Fantastic talk with a strong and patriotic woman. Thank you Simon. We're lucky to have her on our side. The tides are turning.
I have two dear friends - one from Jordan and one from Tehran from my doctorate days. Early in our friendship, I came to realize one of the differences in the three of us was that I expected a president with morals and values - someone I could look up to. They had absolutely no such expectations from their politicians for obvious reasons. In fact, they expected their politicians to be corrupt.
That's a feature of being an American and when it's threatened, we will stand up and say Hell No. Nobody can tell how this mess gets fixed, but most days my money is on America.
Thank you Simon and Hopium for the camaraderie and community we all get from being members. It's a part of this patriotism - a big part at the moment.
THANK YOU KRIS for such encouraging words! It's wonderful to hear from those who are in the thick of things...your words are so reassuring that we continue to be on the right track. Courts, crowds and courage...we're in this together and we will prevail in spite of what's being thrown at us! BRAVO to all the democratic warriors who have strong beliefs and are willing to fight for those beliefs!
Simon, I think you should write The Letter and have the AGs edit it. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration and surely he had some input from his peers. You have the ideas and the patriotism. Claim it and go for it!
Thank you Simon for featuring my AG Kris Mayes. I learned now that there is a portal on the AG's website to report any issues regarding Social Security from your interview. Social Security is a major issue with me as it's the majority of my income.
That was very inspiring! Thank you to all the courageous attorneys general!
Self report: I *thanked* Thom Tillis today for standing up to the president's insanity and signing onto the bill with six other Republican senators. I asked Ted Budd to join Tillis in showing courage on behalf of NC's citizens.
WOW!! Another Hero of Democracy!!! Thank you Simon for such an inspiring, empowering interview with one of the Attorney Generals fighting for our democracy, Kris Mayes!! Actually you let us in on how a fantastic idea can become a reality by simply introducing her to the Letter to Americans: We will stay tuned! because she really liked the concept and was going to present it at the AGs' meeting - history in the making and we have a front row seat through your interviews. Thank you!!!!!
Way to go, Chryss and Simon. Thanks for this fabulous interview. I want to hear more of them especially the Massachusetts AG Carrie on Simon you’re awesome.
Watching from Australia. Will be back in Wisconsin soon and I can’t wait to join protests and get back into action. This interview brought tears to my eyes. It was so good to hear Kris speak, her encouraging words and learn more of these inspiring actions. Thank you for doing these interviews Simon. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Simon, a comment unrelated to this great and important interview but expressly for you on last week’s Founders call:
One thing that particularly struck me on 4-Apr was your admission to a renewed (I think you called it “positive”) enthusiasm about our current or developing political situation. You are, of course, always upbeat and motivating, and it was really great and inspiring to hear this. However, in almost the very next sentence you expressed dismay that the actions of the Musk-Trump administration were wreaking irrevocable harm to the United States, irreparable damage to our reputation that could never be restored. I would like to implore you to renew your enthusiasm in us as Americans. We can be pretty damn good at successfully reinventing ourselves when we have to be.
Undoubtably our institutions and reputation will change because of the Musk-Trump attacks on our government and our allies. Should our opposition be successful, I submit that these changes can, in time, be transformed into something productive and positive rather than harmful and destructive. Much of this change may even be necessary as it seems clear to many that our institutions are failing to do their jobs effectively or efficiently.
The people of this planet know we have lost our collective minds by electing this madman but they also know that he perpetuated a fraud on just barely enough of the American people to get himself elected. They intuitively know the adage commonly attributed to Lincoln but which may have been a popular saying of French origin: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
Collectively, our country will be forgiven and our standing restored should our opposition be effective and successful and return our country to a saner path. Perhaps we might even be more respected for successfully defeating this challenge and seizing the moment to make constructive changes to our government and institutions they too might see as necessary or beneficial for all our futures. WE CAN DO THIS!
SELF REPORTING - As I’ve reported before I’m not a phone caller but I’m now up to 51 letters to my representatives Roy, Cornyn and Cruz on various topics, nine most recently on this tariff debacle. Interestingly, while they all acknowledge receipt of these communications, Cornyn has specifically responded six times to my letters. His responses have been much more than canned thank yous. They have been extensive, respectful and thoughtful and on point as to the issues I raised and his responses delineated and explained his position on these subjects. We don’t always agree but someone is taking the time to respond in this way. Maybe it’s just an AI responding but I have still been impressed.
OMG that was great! As many of you have no doubt noticed, I have been mentioning our wonderful Attorney General here in New Jersey – Matt Platkin – who has worked so hard w the governor & w Moms Demand Action to put us on the map as a national leader on gun safety, and as I have mentioned a couple times, was in Minnesota as part of the AGs “traveling roadshow”. I agree that this is so important to hear about. We have heard that they are out there, but we weren’t really sure what they were doing. Recording testimony is fantastic and a great way to share out to the public the stories of what is happening to real Americans. The manifesto that they come up with will be fantastic as well - such a great idea, Simon!
I will be hearing from AG Platkin on Wednesday evening, as I mentioned earlier today, and will be sure to report back here on anything noteworthy.
Simon, I had no idea Schiff & Raskin were having a shadow hearing. I would like to suggest an announcement be made in some manner so we can join in while they are discussing issues. Social media, emails, a schedule ? Or am I asking too much. If we know before hand we can amplify and get the word out.
In Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition Newsletter (April 8), he links to the hearing's opening statements from Adam Schiff, Jamie Raskin, and Dick Durbin. He also links to the entire hearing. If you don't already subscribe to Robert's newsletter you should!
What a great and inspiring talk even in the face of her brutal honesty about how bad things really are. I feel more confident knowing that this group of AGs is fighting so hard for our country and doing so with dignity.
I am inspired to change my pitch in conversations and emails to my friends. The change is from Dems or Progressives to Patriots. I love this way of redefining our purpose. It’s not D vs R or left vs right. It’s patriots vs those who wish to destroy our country by rampaging through every department and agency with utter disregard for humanity and the rule of law.
It’s time to take back the flag as ours. MAGA has had it for too long and all they have done is desecrate it. I will proudly carry a flag at the next demonstration and I will encourage others to do so as well. Thank you, Simon, for leading the way with this shift in perspective and language.
This is an awesome interview, and I look forward to hearing from the other State AGs.
The Democratic wins are mounting, and our patriotic determination to defend Our Democracy is strong. We The People will bring trump's self coup to a crushing end.
Comments were off. Now they are on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have fun.
Fantastic talk with a strong and patriotic woman. Thank you Simon. We're lucky to have her on our side. The tides are turning.
I have two dear friends - one from Jordan and one from Tehran from my doctorate days. Early in our friendship, I came to realize one of the differences in the three of us was that I expected a president with morals and values - someone I could look up to. They had absolutely no such expectations from their politicians for obvious reasons. In fact, they expected their politicians to be corrupt.
That's a feature of being an American and when it's threatened, we will stand up and say Hell No. Nobody can tell how this mess gets fixed, but most days my money is on America.
Thank you Simon and Hopium for the camaraderie and community we all get from being members. It's a part of this patriotism - a big part at the moment.
Kent
Arizonan here. Kris Mayes is the best. She is being an excellent AG for Arizona.
THANK YOU KRIS for such encouraging words! It's wonderful to hear from those who are in the thick of things...your words are so reassuring that we continue to be on the right track. Courts, crowds and courage...we're in this together and we will prevail in spite of what's being thrown at us! BRAVO to all the democratic warriors who have strong beliefs and are willing to fight for those beliefs!
Simon, I think you should write The Letter and have the AGs edit it. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration and surely he had some input from his peers. You have the ideas and the patriotism. Claim it and go for it!
Thank you Simon for featuring my AG Kris Mayes. I learned now that there is a portal on the AG's website to report any issues regarding Social Security from your interview. Social Security is a major issue with me as it's the majority of my income.
Here is where you can go to report Social Security disruptions in Arizona.
https://www.azag.gov/socialsecurity
That was very inspiring! Thank you to all the courageous attorneys general!
Self report: I *thanked* Thom Tillis today for standing up to the president's insanity and signing onto the bill with six other Republican senators. I asked Ted Budd to join Tillis in showing courage on behalf of NC's citizens.
WOW!! Another Hero of Democracy!!! Thank you Simon for such an inspiring, empowering interview with one of the Attorney Generals fighting for our democracy, Kris Mayes!! Actually you let us in on how a fantastic idea can become a reality by simply introducing her to the Letter to Americans: We will stay tuned! because she really liked the concept and was going to present it at the AGs' meeting - history in the making and we have a front row seat through your interviews. Thank you!!!!!
Way to go, Chryss and Simon. Thanks for this fabulous interview. I want to hear more of them especially the Massachusetts AG Carrie on Simon you’re awesome.
Oy Sorry for the spelling errors
Watching from Australia. Will be back in Wisconsin soon and I can’t wait to join protests and get back into action. This interview brought tears to my eyes. It was so good to hear Kris speak, her encouraging words and learn more of these inspiring actions. Thank you for doing these interviews Simon. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Simon, a comment unrelated to this great and important interview but expressly for you on last week’s Founders call:
One thing that particularly struck me on 4-Apr was your admission to a renewed (I think you called it “positive”) enthusiasm about our current or developing political situation. You are, of course, always upbeat and motivating, and it was really great and inspiring to hear this. However, in almost the very next sentence you expressed dismay that the actions of the Musk-Trump administration were wreaking irrevocable harm to the United States, irreparable damage to our reputation that could never be restored. I would like to implore you to renew your enthusiasm in us as Americans. We can be pretty damn good at successfully reinventing ourselves when we have to be.
Undoubtably our institutions and reputation will change because of the Musk-Trump attacks on our government and our allies. Should our opposition be successful, I submit that these changes can, in time, be transformed into something productive and positive rather than harmful and destructive. Much of this change may even be necessary as it seems clear to many that our institutions are failing to do their jobs effectively or efficiently.
The people of this planet know we have lost our collective minds by electing this madman but they also know that he perpetuated a fraud on just barely enough of the American people to get himself elected. They intuitively know the adage commonly attributed to Lincoln but which may have been a popular saying of French origin: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
Collectively, our country will be forgiven and our standing restored should our opposition be effective and successful and return our country to a saner path. Perhaps we might even be more respected for successfully defeating this challenge and seizing the moment to make constructive changes to our government and institutions they too might see as necessary or beneficial for all our futures. WE CAN DO THIS!
SELF REPORTING - As I’ve reported before I’m not a phone caller but I’m now up to 51 letters to my representatives Roy, Cornyn and Cruz on various topics, nine most recently on this tariff debacle. Interestingly, while they all acknowledge receipt of these communications, Cornyn has specifically responded six times to my letters. His responses have been much more than canned thank yous. They have been extensive, respectful and thoughtful and on point as to the issues I raised and his responses delineated and explained his position on these subjects. We don’t always agree but someone is taking the time to respond in this way. Maybe it’s just an AI responding but I have still been impressed.
OMG that was great! As many of you have no doubt noticed, I have been mentioning our wonderful Attorney General here in New Jersey – Matt Platkin – who has worked so hard w the governor & w Moms Demand Action to put us on the map as a national leader on gun safety, and as I have mentioned a couple times, was in Minnesota as part of the AGs “traveling roadshow”. I agree that this is so important to hear about. We have heard that they are out there, but we weren’t really sure what they were doing. Recording testimony is fantastic and a great way to share out to the public the stories of what is happening to real Americans. The manifesto that they come up with will be fantastic as well - such a great idea, Simon!
I will be hearing from AG Platkin on Wednesday evening, as I mentioned earlier today, and will be sure to report back here on anything noteworthy.
Keep going!
So proud of AG Kris Mayes. We are lucky to have her. Thanks Simon
I didn't realize there was a message limit! Learning Substack by the day!
Simon, this stuff is gold! Appreciate the work.
Simon, I had no idea Schiff & Raskin were having a shadow hearing. I would like to suggest an announcement be made in some manner so we can join in while they are discussing issues. Social media, emails, a schedule ? Or am I asking too much. If we know before hand we can amplify and get the word out.
I only learned about it on here. I will reinforce. Every day we are taking new steps, learning, getting stronger.
Thanks!
Link here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ElEVeJA-byE?si=a73lbmtUF7yoUjiE
In Robert Hubbell's Today's Edition Newsletter (April 8), he links to the hearing's opening statements from Adam Schiff, Jamie Raskin, and Dick Durbin. He also links to the entire hearing. If you don't already subscribe to Robert's newsletter you should!
I've also learned that Midas Touch's YouTube channel will be a destination for all the shadow hearings too.
That's great news about Meidas Touch carrying the hearings. Their reach is vast!
https://www.youtube.com/live/QcP8zEQgUC8?si=VMGxGr8HAyjaC-mv
Shadow Hearings video
Courtesy of Meidas
And how wonderful that we can rely upon Meidas to dedicate the bandwidth.
Just read that in Midas' email today! Thanks for posting it here!
I assume a “first draft” of the “Letter to America” is already circulating…
What a great and inspiring talk even in the face of her brutal honesty about how bad things really are. I feel more confident knowing that this group of AGs is fighting so hard for our country and doing so with dignity.
I am inspired to change my pitch in conversations and emails to my friends. The change is from Dems or Progressives to Patriots. I love this way of redefining our purpose. It’s not D vs R or left vs right. It’s patriots vs those who wish to destroy our country by rampaging through every department and agency with utter disregard for humanity and the rule of law.
It’s time to take back the flag as ours. MAGA has had it for too long and all they have done is desecrate it. I will proudly carry a flag at the next demonstration and I will encourage others to do so as well. Thank you, Simon, for leading the way with this shift in perspective and language.
This is an awesome interview, and I look forward to hearing from the other State AGs.
The Democratic wins are mounting, and our patriotic determination to defend Our Democracy is strong. We The People will bring trump's self coup to a crushing end.