Watching CNN show Table for Five. The topic was Hegseth's "rookie move" and how the cost of purging of Staff from various departments loses the knowledge and history matters in these situations. Well folks we all need to recognize that that is Trump's whole objective. Remember Jan 6th? They are doing everything they can do to erase it. We have to be relentless in reminding anyone who will listen that this has a cost. Trump's hard core cult members aren't going to acknowledge it so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Precisely. Losing our historical perspective. That is why I write letters to the editor. To educate myself, my community, and ask for an action to protect our democracy..
Rookie move? Hegseth may be a drunken idiot, but he knew what he was doing. I am glad I don't watch CNN. I am really liking Jim Acosta's Substack. Simon, Jim Acosta and MeidasTouch for me. There are so many really good people on Substack, I just can't be a paid subscriber to all of them and don't have the time to read all of them. That's why I like it when they go on each other's shows.
Simon, enjoy Florida and spring training....you need the space and rest. Me? I feel like I am living with a phone in my hand and my credit card...I appreciate your direction, suggestions and up-dates. This country would exhale WHEN Musk is arrested! I want these bad actors to have consequences for a change. Can money truly buy this country? I never knew it was for sale.
In addition to all this other work, someone with deep pockets needs to produce a clear and effective ad that runs repeatedly during the NCAA finals. We missed the Super Bowl opportunity, but we need to be where a lot of folks will see the message about what is happening.
Greetings Simon. Thank you for the interview with Ben and Susan. Very exciting. Very important race nationally, to show the country Democrats are fighting, winning, fighting for democracy. I donated. And then I went to blue sky to find both Ben is on, but hasn’t posted anything For two months. And Susan is not on. They have other social media accounts, but I don’t go on those sites. How can we ask Ben and Susan to communicate with Democrats on blue sky. I think they’re missing an opportunity to reach really motivated Patriots.
For Anyone in California and especially in Laura Friedman's House district - 10am PST is a Town Hall with AG Bonta. You don't need an FB account to join - use this link
that will be kept current. If you are looking for links to upcoming events always head there first. Looking forward to seeing folks in person Tuesday night in Bethesda - Simon
P.S.: Do the following now! First, teach civics. Second, register voters. Third, teach civics. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
I was worried about FEMA. I'm sure DeSantis is also have problems. Undoubtedly Josh Stein is having challenges with the devastating destruction in NC from Hurricane Milton. Very worried about the FEMA funding Biden set up for the LA Fires. Maybe this will lead to more multi state lawsuits against DOGE.
I started a website to offset the chaos and stress that seems to be helping people feel a bit better. Please visit it and spread the word! Just doing it because.....trying to give back.
Again, the focus needs to be outside DC, in the purple districts that are winnable in 2026, so we take back the House and save this country from destruction. Even some reddish areas will be up for grabs given the local destruction that is coming. But Democrats needs to tell that story.....LOCALLY. It's all there for us. Work locally. Stop yelling in NY/LA/SF and get to work in the purple areas in California and New York, along with areas that will be impacted. This WSJ article hints at it: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/federal-workers-doge-job-cuts-maps-988416ec?mod=hp_lead_pos9
I am sorry but this is not correct, and I request, respectfully, that your tone be not so aggressive in future posts. DO NOT TELL US WHAT TO DO. Make suggestions, weigh in but do not dictate, command. It's offensive.
Everyone has a role to play, everywhere. We all have to make the case to our networks wherever they are. Our turnout problems in 2024 were in blue areas, and we need to do voter reg, focus more on creating more Dems and turning them out everywhere, in all 50 states. And in case you were unaware, all of our work in 2023 and 2024 were in competitive areas so again your hectoring is unwelcome. For more on my recommendations on the path forward visit here - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/raising-our-game-building-the-next. Thank you.
With respect, Simon, I believe there is too much focus on DC and will do better to suggest a shift in focus to prioritzing purple districts. Yes, turnout problems were in blue areas. But the issue in 2026 is winning THREE more seats in the House and hold the ones we have. That is where I believe the focus needs to be. It's early, but I'm not seeing such a singular focus on the purple districts NEAR blue areas that will determine control of the House. I am perceiving a DC-focused narrative, not a local impact narrative. This is where I see the priority needs to be, particularly in California where I live. The Northern part of the Central Valley and areas in and around Orange County is where I believe a significant (though not all) focus needs to be , while building a stonger national party for 2028. We have now just 18 months to contest in these purple districts where a shift in a few thousand votes can shift House control. I remain confused why this isn't a total priority right now. Asking this question isn't mean to be hectoring. It's just baffling to me given the stakes. Appreciate, as always, your work.
Again, what you are writing and arguing is just wrong for 2 reasons: 1) Whether we win or not in 2026 will depend a great deal of how we challenge and degrade Trump now 2) again, you are aware, that all of our work here in 2023-2024 was on swing areas. You are lecturing me about a strategy that in place here for two years. And just today I asked people to make contributions to a swing race and another swing race that are happening this year not in 2026. The idea that we are not focused on winning in 2026 is ridiculous and I ask that you take a break from posting here for a while until you can write in a way that is 1) more collegial and less about telling us what we must do 2) responsive to what I've written and what we've done. You are just coming on here and essentially shouting. Stop it.
I'm sorry you see my comment in this fashion and have responded this way. I'm here because I respect the work you do and support the races you tell us to. I think we will have to agree to disagee. My cirtique is not necessarily of your approach, but of the general Democratic approach right now. Was not directed at you or your work. I'll be clearer next time.
For whatever it's worth, in my humble opinion, I 💯 believe blue states have to be included. Coming from one, I know first hand, how disengaged many are in my circle. A lot of us feel ignored and taken for granted. We get the donation texts and it makes a lot of people angry. I always vote and donate when I can. A lot of people definitely feel taken for granted and trust me, one good "exciting" candidate can eventually swing the state - eventually.
I get those donation texts and also dislike them. I understand the need for money but I also understand the need for action most of which requires little to no money. Never ever do they ask me to DO anything and doing something is the most important thing IMO. A very nice Senator texted me a video of himself at a protest in DC. (great so far) The he described why he was protest and the important of the federal agency under attack (good, that was good) and then it close by asking for money. At no time did he ask me to join a protest, or call Congress or to take any sort of other action. On a personal level I have attended numerous demos and such that sometimes involved spending money in addition to time. I never asked anyone for money. It never crossed my mind and I can't imagine who I would have even asked. Therefore I replied to the text. I first told him I very much appreciated what he's doing. Then I made this offer: if someone will pay me a senator's salary, I will attend a protest every day, then stay up late to attend strategy sessions and read briefing papers.
I understand completely the frustration. I just delete the texts and/or try to unsubscribe. I know they need money to run campaigns but it is very frustrating, justified or not, to keep getting donation requests and not asked for input unless it is a survey that ends with a donation request.
I got a call to join Ted Lieu's Town Hall already in the Q&A section. I really like Ted Lieu but I did get a bit frustrated with a few of his responses. He seemed a bit irritated or annoyed by the constant what are the Democrats doing questions. He was cordial but, to me at least, he seemed to be frustrated. He said that we have to start calling out republicans bc they are the ones that are not standing up to Trump. We don't have the numbers (Senate, House & WH) so we have to call the republicans out not the Dems. I thought, WE have to? YOU are in Congress. Why don't you and the rest of the Dems in Congress call out the republicans by name? There are a few who do call them out but overall, we hear republicans in confidence or in the hallway quietly tell us they don't agree with Trump. Why don't the Dems in office call out the Republicans by name? Shame them - okay they have no shame. Would it do any good? Probably not but at least they would show some backbone and fire us up. I love Jasmine Crocket and a few others - Ted Lieu included but his repeated comment that we are the ones who to have call out republicans just irritated me. I would like Dems to lead and believe me, we would back them up. My long two cents here.
Southeastern Pennsylvanians, a “President's Day Peaceful Protest” sponsored by the Delaware County Democratic Committee is happening on Monday at noon featuring Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05). If anyone is interested I will DM a link.
I'm donating on recurring. I will write my email and phone call scripts over the weekend for all of the issues Simon addressed this morning, including not just the pending vote on the absolutely horrifying nominee for Director of FBI, but what is going on with Veterans, Agriculture, and the other issues. I will also contact my state Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. His office is very active in all of the multiple state lawsuits going on against musk, DOGE and other issues. There are many veterans here. A new Veterans Home was just dedicated recently. Illinois is a big agriculture state as well.
Friends of mine are in Bethesda, MD for a reunion. They will visit Senators Durbin and Duckworth offices on Tuesday morning. If more local DC area residents can show up at their Senators' offices on Tuesday that would be fabulous.
On Tuesday morning I will send my letter to KamalaHarris.com/contact concerning the urgent need for huge fundraisers for Ken Martin. I have not written my letter yet. Voter registration and GOTV was abysmal in the 2024 election. I have documentation on that to put in my letter. Ken needs a huge budget for voter registration and GOTV as well as everything else.
I ordered more postcard stamps ($$$). By the end of the day today I will have done 290 postcardstovoters.org cards for Judge Crawford.
I recently retired. I'm grateful Simon provides me with an opportunity to stay involved and active in ways that use my skills meaningfully.
I left this comment in yesterday's thread, just before today's email arrived. I should have waited. Anyway, I'm reposting it here.
For everyone wondering how Dems are getting organized to fight back, listen to Brian Tyler Cohen interviewing Jamie Raskin. The first few minutes include info we all know, but after that it's new: Raskin is the lead for Dem's legal strategy, we'll see amicus briefs, and more. I'm looking forward to find out out about other strategies and who's leading them too.
Watching CNN show Table for Five. The topic was Hegseth's "rookie move" and how the cost of purging of Staff from various departments loses the knowledge and history matters in these situations. Well folks we all need to recognize that that is Trump's whole objective. Remember Jan 6th? They are doing everything they can do to erase it. We have to be relentless in reminding anyone who will listen that this has a cost. Trump's hard core cult members aren't going to acknowledge it so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Precisely. Losing our historical perspective. That is why I write letters to the editor. To educate myself, my community, and ask for an action to protect our democracy..
Rookie move? Hegseth may be a drunken idiot, but he knew what he was doing. I am glad I don't watch CNN. I am really liking Jim Acosta's Substack. Simon, Jim Acosta and MeidasTouch for me. There are so many really good people on Substack, I just can't be a paid subscriber to all of them and don't have the time to read all of them. That's why I like it when they go on each other's shows.
Simon, enjoy Florida and spring training....you need the space and rest. Me? I feel like I am living with a phone in my hand and my credit card...I appreciate your direction, suggestions and up-dates. This country would exhale WHEN Musk is arrested! I want these bad actors to have consequences for a change. Can money truly buy this country? I never knew it was for sale.
In addition to all this other work, someone with deep pockets needs to produce a clear and effective ad that runs repeatedly during the NCAA finals. We missed the Super Bowl opportunity, but we need to be where a lot of folks will see the message about what is happening.
Yes. I hope Ken martine is on this. Democrats deliver.! We have the proof with Simon’s PowerPoint with Democrats things get better.
The cost for a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl was $8 million. A similar ad during the NCAA finals is $2 million.
Writing out my postcards to Wisconsin from WA State! Can’t sit this one out!!!
Where is the event in Bethesda on Tuesday Feb 18?
See here - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/event-schedule
Greetings Simon. Thank you for the interview with Ben and Susan. Very exciting. Very important race nationally, to show the country Democrats are fighting, winning, fighting for democracy. I donated. And then I went to blue sky to find both Ben is on, but hasn’t posted anything For two months. And Susan is not on. They have other social media accounts, but I don’t go on those sites. How can we ask Ben and Susan to communicate with Democrats on blue sky. I think they’re missing an opportunity to reach really motivated Patriots.
I found Ben and Susan on Instagram but I rarely have time to check this.
For Anyone in California and especially in Laura Friedman's House district - 10am PST is a Town Hall with AG Bonta. You don't need an FB account to join - use this link
🔗 Direct Link (No FB Account needed): https://www.facebook.com/share/16Dmx7KTLQ/
Thank you Freda
A reminder that we have a new events page - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/event-schedule
that will be kept current. If you are looking for links to upcoming events always head there first. Looking forward to seeing folks in person Tuesday night in Bethesda - Simon
Simon et al.:
Once again, the amazing and brilliant Stacey Abrams provides great coverage on our current situation. Here is her take on DOGGEE (my spelling): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ylIkbW5Xfg . Please note that Ms. Abrams mentions PT’s (the power behind the throne in our government) firm Palantir, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/palantir-stock-585-since-early-084500239.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGU-LUvT0DP-E-Ih68edVrEPCqbwa1eNU-vH1CLmMLCzXUHbfD4wbQq3AVYeetDeKsfTzG1MfplYtss94u_PFp9B3wPV5AwO768-UW0xQgeGO2eVzqYu7iwolJZKTu-fVufNvHriqyeVQHk7AD9LqUxuI0ppVvZDctYevw5w6qrl , another government contractor, going into partnership with Leon’s less than stellar (my take) AI chatbot, GROK. This possible collaboration makes me wonder where all of the government/personal data will finally reside.
As an aside, STACEY ABRAMS WOULD HAVE MADE A GREAT AND COMPASSIONATE GOVERNOR FOR GA. Unfortunately, the majority of GA voters chose Kemp (twice). Funny, Kemp now has an issue with getting FEMA funds from the new Regime: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/will-not-make-it-through-georgia-republicans-urge-trump-to-reconsider-helene-aid-denial/ar-AA1z5tb5 . Does anyone remember the take by Dolos on hurricane relief last year election? For some, LOYALTY is a one-way street.
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! First, teach civics. Second, register voters. Third, teach civics. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
I was worried about FEMA. I'm sure DeSantis is also have problems. Undoubtedly Josh Stein is having challenges with the devastating destruction in NC from Hurricane Milton. Very worried about the FEMA funding Biden set up for the LA Fires. Maybe this will lead to more multi state lawsuits against DOGE.
That “Assembly Required” Stacey Abrams interview piece is wonderful. I watched it a couple days ago and promptly subscribed to her channel.
Subscriber self-report:
I started a website to offset the chaos and stress that seems to be helping people feel a bit better. Please visit it and spread the word! Just doing it because.....trying to give back.
https://www.dailyhaikuforyou.com
Monica, Washington DC
Again, the focus needs to be outside DC, in the purple districts that are winnable in 2026, so we take back the House and save this country from destruction. Even some reddish areas will be up for grabs given the local destruction that is coming. But Democrats needs to tell that story.....LOCALLY. It's all there for us. Work locally. Stop yelling in NY/LA/SF and get to work in the purple areas in California and New York, along with areas that will be impacted. This WSJ article hints at it: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/federal-workers-doge-job-cuts-maps-988416ec?mod=hp_lead_pos9
I am sorry but this is not correct, and I request, respectfully, that your tone be not so aggressive in future posts. DO NOT TELL US WHAT TO DO. Make suggestions, weigh in but do not dictate, command. It's offensive.
Everyone has a role to play, everywhere. We all have to make the case to our networks wherever they are. Our turnout problems in 2024 were in blue areas, and we need to do voter reg, focus more on creating more Dems and turning them out everywhere, in all 50 states. And in case you were unaware, all of our work in 2023 and 2024 were in competitive areas so again your hectoring is unwelcome. For more on my recommendations on the path forward visit here - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/raising-our-game-building-the-next. Thank you.
With respect, Simon, I believe there is too much focus on DC and will do better to suggest a shift in focus to prioritzing purple districts. Yes, turnout problems were in blue areas. But the issue in 2026 is winning THREE more seats in the House and hold the ones we have. That is where I believe the focus needs to be. It's early, but I'm not seeing such a singular focus on the purple districts NEAR blue areas that will determine control of the House. I am perceiving a DC-focused narrative, not a local impact narrative. This is where I see the priority needs to be, particularly in California where I live. The Northern part of the Central Valley and areas in and around Orange County is where I believe a significant (though not all) focus needs to be , while building a stonger national party for 2028. We have now just 18 months to contest in these purple districts where a shift in a few thousand votes can shift House control. I remain confused why this isn't a total priority right now. Asking this question isn't mean to be hectoring. It's just baffling to me given the stakes. Appreciate, as always, your work.
Again, what you are writing and arguing is just wrong for 2 reasons: 1) Whether we win or not in 2026 will depend a great deal of how we challenge and degrade Trump now 2) again, you are aware, that all of our work here in 2023-2024 was on swing areas. You are lecturing me about a strategy that in place here for two years. And just today I asked people to make contributions to a swing race and another swing race that are happening this year not in 2026. The idea that we are not focused on winning in 2026 is ridiculous and I ask that you take a break from posting here for a while until you can write in a way that is 1) more collegial and less about telling us what we must do 2) responsive to what I've written and what we've done. You are just coming on here and essentially shouting. Stop it.
I'm sorry you see my comment in this fashion and have responded this way. I'm here because I respect the work you do and support the races you tell us to. I think we will have to agree to disagee. My cirtique is not necessarily of your approach, but of the general Democratic approach right now. Was not directed at you or your work. I'll be clearer next time.
For whatever it's worth, in my humble opinion, I 💯 believe blue states have to be included. Coming from one, I know first hand, how disengaged many are in my circle. A lot of us feel ignored and taken for granted. We get the donation texts and it makes a lot of people angry. I always vote and donate when I can. A lot of people definitely feel taken for granted and trust me, one good "exciting" candidate can eventually swing the state - eventually.
I get those donation texts and also dislike them. I understand the need for money but I also understand the need for action most of which requires little to no money. Never ever do they ask me to DO anything and doing something is the most important thing IMO. A very nice Senator texted me a video of himself at a protest in DC. (great so far) The he described why he was protest and the important of the federal agency under attack (good, that was good) and then it close by asking for money. At no time did he ask me to join a protest, or call Congress or to take any sort of other action. On a personal level I have attended numerous demos and such that sometimes involved spending money in addition to time. I never asked anyone for money. It never crossed my mind and I can't imagine who I would have even asked. Therefore I replied to the text. I first told him I very much appreciated what he's doing. Then I made this offer: if someone will pay me a senator's salary, I will attend a protest every day, then stay up late to attend strategy sessions and read briefing papers.
I understand completely the frustration. I just delete the texts and/or try to unsubscribe. I know they need money to run campaigns but it is very frustrating, justified or not, to keep getting donation requests and not asked for input unless it is a survey that ends with a donation request.
I got a call to join Ted Lieu's Town Hall already in the Q&A section. I really like Ted Lieu but I did get a bit frustrated with a few of his responses. He seemed a bit irritated or annoyed by the constant what are the Democrats doing questions. He was cordial but, to me at least, he seemed to be frustrated. He said that we have to start calling out republicans bc they are the ones that are not standing up to Trump. We don't have the numbers (Senate, House & WH) so we have to call the republicans out not the Dems. I thought, WE have to? YOU are in Congress. Why don't you and the rest of the Dems in Congress call out the republicans by name? There are a few who do call them out but overall, we hear republicans in confidence or in the hallway quietly tell us they don't agree with Trump. Why don't the Dems in office call out the Republicans by name? Shame them - okay they have no shame. Would it do any good? Probably not but at least they would show some backbone and fire us up. I love Jasmine Crocket and a few others - Ted Lieu included but his repeated comment that we are the ones who to have call out republicans just irritated me. I would like Dems to lead and believe me, we would back them up. My long two cents here.
Thank you, Simon.
I had been hoping for just this interview. Thank you. Let’s do this.
Southeastern Pennsylvanians, a “President's Day Peaceful Protest” sponsored by the Delaware County Democratic Committee is happening on Monday at noon featuring Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05). If anyone is interested I will DM a link.
The next day, Tuesday 2/18 she will have a Tele-Town Hall (as requested!).
https://scanlon.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=1847
I'm donating on recurring. I will write my email and phone call scripts over the weekend for all of the issues Simon addressed this morning, including not just the pending vote on the absolutely horrifying nominee for Director of FBI, but what is going on with Veterans, Agriculture, and the other issues. I will also contact my state Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. His office is very active in all of the multiple state lawsuits going on against musk, DOGE and other issues. There are many veterans here. A new Veterans Home was just dedicated recently. Illinois is a big agriculture state as well.
Friends of mine are in Bethesda, MD for a reunion. They will visit Senators Durbin and Duckworth offices on Tuesday morning. If more local DC area residents can show up at their Senators' offices on Tuesday that would be fabulous.
On Tuesday morning I will send my letter to KamalaHarris.com/contact concerning the urgent need for huge fundraisers for Ken Martin. I have not written my letter yet. Voter registration and GOTV was abysmal in the 2024 election. I have documentation on that to put in my letter. Ken needs a huge budget for voter registration and GOTV as well as everything else.
I ordered more postcard stamps ($$$). By the end of the day today I will have done 290 postcardstovoters.org cards for Judge Crawford.
I recently retired. I'm grateful Simon provides me with an opportunity to stay involved and active in ways that use my skills meaningfully.
Thank you for all this Linda.
Linda you are amazing. Thank you for always being such a strong leader here.
Wow. You rock. I’m going to imitate you when I get back to my group in Amherst Mass!
Donated. My other activity today will be to attend the telephone town hall with Rep. Rick Larsen.
I left this comment in yesterday's thread, just before today's email arrived. I should have waited. Anyway, I'm reposting it here.
For everyone wondering how Dems are getting organized to fight back, listen to Brian Tyler Cohen interviewing Jamie Raskin. The first few minutes include info we all know, but after that it's new: Raskin is the lead for Dem's legal strategy, we'll see amicus briefs, and more. I'm looking forward to find out out about other strategies and who's leading them too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtzTO4a83NY
Thank you!
yes, thank you! can't wait to listen
This was a good interview!