The unfolding economic situation will be an inescapable backdrop for all upcoming elections – no matter how far down-ballot. Trump’s policies are creating havoc and strongly impacting all Americans. His newly announced tariffs are utterly incomprehensible, especially to anybody who has taken even an introductory course to Economics.
This morning’s top story on the usually-staid Axios is a devastating takedown of Trump and his tariffs. A quick read.
PS. In Simon’s interview, Robert Shapiro really highlighted the lunacy and real-world impact of Trump’s tariffs. If you haven’t watched it yet, I urge you to do so!
Thanks, I got an email at 3:05 pm with the link, so now I know that this will happen for live events. I appreciate that you sent this, and I was able to watch the speaker. Scary as hell, hope AARP is using its considerable muscle to combat this particular evil.
You’re welcome. Sorry I didn’t see your post earlier. I won’t have a chance to watch it until later.
Hope you’re right, but my own impression is that the AARP is toothless and bends over backward to not seem partisan. I suspect they see any criticism of the bad stuff Trump is doing against America’s senior citizens as ... "overly partisan".
I haven't seen anything about an AARP pushback, but in my opinion, fighting for Social Security and the financial security of seniors is the ONLY reason for their existence. I'm taking a "wait and see" stance for the moment. I'm sure there will be MANY seniors--like me--participating on April 5. Jen Rubin of The Contrarian gave a special shout out to a 105-year-old activist who recently participated in a rally. JUST WOW!!!!
Who is tRump blaming now? It can't be our former president. Or is he just saying this is what we need to do to "become great again?" Or is it really a ploy for "white supremacy" that I've seen talked about?
i called my senators and rep yesterday, thinking "small cracks become big cracks!" These tarriffs and retaliatory moves are destructive and irrational.
I just did my bit, too. Called my senators and representatives and reminded them that THEY have the power to set the tariffs. As always, I reminded them of their oath to the Constitution and their duty to us. :)
A little self reporting today. I have been heavily involved with getting the Hands OFF! rally put together here in Minneapolis. We expect a large crowd and we have a great lineup of speakers. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as we planned a trip nine months ago to visit our daughter who is studying abroad. Good luck to all tomorrow!
Also, I helped a local activist get a rally to Defend Social Security put together yesterday outside the Social Security office in Minneapolis. We had over 200 people attend the rally for about 2 hours on a 40 degree day! We heard from everyday people telling their stories and why Social Security matters so much to so many. They read the Bill of Rights to remind everyone that our rights are sacred and that we the people must fight for them if we want to keep them. If you go to my BlueSky account, you can see some of the videos from the rally there. @timwegenermn.bsky.social
People are still mad and they want to get engaged, so we are trying to find as many ways as possible to get them engaged.
Remember, Trump is getting weaker everyday and we are strong and we are right. We have some hard times to get through for sure, but when we work together we can accomplish anything. Let's keep doing what we are doing and work together to further weaken the orange blubbery baby man.
I am so sorry we could not get together while I was here in Minneapolis Tim, but I know you’ll have a wonderful trip. I now have a good excuse to return to the Twin Cities!
She came and spoke at a recent Markers for Democracy Zoom and was very impressive!
For any postcard writers out there, Postcards4VA (https://postcards4va.com/) has a special "Wake Up Virginia" campaign which I believe is tied in with a billboard campaign from Rural Ground game.
You are required to use one of the specified postcard designs which can be purchased here: https://postcards4va.ourproshop.com/ (designs are listed under "current campaign"). My postcards arrived quicker than promisied.
I ordered 100 postcards in the "Did you vote for this?" design and I have already completed and mailed the remaining postcards this afternoon! (The script is quite short).
In addition, Reclaim Our Vote (through the Center for Common Ground) has a VA campaign up for the primary.
More postcard campaigns (and presumably Vote Forward letters will gear up after the June 17th primary election.
"We’re launching the People’s Cabinet — a group of leaders, experts, and everyday Americans who will cut through Trump’s lies and speak directly to the people. Stay tuned for more."
This morning I told Tillis and Budd (NC GOP) that the administration was gutting the two pillars of the economy in NC: the universities and the banking sector. I reminded them that the legislative branch is co-equal with the executive branch and that if they do not stand up and oppose the administration that history would not judge them kindly.
Planning to carpool with friends to the protests tomorrow! I'm excited.
Love your approach of calling out damage to the state's most important economic sectors. I imagine agriculture matters in NC, too, and these tariffs + the gutting of USDA and even NOAA are bad bad bad for ag. Rural America is in deep trouble.
Congresswoman Boebert - I really wanted to troll her about not knowing the difference between Oliver Stone and Roger Stone but I didn't. Instead I insisted she work with her colleagues to put a stop to the tariffs which are only going to hurt her constituents.
Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper - I thanked them for all they are doing about the tariffs. Now it's time to use their influence on House members to do the same. I had to send an email to Hickenlooper because his phone line is jammed again.
@kenmartin.bsky.app: "We’re launching the People’s Cabinet—a group of leaders, experts, and everyday Americans who will cut through Trump’s lies and speak directly to the people. Stay tuned for more."
It cannot be a "Shadow Cabinet" for none of these people are in government. Shadow has to be Senate, House. People's can be people, people not in government.
Called Kaine and Warner, thanked them for their action on blocking tariffs so far and urged them to go further. Called my R rep and informed him he won't be able to blame this on trans people, that his constituents are about to hurt more than they ever have and will know why, that if only for self-preservation he should probably do something about this.
Btw in this district (VA05) the Republican won by 15% during the last midterm, when Biden was in office. Given swings so far BEFORE this tariff insanity, McGuire should feel nervous.
For everyone attending rallies and protests: It is essential they remain peaceful! So don’t get on the slippery slope to violence or vandalism by engaging with counter-protestors who long for an excuse to throw a punch. Do not engage! Ignore them!
Called my good senators to thank them for the things they are doing, specifically intelligence and tariffs, and to keep on pushing. Thanks to my R rep on intelligence. All three-get rid of hesgeth, gabbard and anyone else who's using signal and Gmail to communicate classified information. Good grief.
Self Report: I called Alsobrooks, Raskin, and Van Hollen. I discussed Social Security and Signalgate. I said we need a special counsel for Signalgate. Looking forward to the Founding Members chat later today.
If I have one plea, it's for Democrats to stop conceding the Republicans' points. Don't start off by saying, "Sure, we all want to cut government waste." Don't concede that there was any such waste, especially since there is no evidence that there was. Just because Musk doesn't like a program doesn't mean there was waste. Once you concede their main point, we're just down to arguing about tactics and lots of people LIKE the "move in quick and break things" approach to problems. So don't concede their point. I know Dems do this because they think it makes them seem reasonable and like they're willing to compromise, but that doesn't work with today's Republicans. So please stop doing it.
Totally agree when it comes to our elected officials; they are supposed to be our warriors, our champions, and when they roll over like that, it's completely demoralizing..
Where it makes total sense to seek common ground first is when their teammates--namely US--are talking with Trump supporters on the ground floor. We need to win as many of those folks over as we can so as to have the kind of leverage we need to drive him backwards and right off the mat. Unlike Musk (and like Hitler), Trump cares about his approval ratings.
Our electeds need to start looking at the process as akin to a classic good cop-bad cop negotiation process, where they don't demean themselves like that.. We, the people, are the good cops, developing real rapport with the "other side's" front line supporters until there are numbers on the table (poll numbers, in this case) that can be "taken upstairs," ie to our electeds to do the hard bargaining from positions of strength. Let *us* do *our* job, people, so you can do yours!
DEVASTATING TAKEDOWN (of you-know-who)
The unfolding economic situation will be an inescapable backdrop for all upcoming elections – no matter how far down-ballot. Trump’s policies are creating havoc and strongly impacting all Americans. His newly announced tariffs are utterly incomprehensible, especially to anybody who has taken even an introductory course to Economics.
This morning’s top story on the usually-staid Axios is a devastating takedown of Trump and his tariffs. A quick read.
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/04/trump-tariffs-confidence-americans-gamble
PS. In Simon’s interview, Robert Shapiro really highlighted the lunacy and real-world impact of Trump’s tariffs. If you haven’t watched it yet, I urge you to do so!
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/trump-declares-war-on-the-world-my
Here is a less academic analysis of Trump’s tariffs:
https://www.joeydevilla.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/how-tariffs-work-768x599.jpg
grt!!
Good one. Should I laugh or cry?
🤣
How do I join the live event? I don't see a link.
Try this:
https://open.substack.com/live-stream/20150
Thanks, I got an email at 3:05 pm with the link, so now I know that this will happen for live events. I appreciate that you sent this, and I was able to watch the speaker. Scary as hell, hope AARP is using its considerable muscle to combat this particular evil.
You’re welcome. Sorry I didn’t see your post earlier. I won’t have a chance to watch it until later.
Hope you’re right, but my own impression is that the AARP is toothless and bends over backward to not seem partisan. I suspect they see any criticism of the bad stuff Trump is doing against America’s senior citizens as ... "overly partisan".
I haven't seen anything about an AARP pushback, but in my opinion, fighting for Social Security and the financial security of seniors is the ONLY reason for their existence. I'm taking a "wait and see" stance for the moment. I'm sure there will be MANY seniors--like me--participating on April 5. Jen Rubin of The Contrarian gave a special shout out to a 105-year-old activist who recently participated in a rally. JUST WOW!!!!
The AARP or someone ought to calculate how much Americans, collectively, have lost on their 401k:
1) Since Trump took office, and
2) Since Trump announced his tariffs
3) Average 401k loss per person?
I think these number would be worth blasting out to the press – and hanging them around the neck of every Republican national politician!
AGREE!
Apparently the mathematical equation the admin has provided for imposing tariffs is the same as by ChatGPT query. That could explain the penguins.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-tariffs-chatgpt-2055203
Who is tRump blaming now? It can't be our former president. Or is he just saying this is what we need to do to "become great again?" Or is it really a ploy for "white supremacy" that I've seen talked about?
Dunno. For all I know he could be blaming Hugo Chavez, who has been dead for more than a decade.
i called my senators and rep yesterday, thinking "small cracks become big cracks!" These tarriffs and retaliatory moves are destructive and irrational.
thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just did my bit, too. Called my senators and representatives and reminded them that THEY have the power to set the tariffs. As always, I reminded them of their oath to the Constitution and their duty to us. :)
A little self reporting today. I have been heavily involved with getting the Hands OFF! rally put together here in Minneapolis. We expect a large crowd and we have a great lineup of speakers. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend as we planned a trip nine months ago to visit our daughter who is studying abroad. Good luck to all tomorrow!
Also, I helped a local activist get a rally to Defend Social Security put together yesterday outside the Social Security office in Minneapolis. We had over 200 people attend the rally for about 2 hours on a 40 degree day! We heard from everyday people telling their stories and why Social Security matters so much to so many. They read the Bill of Rights to remind everyone that our rights are sacred and that we the people must fight for them if we want to keep them. If you go to my BlueSky account, you can see some of the videos from the rally there. @timwegenermn.bsky.social
People are still mad and they want to get engaged, so we are trying to find as many ways as possible to get them engaged.
Remember, Trump is getting weaker everyday and we are strong and we are right. We have some hard times to get through for sure, but when we work together we can accomplish anything. Let's keep doing what we are doing and work together to further weaken the orange blubbery baby man.
Safe travels! Thanks for your advocacy!
Amazing Tim. Thank you. And it was great to meet you in person last weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks brother! So great to meet you too!
I will be at the rally tomorrow! And, thanks for your work to arrange for the rally in Minneapolis Social Security office.
Way to go, Tim, and every one in Minneapolis!
I am so sorry we could not get together while I was here in Minneapolis Tim, but I know you’ll have a wonderful trip. I now have a good excuse to return to the Twin Cities!
"Why Do People Stay in Controlling Groups?"
by Cult Expert Dr. Steven Hassan
🔸️A cult leader demands loyalty and offers love, protection, and purpose so followers feel safe and valued.
🔸️Question or step away from a cult leader and that love turns into rejection.
🔸️True love allows freedom, doubt, and independence. If leaving a group feels like betraying a parent, it may be manipulation, not love.
🔸️Understanding this emotional control is the first step to breaking free
https://substack.com/@stevenhassan/note/c-99927840?r=280c3q
ON TO VIRGINIA. 31st Street has made our initial selection of 8 Up-and-Coming Virginia House of Delegate Challengers for Support.
May Nivar(Henrico), Jess Anderson(Williamsburg+), Kim Pope Adams(Petersburg+), Lindsay Dougherty(Chesterfield+), Kacey Carnegie(Chesapeake+), Virgil Thornton(Hampton+), Leslie Mehta(Chesterfield), Lily Franklin(Blacksburg+)
Our Aim:
A better working majority of Dems for Blue Legislation.
To codify 3 constitutional amendments on: Reproductive Rights, Voting Rights & Marriage Equality.
Early Money is vital to launch these campaigns.
Also supports the Governor and other statewide races.
Send a resounding Anti-MAGA message across the country.
Kimberly Pope Adams lost by 52 votes last time. Let's get her across the finish line!
She came and spoke at a recent Markers for Democracy Zoom and was very impressive!
For any postcard writers out there, Postcards4VA (https://postcards4va.com/) has a special "Wake Up Virginia" campaign which I believe is tied in with a billboard campaign from Rural Ground game.
You are required to use one of the specified postcard designs which can be purchased here: https://postcards4va.ourproshop.com/ (designs are listed under "current campaign"). My postcards arrived quicker than promisied.
Names and addresses can be found here: https://addresses.postcards4va.com/.
I ordered 100 postcards in the "Did you vote for this?" design and I have already completed and mailed the remaining postcards this afternoon! (The script is quite short).
In addition, Reclaim Our Vote (through the Center for Common Ground) has a VA campaign up for the primary.
More postcard campaigns (and presumably Vote Forward letters will gear up after the June 17th primary election.
I am sorry to see Ken Mitchell left off this list. He is running against MAGAt Ben Cline and deserves support.
KEN MARTIN ANNOUNCES "PEOPLE’s CABINET"
"We’re launching the People’s Cabinet — a group of leaders, experts, and everyday Americans who will cut through Trump’s lies and speak directly to the people. Stay tuned for more."
– Ken Martin, Chair of the DNC
https://bsky.app/profile/kenmartin.bsky.social/post/3llykndhbck2q
Great news!
Fantastic!!!!
WOW ! I love this.
Sounds pretty close to Simon's suggestion(s)! Great news.
And, in turn, I will happily donate more to the DNC. Thank you!
DETAILS & NAMES from the DNC!
https://democrats.org/news/dnc-chair-ken-martin-launches-peoples-cabinet-to-fiercely-counter-trump-administration-chaos-and-lies/
Happy to see Mandela Barnes in the cabinet--terrific speaker who'd be unavailable for the gig if Ken Martin had been running the party in 2022.
Great news!!!!!!!
This morning I told Tillis and Budd (NC GOP) that the administration was gutting the two pillars of the economy in NC: the universities and the banking sector. I reminded them that the legislative branch is co-equal with the executive branch and that if they do not stand up and oppose the administration that history would not judge them kindly.
Planning to carpool with friends to the protests tomorrow! I'm excited.
Love your approach of calling out damage to the state's most important economic sectors. I imagine agriculture matters in NC, too, and these tariffs + the gutting of USDA and even NOAA are bad bad bad for ag. Rural America is in deep trouble.
Just saw this exciting announcement of a People’s Cabinet from Ken Martin
https://www.instagram.com/share/BAKrZ2-tp-
Made my calls this morning.
Calls today:
Congresswoman Boebert - I really wanted to troll her about not knowing the difference between Oliver Stone and Roger Stone but I didn't. Instead I insisted she work with her colleagues to put a stop to the tariffs which are only going to hurt her constituents.
Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper - I thanked them for all they are doing about the tariffs. Now it's time to use their influence on House members to do the same. I had to send an email to Hickenlooper because his phone line is jammed again.
But trolling is SO satisfying.
I'm so sorry you have her as a Congressperson.
@kenmartin.bsky.app: "We’re launching the People’s Cabinet—a group of leaders, experts, and everyday Americans who will cut through Trump’s lies and speak directly to the people. Stay tuned for more."
LINK: https://bsky.app/profile/kenmartin.bsky.social/post/3llykndhbck2q
Really curious if this is going to be a proper "shadow cabinet" or if it's just marketing...!
It cannot be a "Shadow Cabinet" for none of these people are in government. Shadow has to be Senate, House. People's can be people, people not in government.
Thanks Simon! I was presuming that "leaders" meant government leaders (House/Senate), not non-electeds?
(My other theory was that "shadow" is less positive than "people," in terms of connotation.)
Called Kaine and Warner, thanked them for their action on blocking tariffs so far and urged them to go further. Called my R rep and informed him he won't be able to blame this on trans people, that his constituents are about to hurt more than they ever have and will know why, that if only for self-preservation he should probably do something about this.
Btw in this district (VA05) the Republican won by 15% during the last midterm, when Biden was in office. Given swings so far BEFORE this tariff insanity, McGuire should feel nervous.
For everyone attending rallies and protests: It is essential they remain peaceful! So don’t get on the slippery slope to violence or vandalism by engaging with counter-protestors who long for an excuse to throw a punch. Do not engage! Ignore them!
just quietly and silently turn your back and walk away
Called my good senators to thank them for the things they are doing, specifically intelligence and tariffs, and to keep on pushing. Thanks to my R rep on intelligence. All three-get rid of hesgeth, gabbard and anyone else who's using signal and Gmail to communicate classified information. Good grief.
Self Report: I called Alsobrooks, Raskin, and Van Hollen. I discussed Social Security and Signalgate. I said we need a special counsel for Signalgate. Looking forward to the Founding Members chat later today.
If I have one plea, it's for Democrats to stop conceding the Republicans' points. Don't start off by saying, "Sure, we all want to cut government waste." Don't concede that there was any such waste, especially since there is no evidence that there was. Just because Musk doesn't like a program doesn't mean there was waste. Once you concede their main point, we're just down to arguing about tactics and lots of people LIKE the "move in quick and break things" approach to problems. So don't concede their point. I know Dems do this because they think it makes them seem reasonable and like they're willing to compromise, but that doesn't work with today's Republicans. So please stop doing it.
Good point!
Totally agree when it comes to our elected officials; they are supposed to be our warriors, our champions, and when they roll over like that, it's completely demoralizing..
Where it makes total sense to seek common ground first is when their teammates--namely US--are talking with Trump supporters on the ground floor. We need to win as many of those folks over as we can so as to have the kind of leverage we need to drive him backwards and right off the mat. Unlike Musk (and like Hitler), Trump cares about his approval ratings.
Our electeds need to start looking at the process as akin to a classic good cop-bad cop negotiation process, where they don't demean themselves like that.. We, the people, are the good cops, developing real rapport with the "other side's" front line supporters until there are numbers on the table (poll numbers, in this case) that can be "taken upstairs," ie to our electeds to do the hard bargaining from positions of strength. Let *us* do *our* job, people, so you can do yours!
Called my reps. The sign for tomorrow will be (suggested by the great Anat Shenker-Osorio): Too fabulous for fascism.
Good one. I'm going with "How's your 401k today?"