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ArcticStones's avatar

Wonderful and inspiring to see Democrats continuing to recruit very strong candidates in race after race! It makes me very hopeful that we’ll see a Blue Tsunami in 2026!

And while Trump sputters and looks more and more pathetic, and with nary a Republican Congressional lawmaker showing a spine, Democrats keep getting louder and better, with devastating messaging that’s wounding the Mad King and his brown-nosing acolytes, and sowing doubt and disarray even amongst his most ardent MAGA cultists.

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Leslie's avatar

We have such impressive candidates!

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Kent Boyer's avatar

This morning I am remembering what we could have had if we had elected our first woman and second Black President of the US. We got close despite significant challenges. Think of the joy, the prosperity, the equity and inclusion Kamala would have brought. Medicare covering home health, student loan help for millions, focus on the economy and cost of living for all, billionaires paying their fair share, and on and on. This is what we have to look forward to on Juneteenth 2025 - the promise of a better life for all Americans. We shall have this friends - keep opposing and fighting every day for that America - the one of decency, growth, and dignity and respect for every American. Proud to be in this fight with you all. Kent

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Kate Feldman's avatar

Thank you Kent. I'm so low about all this right now.

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Kent Boyer's avatar

I have my days, too, Kate. When I'm feeling hopeless, I come on here and read about what everyone is doing. I talk to my DEI students about the resiliency that marginalized communities have shown (and are showing still!) in the face of unbelievable ugliness and discrimination and unfairness. This is a really trying time, but look where are marginalized communities have come from. They did that with hope, hard work, resiliency, and never accepting anything less than equal rights before the law. I know in my heart we can do this. Hang in there friend!

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Deborah Potter's avatar

We can extend your vision to the next administration of Democrats! 2016 midterm elections are coming soon and will help us get back on track.

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Kent Boyer's avatar

Absolutely - look who is coming up! Kamala, Cory, Pete, Adam, Gavin, Tim, Jamie, Ken Martin, Jasmine, Melanie Stansbury! And our media powerhouses - Meidas Touch, Marc Elias, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jen Psaki! All of them younger than I am, so fully in play in the future!

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Lisa Iannucci's avatar

Well said. We need to keep bending that moral arc.

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Laura Gottsman's avatar

Could someone please post the text of the "Resolutions of Disapproval" via Deborah Potter in New Mexico and Hopium member Randy? I have a chance to buttonhole in person my state Assembly member and county Supervisor this weekend. I live in a diverse county in California. Thanks.

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Rachel Poliner's avatar

Here's a link the Deborah's version as of a month ago:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xSGrq8kPMRkhAYHkkmRybB7Qb15ajywq/view?pli=1

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Laura Gottsman's avatar

Thank you!

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Kent Boyer's avatar

This is awesome, Deborah! Thank you!

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Deborah Potter's avatar

The official copy of the resolution "Defending our U.S. Constitution and Separation of Powers" (DOC ID: 24889) going to hearing on Tuesday is now available. I've uploaded it as two docs, pages 1 and 2: official resolution p1.jpg https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nYQO-VTeUuuxUuM27J1R9A7c0jCw1myM/view?usp=sharing and official resolution p2.jpg

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IJes3qm5LQ5Grjd9vb7gkg30GSwBIntz/view?usp=sharing

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Mingo's avatar
2dEdited

Thank you Simon for providing the words of the Emancipation Proclamation on this Juneteeth. How fortunate for the United States to have a president at such a precipitous time, born from humble beginnings to be so erudite. Flash forward to today where we have a "leader" born from wealth and privilege who is functionally illiterate and bent on destroying what makes this country so great. What a disturbing contrast. Now back to my calls to my senators.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

I woke up this morning to the Emanication Proclamation being read on NPR.

I also attended the Zoom call last night about the July 17th "Good Trouble Lives On" protests: https://goodtroubleliveson.org/

There are several other organizing calls planned in the period leading up to July 17th:

https://goodtroubleliveson.org/trainings

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SW's avatar

yes, thank you, Simon!

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Madam Geoffrin's avatar

GM Hopium-mates: back from an amazing and rejuvenating visit to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. From a social media clip I saw of Cory Booker and a headline in a local Jackson Hole, WY newspaper, I understand the Big Ugly Farce is a threat to the National Parks. Their value cannot be measured. The original entrance to Yellowstone states it best: an act of Congress for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.

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Chris Dwyer's avatar

POLITICS

by Mitti Hicks

June 17, 2025

DONALD TRUMP IS FIRST PRESIDENT EXCLUDED FROM NAACP CONVENTION IN 116 YEARS

It's the first time the civil rights organization has excluded a sitting president in its 116-year history

https://www.blackenterprise.com/naacp-excludes-donald-trump-from-convention/

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ArcticStones's avatar

Just curious, did Mr Trump express any interest in attending?

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Deborah Potter's avatar

He refused the invitation every year of his first term. Regarding no invitation this year, NPR reported that "The White House responded sharply on Tuesday to the president's exclusion from the event. Trump declined previous invitations during his first term. 'The NAACP isn't advancing anything but hate and division, while the President is focused on uniting our country, improving our economy, securing our borders, and establishing peace across the globe,' White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement to NPR. 'This is the same vision for America that a record number of Black Americans supported in the resounding reelection of President Trump.' " https://www.npr.org/2025/06/17/nx-s1-5436660/naacp-trump-national-convention-invitation

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Chris Dwyer's avatar

National Archives To Display Emancipation Proclamation and ‘Juneteenth’ General Order No. 3

Press Release ·

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Washington, DC

The National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, will display the original Emancipation Proclamation along with General Order No. 3. The order, issued on June 19 1865, declares “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free” and will go on view from Thursday, June 19, to Sunday, June 22, 2025. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. ET; timed ticket entry

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234645

is available, but not required.

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Catherine Giovannoni's avatar

Simon, thank you for the wonderful Juneteenth Day post!

I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin to protest the budget bill, especially the plan to sell off our national parks and wilderness areas. I said that those lands are held in trust for ALL Americans, including future generations of Americans. I want my grandson, great grandchildren, and great, great, great, great grandchildren to be able to enjoy and benefit from those national treasures.

I'm writing postcards to North Carolina voters today.

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Jason's avatar

Selling off national parks, and public lands in general, is deeply unpopular. But people need to hear about it.

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Jason's avatar

It occurred to me over the weekend seeing the protests that the mad king might not have the stamina to keep this up. Politics is exhausting, even when people are with you, and many many people are not with him. He’s been on vacation since 2020 now he has a full plate. And he’s very old.

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Boris's avatar

I hope you are correct... but don't underestimate the "strong man" and his tactics. He thrives on conflict and chaos. His goal of moving to nullify 2026 has started.

We need more FEROCIOUS OPPOSITION from the DNC and political leaders. Tina Smith showed that by outing Mike Lee for his cruelty in his posts after the Minnesota shootings.

Face to face public assaults on Maga sycophants is needed to capture the news. Trump's power is still broad and expanding.

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Rachel Poliner's avatar

Expanding? I don't see that. But I totally agree about needing to show his sycophants for what they are, which helps to peel away his supporters.

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Elizabeth T.'s avatar

I agree with Rachel. I feel like Trump is getting stronger and weaker at the exact same time, but to a large degree his strength is illusory (unless you're an undocumented immigrant). He is doing a great job of sowing fear, but his TACO nature undermines that.

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Boris's avatar

I get it.. Polling, negative news coverage, court speedbumps....

Yet, I feel we are still trying to get our footing on a slippery slope..

President Obama says it best..

https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/speaking-to-the-connecticut-forum-in-hartford-former-president-barack-obama-call/1424721175217531/

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Michael's avatar

I agree with Rachel and Elizabeth. Largest protest in American history has been a big boost to the resistance. Especially after the embarrassment of his parade. And Dems are doing nice job with messaging on reconciliation bill!

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Michael's avatar

Just this morning Rick Wison in his Lincoln Project e mail talked about how the resistance is gaining the upper hand! He said "We're winning but we have to stick together to survive Trumps attempts to hold on"

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Boris's avatar

Well, glad to hear about Wilson, but I don't see the "upper hand" part. When I see MAGAites reversing I will agree,

Obama's WARNING IS CLOSER TO REALITY!!

Trump is not backing off...

Fear levels are increasing

Migrants and citizens are being treated like cattle..

The reconciliation bill, even the senate version,, will harm Medicaid

and Medicare...

Talking heads and politicians' accusations, while all true, are

not the FEROCIOUS OPPOSITION needed in my opinion.

Even a weak bully IN POWER can destroy democracy.

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Jason's avatar

I’m not arguing we lay off. On the contrary we need to keep up the work to make his life harder and more tiring every day.

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SW's avatar
2dEdited

you are wrong. don't you read any of Simon's data-filled posts? he is a weak, whiny blubbery baby-man.

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Boris's avatar

Well.. we may disagree but I respect your take as your take.

I would say in response listen to the Obama video.. The point being if Trump and his movement were that weak and blubbery, Obama wouldn't be saying we are "dangerously close" to autocracy..

https://www.facebook.com/cnn/videos/speaking-to-the-connecticut-forum-in-hartford-former-president-barack-obama-call/1424721175217531/

Trump when asked said, "... I don't know do I need to follow the constitution?" without repercussions...

People are being pulled off the streets by masked ICE officers...

Illegal Tariffs are being enforced...

The Speaker of the House said Gov Newsom should be tared and feathered...

Trump is monetizing the presidency and corruptly enriching his family...

Just because he is a morally weak no character individual, doesn't mean he doesn't wield strength and power in the office.

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Deborah Potter's avatar

The data reported in today's inform-letter, and everthing else about Hopium, show otherwise.

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SW's avatar
1dEdited

yes. that post and reply to mine completely 'disagree' with Simon. not worth our time engaging.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Hi Simon, I will be attending the Women's Summit next weekend. Any plans for an impromptu Hopium gathering?

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

I also wanted to share some postcarding opportunities for VA.

Postcards to Swing States (https://turnoutpac.org/postcards/) - campaigns are available for NJ, PA, and VA. (You can also let them choose which campaign needs more volunteers). Minimum quantity is 200 postcards. The audience is low-propensity, progressive leaving voters. They will mail you postcards for free, but you provide the postage**. You MUST choose 1 of 3 social pressure messages - which are backed up by results from randomized controlled experiments. These are write and hold and they will specify a specific date to mail. NOTE: There is a caution that it could take 3 - 4 weeks to receive your postcards if you order 200 - 300; I received mine within a week of ordering.

** postage is set to increase in price, next month, so I suggest stocking up on postcard stamps ASAP. Postcard stamps are always Forever stamps and the rate will increase for $0.56 to $0.62 each.

Environmental Voter Project is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming postcard compaign in VA.

https://act.environmentalvoter.org/a/vapostcards-nov2025

EVP postcard campaigns target low-propensity voters who rank the environment/climate change as their top issue. They will send you the postcards for free (200, 300, 500, or 1000) and you can also request that they provide the postage. (Volunteers have the option to make a donation after they order their postcards to help defray the cost of postage for volunteers who can't afford to buy stamps). These are write and Hold and have a very specific mail date.

If you are a new EVP volunteer, you must attend a 1-hr Zoom training class before they will mail you postcards. Links to training:

June 24: https://www.environmentalvoter.org/get-involved/postcarding-orientation/2025-06-24

June 27: https://www.environmentalvoter.org/get-involved/postcarding-orientation/2025-06-27

Postcards 4 VA (https://addresses.postcards4va.com/select_campaign) - Postcards4VA is finishing up Part 2 of their "Wake Up Virginia" campaign directed at women voters who are registered but haven't voted in recent elections. This phase requires that you purchase specific postcards from their print shop (https://postcards4va.ourproshop.com/). They still have addresses, but the original instructions said to mail as you go, but by **June 30**. I don't know if the have extended the deadline, but this would be awfully tight if you have to wait on postcards to arrive.

There are phases 3 and 4 of "Wake up Virginia" planned which allow you to use the postcards of your choice. (NOTE: The same low-propensity voters will be receiving all 4 postcards). In addition, I expect that Postcards for VA will be announcing new postcard campaigns geared towards specific candidates in swingy districts. (They have done this in the past). Based on my prior experience, these campaigns will provide you will a label template with county specific voting information that goes on the postcard.

Reclaim Our Vote (https://www.centerforcommonground.org/postcards) - ROV had postcard campaigns for the primary and will undoubtedly have 1 or 2 campaigns for the general election. Their focus in on BIPOC voters who have traditional been disenfranchised. There messages are non-partisan (they are a 301(c)3 organization). You must use one of their approved postcard designs, but these postcards are not election specific, so I keep some of their postcards on hand. (They also make use of labels similar to Postcards4VA). Since the primaries just happened, they don't have any current campaigns, but if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, I suggest taking the online training now.

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Michael G Baer's avatar

Thank you Cheryl, this is helpful and informative.

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

You are very welcome!!

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Mary Silva Watkins's avatar

Thanks Cheryl for your leadership on this topic. I got my VA postcards yesterday! Ready to write!!

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Cheryl Johnson's avatar

Great! Which ones are you doing?

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Rachel Poliner's avatar

Ay, good to know about the postcard stamp increase. Thanks.

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WA's avatar

Thanks Simon! Multiple calls are in to WI Republican members regarding Bill/tariffs, attack on science, ICE, Putin/Ukraine, and corruption this admin displays. Called Dem senators to thank her and encourage her to speak out loudly against the reconciliation bill.

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Michael G Baer's avatar

Here is a very good interview today with Mikie Sherril and Brian Tyler Cohen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOFysd0RfW4

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SW's avatar
2dEdited

She is amazing, so constructive! thank you for posting this link. Highly recommend. note: she weighs in on whether Central Jersey exists; BTC asks her b/c that's where he hails from if it exists.

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Cathy's avatar

Watch the conversation with President O’bama and Heather Cox Richardson from yesterday. It is excellent, I can’t figure out how to post the link but it is up on You Tube.

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Cathy's avatar

Yes!

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ArcticStones's avatar

TRUMP’s Juneteenth quote

“I wonder if – you know, the Civil War, it always seemed to me maybe that could’ve been solved without losing 600,000-plus people.”

– President Trump

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1935417457369305313

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Jenny Ellsworth's avatar

Sorry, Arctic Sones, I can’t like that quote. But I am glad you posted it.

But he’s right. If a majority of Southern White people had recognized that slavery is evil, they would not have tried to form an enemy nation, and instead would have brought about freedom and equality without all those deaths and our ongoing consequences.

Alas, that is not the universe we live in. Or the one Trump was describing.

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ArcticStones's avatar

To me, that quote is outrageous. And I posted it to show his outrageousness. It underscores Trump’s delusions of grandeur. He imagines himself as the best deal-maker in the universe, and I am sure that in his own mind he faults President Lincoln and the Union for not being willing to compromise.

We know where Trump’s heart is – and it is underscored by him lamenting the removal and demolition of Confederate monuments, and him ordering the names of Southern military bases restored so that they once again honor his Confederate heroes.

In my mind, they, like him, are traitors.

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Jenny Ellsworth's avatar

Outrageous, cruel, and evil. Because we do indeed all know what he meant.

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Elizabeth T.'s avatar

Ben Meiselas interviewed E. Jean Carroll and her lawyer on Meidas Touch this morning. Carroll turns out to be hilarious! I hadn't considered buying her book, but I sure will now. It's worth a watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnJMW8W17_E

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Shrimant Mishra's avatar

It is not a messaging problem on the part of the Republicans with regards to Trump's bill. You can't put out Olan Mills and call it a Van Gogh.

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Jenny Ellsworth's avatar

Haha! That is a great analogy!

A lot of times, though, Republicans all get behind a lie and push in the same direction. If they can call January 6 insurrectionists “patriots” and “peaceful,” they could call spilled grape juice a Van Gogh.

But yes, the only “messaging problem” the Rs have is their inability to cover up the growing pushback from their own side.

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Shrimant Mishra's avatar

Ha! Indeed! They are masters of distortion!

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