when you have an hour.
Thanks for sharing this link, @Michael. I learned a lot listening to it. One of my main takeaways is that 3.5% isn't of itself a magic solution; it's what the 3.5% does overtime to grow the movement and peal off support from the regimes pillars of support. I was able to listen to the Indivisible/NoKings What's Next call tonight. Here's the link for suggested next steps and a description of the July 17 action. https://www.nokings.org/next
I completely agree! Education is so important now. At the Montpelier, VT, honk and wave, a man was walking along the curb, asking people what they planned to do next. If they didn't have a plan, he was offering a small flyer from SURJ, Stand Up for Racial Justice, with ideas for next steps. It immediately inspired me to suggest the same project to my local Indivisible group for our next public gathering. I was standing next to a woman who was at her first protest. With no paper to write on, no flyers in my pocket, I just gave her two very simple suggestions for getting more information, thinking less is more in such a situation. And I learned a valuable lesson in being more prepared next time!
I look forward to watching the interview with Senator Van Hollen. I saw an interview with Senator Schatz where he said the Senate just wasn't getting enough calls about the budget bill, and he urged everyone to put the pressure on. He felt there wasn't a strong enough organized campaign against the bill, so I hope that after the march, some of the bigger groups will get involved.
I called Senators Klobuchar and Smith and Rep Omar to express my sorrow over the assassination this weekend. I also left a message for Senator Booker, making clear I was from Minnesota, thanking him for his strong words about the murders and asking that he call for a censure of Mike Lee, who celebrated the assassin and the violence. This has to end now.
Will get back to Hopium business soon, but I want the party to stand strong against political violence. It all ties in with the attacks on Senator Padilla, the arrest of Rep. McIver, the threats to jail politicians, the dehumanization of immigrants, etc.
Second, and this one is really important, I did an updated repost on the news about the deal Bukele made with MS-13 to get into power, and Trump and the Trump DOJ's role in helping Bukele cover his tracks. Here it is: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/repost-3-threefour-times-a-charm.
Please spread the word, especially on the latter article. This stuff really needs to get out. If it gets enough attention, it will be scandalous.
My calls to Durbin, Duckworth, and Sorensen (sounds like a law firm!) today are about NIH, FDC, and CDC funding. We should not be cutting a dollar or a person from these great institutions. I'm also throwing in university research as a college professor myself. Many of my colleagues in the sciences are doing integral and important research on university campuses as well as training the future generations of researchers. So happy to see all the photos from Saturday!
At the rally I attended in north suburban Chicago, there were a number of signs supporting science and health. I told each of these groups about the Bethesda Declaration, and none of them had heard of it. They said they would look it up and sign on, and I'm sure they'll let others know. I also told many about Hopium---again, there was little awareness, and this was an educated, passionate group! So we definitely have to keep spreading the word, particularly at rallies going forward.I've been contacting Illinois Senators Durbin and Duckworth on a regular basis about different issues (as the popular sign says, "So many issues, so little cardboard!") as well as thanking our attorney general Kwame Raoul for his many lawsuits with other states, including against RFK Jr. and the trashing of health funding and research. I'm also VERY proud of our Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, calling out the cruelty and incompetence of this fascist regime, and welcoming those who need reproductive and other services that are banned in red states.
the Bethesda Declaration is excellent in terms of content and for the scientists who know about NIH research. Now its principles should be translated into bumper sticker phrases for use by all candidates for elected office. Simple phrases that convey why this research matters to everyone of us. We must expand the universe of people who understand why this health research matters. Medicaid pays for our health, research gives us the tools for our health, everyone deserves to get the most up-to-date health care. We should request that all candidates we support include in ther planks some language that supports Health for All.
I remember a video made at the start of Mike Lee’s Senate career. He says straight out that he ran for office in order to get rid of Social Security. He a vile [expletive deleted]!
Please don’t delete expletives for me. DO it for Simon, he is a strategy specialist, I was an uncouth advance man for Clinton 1992-2001! Keep the Faith!
Catherine, I think you are suggesting that I ask my R governor to stand with Newsome and the State of California because Trump is attacking not just California, but everyone's rights and freedoms, including the right to protest peacefully and the right to due process.
I suggest you think about a few, up to 3 points per call you care most about and go with them - write down points that you care about as they come to mind and go with 1 or 2 on a given day. Simon and others in the community post information you can refresh before the call. Your personal engagement comes across this way, imo very helpful if you get a person not a message machine. Also, your region might have issues that are of particular importance that will resonate - protecting public lands, education, etc - that you might emphasize. I note down after my calls what my topics were also the name of the staffer and how I thought my points were received if I spoke with a person.
Your response made me think I should see what Gov Younkin has on his social media before I call. And I was amazed at what I saw (cut/pasted below):
from Gov. Younkin: "Political violence is not just a crime against those tragically killed or wounded, but a crime against our entire republic. We must all condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms, and I ask all Virginians to pray for the grieving family of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the health and recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman, and the people of Minnesota. As the search continues to bring this assassin to justice, Virginia will offer any assistance we can."
So...today...called and spoke with someone in Younkin's office. I thanked him for his message that indicates to me that he chose not to be silent. He chose to raise his voice against political violence against the Hortman's and Hoffmans.
And I asked Gov Younkin to raise his voice against another form of political violence, that of Trump who is using the US military on domestic soil to sow fear among the immigrant community and the people who are trying to raise their voices in support of their immigrant neighbors. In this case, it seems to me, that Trump is the one who is doing political violence .
Sowing fear is a form of political violence!!! And I want Gov Younkin to speak out against that too!
Since Sen Van Hollen says it is still necessary, and since killing the MAGA Murder Bill is still important, I used today's post-NoKingsDay energy to write the following. I will write another soon, demanding that McMagaClintock stand up against the vile mistreatment of Senator Padilla.
Dear Rep McClintock,
You may have noticed that thousands and thousands of your constituents "showed up" yesterday to protest the policies, priorities, and positions of the current federal administration. You ought to realize that most of us were of voting age and that we represent a sizeable bloc. We are deeply offended to think that our tax dollars -- slated to increase under the current bill -- would be met with a drastic reduction in necessary services and instead go to fund "relief" that is hardly needed for billionaires. (I doubt you have many billionaire constituents.) I hope you regret your ossified position on the Reconciliation Bill and that you will begin to use your voice to help, rather than to kill, your voter base.
Simon, thank you for the great interview with my Senator, Chris Van Hollen. He gave great speeches in Rockville and Baltimore at this weekend's No Kings rally. I called him to express my gratitude. I also called Congressman Raskin to thank him for his speech, which included an attack on Trump's corruption and selling of pardons. I called Senator Alsobrooks to ask her to get louder about the Trump budget.
I'm writing postcards to North Carolina voters today.
Hey everyone. Great NoKings Motor Rally in Tucson. It was soooo hot, our traffic in the area of our Reid Park was basically at a and still. A few MAGAt's out and about.
I have contacted Sen Gallego & Senator Kelly, re. MAGA's death bill, tariffs and added gettin the military off our street & supporting Gov Newsom. I have been a fan of Newsom's since he was Mayor; he is terrific. I continue to write postcards for the special election primary for CD7. It will be interesting to see if Tucson stays with the Grijalva's or choose to move forward with Deja Foxx. I'm on the older spectrum so I will happily support whomever is chosen.
I think it is time we start calling out the radicalization of our citizens & military by Fox Propaganda News and the countless right-wing outlets. I am hopeful this will be a focus of Indivisible. There is a call tonight to discuss the going forward topics. Hoping everyone had a blast yesterday; we sure did.
And... here is my second missive to MAGA-loving McClintock:
Dear Rep McClintock,
I am appalled by the violent take-down and handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla during Kristi Noem's press conference. Ms Noem must resign immediately. And YOU, YOU, must go on record to deplore this violence against a duly elected public official. Especially in light of the violent murders and violent legal harassment of elected officials by partisans of the political right. I look for your public repudiation of these reprehensible and unAmerican actions.
Hey Claudia. In addition to leading the protests/Motor March, Phin and his crew have also been working on getting a resolution through Tucson City Council and Pima Board of Supervisors. Let me know if you're interested in helping out with that.
Take the wins baby! And the winds. The winds of change are blowing through the country.
3 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vWXXDKQFZyo
2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbjNyAyfVcU
1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpiKfhyntbk
p.s. I would have posted this yesterday, but for some reason I never got the post, first time ever. Thanks Simon for making the link to it today.
I’d like to see Hair Furore "Blowing (Away) in the Wind"!
Thanks, Michael!
Those were very inspiring videos!
Thanks again!
Send them around to your networks. NO KINGS dammit!
Is anyone else concerned about Ken Martin as DNC Chair. After the fiasco with David Hogg and now Weingarten and Lee Saunders gone, I am losing faith. Feels like we are floating in a boat without a rudder.
Martin is doing good things. Hogg wanted to have the party change its rules so he could have it both ways--be a high-level party official while endorsing and funding primary candidates. He is better off as an outside activist if he won't abide by a common sense rule that the party leadership should be neutral in the primaries. Remember the criticism Dems got for anointing Harris as Biden's successor candidate rather than have a quick primary?
One great thing the DNC is doing is to release a daily Blueprint on YouTube that includes information on what Democratic lawmakers are doing and what we can do. I've subscribed to it and share it on social media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xmJ4BNYv0c&list=PLbrp7CilEOGryKdfo2THM3E5uV4rNDnUc
Thank you for reminding me of this! I subscribed and look forward to hearing directly from the DNC about current issues.
Thanks! I didn’t know about Hogg’s conflicting goals, and only knew that the narrative was that younger leaders were being kept out. Now I can share with friends the actual narrative that sometimes the candidate you like doesn’t win, and hopefully he will continue to put his intelligence and passion toward creating change, and come back to try again when his priorities are clearer.
Martin also reformed the "superdelegate" role which caused a lot of controversy in 2016. I think he deserves our support.
good to hear. I don't think Teri is asking a real question, just trying to get us to dem bash and waste time on some non-Hopium thread
I support Ken Martin in his role as DNC Chair. Although I preferred Ben Wickler, we had many good candidates. State Chairs and Vice Chairs are not permitted to take sides in any primary election, and they are all members of the DNC. For David to do otherwise in such a public manner is a huge problem.
Spot on! David Hogg had a conflict of interest. He had to choose.
And for the record, I think Ken Martin has done great things – and is trying to do far more great things. That said, I too preferred Ben Wikler.
After reading the WaPo story, it appears one labor leader had issues related to David Hogg’s departure. It sounds as if the other was just too busy.
Hi Teri - as I understand it, the DNC issue with the election of the assistant chairs happened on the previous DNC chair's watch. Ken unfortunately inherited the issue and has been working to correct someone else's negligence. Over the two years I've known Simon, I have come to trust his instinct implicitly. So if he is behind Ken, I'm behind Ken.
These comments are very helpful. I'm truly an outsider with the DNC but just want to be sure we are fighting and ready to elect Ds up and down the ballot from Nov. 2025 on. It is terrifying to think of another red trifecta.
Totally understandable. Simon is the real deal and is 100% trustworthy IMHO.
💙
You can always contact your DNC representatives to dicuss your concerns and hear their perspectives. That's what I do, especially since I am one of the State Central Committee Members that elects the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman from NM. You can also contact the DNC here https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Like you, I got more concerned with Randi Weingarten's departure. I want to know what is going on, what the nature of the problem is. I think Hogg is great but he is also young and unseasoned, so his departure is not as alarming. But Weingarten is a long-time campaigner. The goal has to be expanding our consituency. As Simon has said, we have to win in what are now "red" states, e.g., Florida, Texas. So what impact do these departures have on that goal?
Teri, I think you need to give him time.
I don't think it's a real question, just trying to get us to dem bash and waste time
No, I'm not concerned at all. I think he's doing a terrific job with his "organize everywhere" approach.
I'm glad that David Hogg has stepped back from the DNC. He can't be Vice Chair and support particular Democratic candidates in primaries. However, I get why he wants to support a new generation of leaders, and now he'll be able to devote himself to that. I'm not going to do that, but I'm okay with him doing it. It's his choice.
David Hogg had a conflict of interest, the neutrality policy was 10-year-in-the-works, and he claimed he was the victim. (He may not be old enough to remember the Bernie-Hillary divisions, but I am.) Then the party had a legit challenge to election procedures, and again Hogg claimed it was about him. My opinion of David Hogg fell, not my opinion of Ken Martin. I still respect many of Hogg's views, but not his handling of these two challenges.
I LOVE the new strategy plan and investment in state party infrastructure in all 50 states and 7 territories. Prior to the election, I had been impressed with Martin, Wikler, and O'Malley for different reasons, and was conscious that Wikler was more well known given that WI was a swing state last year.
I believe Martin trained Wikler as well (though I can't confirm).
Thanks for these insights, Rachel. I'm also very impressed with the 50 state strategy and state party investments. Having deep ties to Wisconsin, I've been a Ben Wikler fan, but from my novice perspective, Ken Martin is getting good things done. Would love to get Simon's take on the impact of Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunder's departures.
Resolution update!
In Albuquerque, the hearing for resolution “Defending our U.S. Constitution and Separation of Powers” is on Tuesday June 24 at 5 pm. I will be providing testimony in person, and asking others who live in Bernalillo County to be there to testify or submit public comments in writing. In addition to two others from the Hopium Community, I've asked my NM State Senator and colleagues on the DPNM State Central Committee that I serve. Trying to reach Hopium member Susan Lee (are you Susan Lee @smaylone ?) to testify. Location is Alvarado Square in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers, first floor at 415 Silver Ave. SW 87102
I have also asked the Democratic Party of NM’s Veterans and Military Families Caucus for help, since I am a member. One of the Doña Ana County Commissioners is a VMFC Officer Representing CD-2, so that should really help! I’ve asked the Caucus Chair, who lives in Bernalillo Co., and others in the Caucus to provide testimony. This might be my best strategy so far!
Here is my draft, brief testimony. Not yet sure if the time limit is 5 min per person or what is the total time allowed. Feedback, anyone? I've already included comments from Randy of Hopium.
Good evening, Honorable Chairman Olivas, Vice Chair Barboa, Commissioners Barbara Baca, Frank Baca and Walt Benson. The citizens of Bernalillo County are being hurt by the unconstitutional orders, illegal actions, and willful misdeeds of the Executive Branch that are enumerated in the Whereas statements of the resolution.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez of the New Mexico Department of Justice has filed the legal arguments against the administration in many lawsuits, as noted in 18 citations in the resolution. Our Congressional Delegation has been collecting information from their constituents about how they have been adversely affected. Their findings are posted on government websites, and have been presented in Congress.
We the citizens of Bernalillo County are called at this moment in time to speak out, to defend our U.S. Constitution and our rights, and to uphold our responsibilities. We are reminded that during the revolutionary period, local jurisdictions passed declarations of disapproval for harmful decisions that King George III enacted without the consent of the colonies. In that historical spirit, the two statements of resolution will support our Congressional Delegation in their role as members of a coequal branch of government according to the Separation of Powers and in their efforts to ensure that our U.S. Constitution is upheld as the supreme and defining law of our country.
I come before you to request your vote in favor of this resolution. Thank you for serving the citizens of Bernalillo County.
I think your testimony is great, and really like the historical reference. If you have support in your research for stating that the declarations of disapproval passed by local jurisdictions strengthened the resolve of the Continental Congress in the summer of 1776, or that the language of some of these local resolutions found their way into the Declaration of Independence, it might be worth saying that as well.
Thank you for your comment, John.
https://cardozolawreview.com/an-outrage-upon-our-feelings-the-role-of-local-governments-in-resistance-movements/ “An Outrage Upon Our Feelings: The Role of Local Governments in Resistance Movements” by Daniel Farbman Volume 42 Issue 6. 2025 is one reference, although I don't intend to mention it in my sworn testimony. It's just not my area of expertise. Maybe one of the lawyers who are testifying or a historian could include those facts,especially the strong role of towns in the revolutionary movement. (AI had a lot to say about this in response to my search, but I try to ignore that and go to the real refs.)
Right, not mine either! I think your original statement is enough, honestly. Somebody can reasonably infer that resolutions from local jurisdictions must have helped create the environment for the DOI to be approved, and that they can be effective. Probably better in your testimony to keep it brief and direct as your original does.
Please keep posting updates -- we'll be with you in spirit when you testify and I hope it is adopted!!
Deborah. So well written. I love that you wrote “our U.S. Constitution”. I’ve been saying that. It’s ours! People died for it. And it has protected us all these years.
Thank you for your work and for posting this.
Surprising update: Chair of DPNM Veterans & Military Families Caucus will testify in person 6/24
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for reaching out about this important resolution. I've reviewed the resolution and appreciate the thorough legal foundation you've built, particularly the extensive citations of AG Torrez's ongoing litigation efforts.
I support this resolution and will be available to provide oral testimony at the Bernalillo County hearing on Tuesday, June 24th at 5 PM. As veterans who took an oath to defend the Constitution, I believe we have a particular duty to speak up when we see threats to constitutional principles and separation of powers.
Regarding Shannon Reynolds in Doña Ana County - I'll forward this to him directly along with the resolution so he can assess how best to handle it in his jurisdiction. I'll also share this information with our other caucus members and let them decide individually whether they'd like to participate in testimony or other support.
The documentation you've provided is solid, and having these resolutions from local governments will indeed strengthen the legal and public record. Let me know if you need anything else as we move forward.
Semper Fi,
Frank J. Smith
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Chair DPNM Veterans and Military Families Caucus
I went to the protest in Philadelphia. The speakers were fantastic. After I left, I walked to center city where it seemed that most of the pedestrians were fellow protesters. At a coffee house, I spoke to a few of them. It makes me think that there is a desire to connect that nobody has tapped into (or not much). I wish there were a way to give protesters at the next demonstration something simple and easy to do. Hand them stamped postcards with a brief message that they could send to their representatives/senators? Someone will have a better idea. I have to think that there is energy out there that can be harnessed.
We had a guy at our protest hand out simple small 2-sided fliers with Timothy Snyder’s on tyranny list on one side and what to do next on the other. It included voting info and contacting Congress and had the 5 Calls link.
I like it. More people should do it. That's easy to say, of course. But I hope that organizers consider the idea.
This guy just did it on his own. He asked people first if they wanted a flyer before handing them out which was also a great idea
Asking first is a great idea. I hope that people can follow his example at scale (that's why I hope organizers think of ways to have fliers or postcards distributed). Of course, there may be other and better ways of mobilizing the energy of protesters.
I think that may be the Card Campaign group which Heather Cox Richardson introduced her readers to last year? Great information presented in digestible form with references and in a small format for handing out or leaving in high traffic areas.
I don’t know whether or not this “Card Campaign” is the one mentioned by HCR, but I’ve been impressed by the cards available at this site:
https://cc4democracy.com/
Yes that's the same organization! They started as Biden 4 the Win (B4TW), then as a Harris group, and have now morphed into just Card Campaign.
Our town's event had a table set up for people to send postcards to our MoCs. They had flyers with bullet points on different topics that people could choose from. It was popular!
that's great. Protesters from other districts come to bigger demonstrations like the ones in Philadelphia, Boston, NY etc. IT would help to have a way for them to contacts their MoC.
I'm hopeful that it makes people more likely to continue to contact their MoCs, once they've done it and see how easy it is.
Excellent idea. In Connecticut, it is like the old saying "bringing coals to Newcastle" since we are blessed with great MOC's but it accomplishes at least two things: let's our MOC's know that we are out there and support them, and educates constituents who are not up on every damn thing that the GOP is up to (who can blame them, it's certainly exhausting!).
Excellent point about the educational effect!
Great idea about handing out information after protests or, really, any time! The Card Campaign is a small grass-roots organization which creates two-sided, related handouts which you can download for free and either print out yourself or take and get printed. They are roughly post card size (but legal size for mailing) and perfect for handing to others or, if you're more introverted/like to avoid conflict, they can easily be left in bathroom stalls, with your tip at a restaurant, on grocery store shelves, in libraries, etc. There are bulleted points with a QR code at the bottom of each card so one can scan to check the source materials. Heather Cox Richardson usually refrains from endorsing groups, but she is the one who got their name out there last year. They originally had information about the Biden vs. Trump Admins, then switched over to Harris, and now have morphed into general information about all the things this regime is doing which will harm those who live here. Check them out on FB and their website: https://cc4democracy.com/
Thank you. I just signed up. They let you know when new cards are available!
Annie Bear says it best, mobilize to call our reps. over and over and over. 5calls.org shoud be on everyone's phone... spread it, spread it, spread it.
And lets get back out there in mass soon. I think 5 million is an underestimate, as people were reporting doubling and tripling from Hand Off march. We are on the March to 3.5%, sustained to topple MAGA. Seize the momentum and watch this video when you have an hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4syl-hZ9_I
Thanks for sharing this link, @Michael. I learned a lot listening to it. One of my main takeaways is that 3.5% isn't of itself a magic solution; it's what the 3.5% does overtime to grow the movement and peal off support from the regimes pillars of support. I was able to listen to the Indivisible/NoKings What's Next call tonight. Here's the link for suggested next steps and a description of the July 17 action. https://www.nokings.org/next
I completely agree! Education is so important now. At the Montpelier, VT, honk and wave, a man was walking along the curb, asking people what they planned to do next. If they didn't have a plan, he was offering a small flyer from SURJ, Stand Up for Racial Justice, with ideas for next steps. It immediately inspired me to suggest the same project to my local Indivisible group for our next public gathering. I was standing next to a woman who was at her first protest. With no paper to write on, no flyers in my pocket, I just gave her two very simple suggestions for getting more information, thinking less is more in such a situation. And I learned a valuable lesson in being more prepared next time!
Yes, I too wonder about how to enlist all the first-timers into ongoing activism.
I look forward to watching the interview with Senator Van Hollen. I saw an interview with Senator Schatz where he said the Senate just wasn't getting enough calls about the budget bill, and he urged everyone to put the pressure on. He felt there wasn't a strong enough organized campaign against the bill, so I hope that after the march, some of the bigger groups will get involved.
I called Senators Klobuchar and Smith and Rep Omar to express my sorrow over the assassination this weekend. I also left a message for Senator Booker, making clear I was from Minnesota, thanking him for his strong words about the murders and asking that he call for a censure of Mike Lee, who celebrated the assassin and the violence. This has to end now.
I also donated to the Go Fund Me for Yvette and John Hoffman, who survived the assassination attempt. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yvette-and-john-hoffmans-recovery
Will get back to Hopium business soon, but I want the party to stand strong against political violence. It all ties in with the attacks on Senator Padilla, the arrest of Rep. McIver, the threats to jail politicians, the dehumanization of immigrants, etc.
Thank you, and please keep us posted
🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hello everyone,
First, speaking of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, I just wanted to send along my take on the latest news: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/my-take-on-the-latest-kilmar-abrego.
Second, and this one is really important, I did an updated repost on the news about the deal Bukele made with MS-13 to get into power, and Trump and the Trump DOJ's role in helping Bukele cover his tracks. Here it is: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/repost-3-threefour-times-a-charm.
Please spread the word, especially on the latter article. This stuff really needs to get out. If it gets enough attention, it will be scandalous.
My calls to Durbin, Duckworth, and Sorensen (sounds like a law firm!) today are about NIH, FDC, and CDC funding. We should not be cutting a dollar or a person from these great institutions. I'm also throwing in university research as a college professor myself. Many of my colleagues in the sciences are doing integral and important research on university campuses as well as training the future generations of researchers. So happy to see all the photos from Saturday!
At the rally I attended in north suburban Chicago, there were a number of signs supporting science and health. I told each of these groups about the Bethesda Declaration, and none of them had heard of it. They said they would look it up and sign on, and I'm sure they'll let others know. I also told many about Hopium---again, there was little awareness, and this was an educated, passionate group! So we definitely have to keep spreading the word, particularly at rallies going forward.I've been contacting Illinois Senators Durbin and Duckworth on a regular basis about different issues (as the popular sign says, "So many issues, so little cardboard!") as well as thanking our attorney general Kwame Raoul for his many lawsuits with other states, including against RFK Jr. and the trashing of health funding and research. I'm also VERY proud of our Illinois governor, JB Pritzker, calling out the cruelty and incompetence of this fascist regime, and welcoming those who need reproductive and other services that are banned in red states.
I think I’ll put the Bethesda declaration info on my next protest sign! Thank you for the idea!
the Bethesda Declaration is excellent in terms of content and for the scientists who know about NIH research. Now its principles should be translated into bumper sticker phrases for use by all candidates for elected office. Simple phrases that convey why this research matters to everyone of us. We must expand the universe of people who understand why this health research matters. Medicaid pays for our health, research gives us the tools for our health, everyone deserves to get the most up-to-date health care. We should request that all candidates we support include in ther planks some language that supports Health for All.
This! 100% this!!!
Never thought much of Mike Lee, and I now come to discover “not much” is far too much for that complete whackjob.
I remember a video made at the start of Mike Lee’s Senate career. He says straight out that he ran for office in order to get rid of Social Security. He a vile [expletive deleted]!
he's also trying to sell off his own states' public lands
If he hates America that much, he should do us all a favor and leave. Thanks for all you do. Keep the Faith, we will win.
I hate to reveal how jejune I can be, but: Who SLEEPS with THESE people?
Worse: who stays awake and engages in reclining activity with these people??
Please don’t delete expletives for me. DO it for Simon, he is a strategy specialist, I was an uncouth advance man for Clinton 1992-2001! Keep the Faith!
Despicable head case, that one is.
Question: Does anyone have a short script I can refer to for when I call my Republican governor?
Simon's post has a script that could easily be adapted, I think.
Catherine, I think you are suggesting that I ask my R governor to stand with Newsome and the State of California because Trump is attacking not just California, but everyone's rights and freedoms, including the right to protest peacefully and the right to due process.
What else would you or anyone say?
I suggest you think about a few, up to 3 points per call you care most about and go with them - write down points that you care about as they come to mind and go with 1 or 2 on a given day. Simon and others in the community post information you can refresh before the call. Your personal engagement comes across this way, imo very helpful if you get a person not a message machine. Also, your region might have issues that are of particular importance that will resonate - protecting public lands, education, etc - that you might emphasize. I note down after my calls what my topics were also the name of the staffer and how I thought my points were received if I spoke with a person.
Your response made me think I should see what Gov Younkin has on his social media before I call. And I was amazed at what I saw (cut/pasted below):
from Gov. Younkin: "Political violence is not just a crime against those tragically killed or wounded, but a crime against our entire republic. We must all condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms, and I ask all Virginians to pray for the grieving family of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the health and recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman, and the people of Minnesota. As the search continues to bring this assassin to justice, Virginia will offer any assistance we can."
So...today...called and spoke with someone in Younkin's office. I thanked him for his message that indicates to me that he chose not to be silent. He chose to raise his voice against political violence against the Hortman's and Hoffmans.
And I asked Gov Younkin to raise his voice against another form of political violence, that of Trump who is using the US military on domestic soil to sow fear among the immigrant community and the people who are trying to raise their voices in support of their immigrant neighbors. In this case, it seems to me, that Trump is the one who is doing political violence .
Sowing fear is a form of political violence!!! And I want Gov Younkin to speak out against that too!
So good to hear! and your dialog with the staffer sounds so constructuve!
Since Sen Van Hollen says it is still necessary, and since killing the MAGA Murder Bill is still important, I used today's post-NoKingsDay energy to write the following. I will write another soon, demanding that McMagaClintock stand up against the vile mistreatment of Senator Padilla.
Dear Rep McClintock,
You may have noticed that thousands and thousands of your constituents "showed up" yesterday to protest the policies, priorities, and positions of the current federal administration. You ought to realize that most of us were of voting age and that we represent a sizeable bloc. We are deeply offended to think that our tax dollars -- slated to increase under the current bill -- would be met with a drastic reduction in necessary services and instead go to fund "relief" that is hardly needed for billionaires. (I doubt you have many billionaire constituents.) I hope you regret your ossified position on the Reconciliation Bill and that you will begin to use your voice to help, rather than to kill, your voter base.
Yours truly, Emily Pardee, PhD, mathematics
Love this post!
Thank you.
Simon, thank you for the great interview with my Senator, Chris Van Hollen. He gave great speeches in Rockville and Baltimore at this weekend's No Kings rally. I called him to express my gratitude. I also called Congressman Raskin to thank him for his speech, which included an attack on Trump's corruption and selling of pardons. I called Senator Alsobrooks to ask her to get louder about the Trump budget.
I'm writing postcards to North Carolina voters today.
Hey everyone. Great NoKings Motor Rally in Tucson. It was soooo hot, our traffic in the area of our Reid Park was basically at a and still. A few MAGAt's out and about.
I have contacted Sen Gallego & Senator Kelly, re. MAGA's death bill, tariffs and added gettin the military off our street & supporting Gov Newsom. I have been a fan of Newsom's since he was Mayor; he is terrific. I continue to write postcards for the special election primary for CD7. It will be interesting to see if Tucson stays with the Grijalva's or choose to move forward with Deja Foxx. I'm on the older spectrum so I will happily support whomever is chosen.
I think it is time we start calling out the radicalization of our citizens & military by Fox Propaganda News and the countless right-wing outlets. I am hopeful this will be a focus of Indivisible. There is a call tonight to discuss the going forward topics. Hoping everyone had a blast yesterday; we sure did.
So proud of Sen Van Holland and all my Maryland legislators!
And... here is my second missive to MAGA-loving McClintock:
Dear Rep McClintock,
I am appalled by the violent take-down and handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla during Kristi Noem's press conference. Ms Noem must resign immediately. And YOU, YOU, must go on record to deplore this violence against a duly elected public official. Especially in light of the violent murders and violent legal harassment of elected officials by partisans of the political right. I look for your public repudiation of these reprehensible and unAmerican actions.
Yours truly, Emily Pardee, PhD, mathematician
Again, Emily, just awesome!
Thank you
Update from Tucson. Just got these figures in for our NoKingsDayFinal counts are in for DEMOCRACY UNITES US / Indivisible ITAA MOTOR MARCH!
6,500-7,500 CARS, 2,000-2,500 STANDING PROTESTORS, 18-20,000 TOTAL PARTICIPANTS!
Hey Claudia. In addition to leading the protests/Motor March, Phin and his crew have also been working on getting a resolution through Tucson City Council and Pima Board of Supervisors. Let me know if you're interested in helping out with that.
Thanks Randy, do you have more info on what that entails? Is there a link with info or ???