I am curious, has anybody started compiling a list of all the Republican politicians who are publicly opposing Texas’ attempt to impose an even more extreme gerrymander at Trump’s behest? Uh, any names at all??
I heard there were a few in NY who were somewhat tepidly opposed. No names but I read that somewhere. They are worried they might lose their seats. Maybe you could look at CA GOP reps as well and find a few.
I would be very curious to hear if Mike Lawler has said anything. I watched his interview on Firing Line where he spoke out against gerrymandering. He failed to criticize TX. As the saying goes: talk is cheap.
Neither federal legislation nor a constitutional amendment is going to happen in the foreseeable future – and certainly not in today’s hyperpartisan political climate.
Actually neither is needed! The Supreme Court could and should banned political gerrymanders based on the provisions already in the Constitution. Instead, the Roberts-Alito court turned a blind eye, implicitly and explicitly approving egregious partisan gerrymanders.
“we must also work collectively to find a higher gear; tell a bigger story; develop a language, a narrative, a rallying cry and a battle plan commensurate with the deeply dangerous moment we find ourselves in.”
I am partial to “save American freedom,” but I am open to other ideas…
As the successful strategist (female) said, "Issues first, issues second, candidate third, party last."
Nationally, the number of registered Dems, GOP and independents is scary close, so don't try to sell the party.
A huge percentage of people who get their news by smart phone can't identify John Thune, Squeaker Johnson or Marjorie Taylor Greene, yet we have to get some of them out to vote for our candidates.
How is the resolution doing in Doña Ana County? I anticipate its introduction in August. Shannon Reynolds of District 3 and Chair Christopher Schaljo Hernandez are probably the cosponsors.
The Commission meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Commission Chambers on the ground floor of the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., in Las Cruces.
People in Las Cruces need to do the work. I can't do it from BernCo. because I am not their constituent. Will check with the other contacts that I have there.
The one thing I am grateful for with Simon is his links to reliable, effective donation options. I have received those texts from Democratic fundraisers and I delete them all and mark them as junk. I also remember Harrison getting tons of money in his campaign against McConnell in Kentucky and then getting smoked in the election by double digits.
Simon, great to hear you voice the need for a stronger Democratic focus on Texas elections! Yes, what Governor Abbott and Texas Republicans are trying to do is truly outrageous. Imho, the core problem is that the Roberts Supreme Court openly decided to allow egregious political gerrymanders. SCOTUS had the opportunity to put a stop to all this!
That said, nationally and in every state, the key question that needs to be in greater focus is this: What are the respective parties using their power to achieve?
Trump and the MAGA-Republican Party are using their power to inflict damage to American democracy itself that may prove exceedingly difficult if not impossible to undo. The ongoing purge of federal agencies, Trump’s impoundment of Congressionally-approved funds, and unprecedented rescissions, are but three examples of this.
These are not normal times – and Trump’s "marching orders" to state governments to seize power through not just extreme gerrymanders but also other means is unprecedented and deeply dangerous.
In recent negotiations, Senate Minority Leader Schumer couldn’t even get the White House to release Congressionally-approved funds. Obviously that should have been an easy bipartisan low-picked fruit.
Simon, thank you for all of the great information.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to ask them to do more to get rid of the Trump tariffs. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Also: no actions today since I am on my way to Netroots Nation to learn how to be a better activist. But I did say “let’s start with Donald” when I was behind the guy with a “Dead pedophiles don’t re-offend” shirt 😈
Simon, I couldn’t have agreed more with your commentary on Kamala Harris. The legal sphere is both her wheelhouse and can now become her niche. All the more reason why I have a suspicious feeling this could (and should) all lead to her becoming our next Attorney General at minimum. Granted, I would still love to see her as President in our future (which she should have been now), and as I’ve stated before, I would not discount her chances in 2028. She’s remains in m view, one of the most underestimated figures of our time. Be that as it may, I agree with all three of you from the conversation in that she was actually smart to decline the Governor’s race and play the longer game, keeping her options open. She doesn’t work with crooks nor dances with the devil, she prosecutes them. Her future is bright!
I actually laughed out loud at that one. I’m currently watching Robert Reich’ interview on Colbert from last night. He’s a man who’s been around for quite some time and has seen an enormous deal. To hear him express his optimism in the face of such adversity, is greatly encouraging and not without its realism mind you, reassuring our (well, certainly mine at least) sense of belonging in this community very much in light of its name. Optics can account for a lot, yes. But what happens on the ground accounts for much more. Mainstream media and independent media are on two separate ends. Independent media/podcasts/sub-stacks, all like that of Hopium, Reich, Midas Touch (which has overtaken Rogan mind you), HCR, Lincoln Project, Seneca Project, Bulwark, Mark Elias and Brian Tyler Cohen (Democracy Watch/Democracy Docket—arguably the most imperative platform out there with Elias), Glenn Kirschner, Norm, Jennifer, Lichtman, Kinzinger, etc. is increasing in both viewership as well as in relevance and rapidly! It’s reaching across the aisle (with voters) and everywhere in between. The ground game (helping to be formulated by the people as well) is what’s becoming most vivid. All hope is most certainly not lost. Trump, his movement, and his approach to authoritarianism is both NOT irreversible and is NOT sustainable. The 1930s parallels are there and are alarming no doubt. The differences between then and our 21st century modern society (arguably the most culturally diverse in the world) are just as significant, stark, and perhaps even more key to climbing over the ‘hump of Trump,’ which we WILL and in our not so distant future at that. I can feel that in my gut. He and we are taking this all to a fever pitch and like Kinzinger has professed himself we will NOT be the generation that lets democracy completely die and America burn to the ground. Not on our watch! Btw, I know you’re a huge presence on here so my thanks to you as well for all you contribute.
OK going to cling to your words for rest of the day. (Cuz otherwise...WHAT THE ABSOLUTE F? times a million question marks and exclamation points. wish I was just being , but seriously....wtf.)
We can be alarmed and we can have our days of panic because we are human. However, constant cynicism and pessimism leads one to surrender to defeatism, complacency, and the difficulties faced. Cautious optimism leads to acting in light of the difficulties faced. There’s a reason why this community has been so successful and will continue to be so. I empathize with how you feel cuz there are many a day where I feel the same, believe me, as cautiously optimistic as I typically am. That all said, keep the faith. This too shall pass. Don’t believe it? Then, let’s make sure that’s the case when all set and done.
I wonder who might emerge in Maine to run against Collins, who seems like a potential target. I think I heard LePage.. who is nuts... might primary Collins. But I haven't heard who might emerge from the Democratic Party to run for Senate.
Governor Janet Mills is considering challenging Susan Collins. Imho, Mills is by far the strongest possible candidate! Granted, ideally she would be two or three decades younger, but after Mills defeats Collins and serves one term, it will be far easier for Democrats to hold this seat.
I think she is close to 80... I'd rather someone younger.
By the way, I searched and I didn't find anything about LePage challenging Collins. Rather he's talking about running for Jared Golden's seat. I think I heard Rick Wilson talking about LePage... but I might be misremembering that. It would be interesting if Collins got a primary challenger though.
Mills is 77. Nonetheless, I believe she is our best bet. She has been a terrific governor and has done her utmost to undo the damage wrought by Paul "Flintstone" LePage.
If there was someone younger who looked like they could beat Collins, I would support them instead – but I don’t see an equally viable candidate in sight.
Democrat Shenna Bellows, current Secretary of State, ran once before against Susan Collins (in 2014) and lost, but that was back before everyone knew that Collins "is always there for you when you don't need her". Bellows is 50 years old right now -- a common age to start a Senate career. I don't live in Maine, so I don't know how she is considered there, but she looks good on paper: former executive director of the ACLU and Holocaust and Human Rights Center in Maine, and former member of the Maine Senate. She grew up in the more conservative CD in Maine and grew up in a poor household.
A quick comment re photos of Epstein's home today in NYT. I know this is not a big ticket item or especially newsworthy, but the photos of Epstein's bedroom show large blue flowers all over the walls. (assume it is wallpaper). I'm an art historian and tend to view images with an eye to symbolism. "Deflowering" was or is a term applied to a virgin's first full sexual experience. How apt is it that Epstein's bed chamber was decorated with blue flowers? One can also consider meanings of color blue but the flowers are what leaped out to me first.
Continuing with concept of imagery, Dems need to come up with some strong images to support whatever the post Aug messaging will be. Flags, maps, liberty bells, majestic places of this nation, etc do not belong only to GOP. Toxic T as Superman, please............
While I continue to make my daily calls, talk to friends and family, and protest when I can, Simon has it 1000% right that we are all very frustrated with the lack of urgency from Dem leadership response to the Trump crisis. Let's hope they can muster a much more robust response come September.
agree 1000%. americans are ahead of elected leadership. there has to be an urgency to saving democracy. standing up and calling it out like rachel did last nite. she said dictatorship is not coming, it's here. we can not be frogs simmering in ever heating water. it all has to be called out everyday. creativity and humor go a long way. dem governors ready to redistrict to save democracy. individuals filming ice kidnappings. individuals going to court to help protect people. it will take all of us, to our ability, to save our country. it's about time that the dem leadership got on board, throw away the old, polite, second guessing, hand wringing ways, and start the street fighting! dictatorship or autocracy is here!
That phrase is dead and will in future histories of this time represent authoritarian evil. After the abductions, deaths, concentration camps, weakening of research, expansion of disease, destruction of the economy and international relationships, undermining of free speech and independent media, undermining of rule of law and separation of powers, undermining of voting rights, that phrase must forever stand as a symbol of evil. It must not be resurrected any more than Nazi symbols should be resurrected.
While I really do like that, I avoid anything derivative of the Rs. I would rather pick something familiar and patriotic and easy to say, maybe from the Revolutionary era or the Civil Rights movement.
(What I would really love is something from the 1943 WV BoE vs Barnette decision, for its beauty, power, and patriotism, but “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein” doesn’t fit very well on a sign.)
An important point about gerrymandering- it could potentially backfire if republicans are depending on swing voters to move their direction. That might explain why even some Republicans are reluctant to support gerrymandering efforts before the midterms: https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/08/01/trump-texas-map-could-backfire/
Daily calls are in to Rep members of congress. The usual topics-tariffs, ICE, Epstein, attack on science. Thanks everyone for your work and discussions.
I share your passion and want to support your efforts. With limited resources it is not feasible to donate to the many seemingly responsible requests. At the same time AI is creating distrust in many news reports. Where would you recommend efforts be concentrated?
That requires recruiting, funding, and supporting people who run. Local and state Democratic groups do all of that and more. They are good places to volunteer or donate.
I am curious, has anybody started compiling a list of all the Republican politicians who are publicly opposing Texas’ attempt to impose an even more extreme gerrymander at Trump’s behest? Uh, any names at all??
👀👀👀👀👀
I heard there were a few in NY who were somewhat tepidly opposed. No names but I read that somewhere. They are worried they might lose their seats. Maybe you could look at CA GOP reps as well and find a few.
I would be very curious to hear if Mike Lawler has said anything. I watched his interview on Firing Line where he spoke out against gerrymandering. He failed to criticize TX. As the saying goes: talk is cheap.
I don’t think we’re gonna get any. They’ll just say “look at California.”
Think we need more federal legislation or even a constitutional amendment to stop this gerrymandering “race to the bottom.”
Neither federal legislation nor a constitutional amendment is going to happen in the foreseeable future – and certainly not in today’s hyperpartisan political climate.
Actually neither is needed! The Supreme Court could and should banned political gerrymanders based on the provisions already in the Constitution. Instead, the Roberts-Alito court turned a blind eye, implicitly and explicitly approving egregious partisan gerrymanders.
It need not have been this way.
“we must also work collectively to find a higher gear; tell a bigger story; develop a language, a narrative, a rallying cry and a battle plan commensurate with the deeply dangerous moment we find ourselves in.”
I am partial to “save American freedom,” but I am open to other ideas…
Hopium words:
Save America: Stop maga’s Plunder, Sabotage & Betrayal !
Although I prefer the positive message
💙 The Democratic Party brings Prosperity, Opportunity and Better Lives! 💙
We tried that in 2024.
As the successful strategist (female) said, "Issues first, issues second, candidate third, party last."
Nationally, the number of registered Dems, GOP and independents is scary close, so don't try to sell the party.
A huge percentage of people who get their news by smart phone can't identify John Thune, Squeaker Johnson or Marjorie Taylor Greene, yet we have to get some of them out to vote for our candidates.
Try "NO DICTATORS"
💙 I am a leader in the Democratic Party and proud of who we are !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💙
Me too, but that message doesn't sell well outside the choir.
Maybe it would if House leaders organized an impeachment resolution every week when they are in session.
How is the resolution doing in Doña Ana County? I anticipate its introduction in August. Shannon Reynolds of District 3 and Chair Christopher Schaljo Hernandez are probably the cosponsors.
The Commission meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Commission Chambers on the ground floor of the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd., in Las Cruces.
Next meetings August 12 and August 26. Agenda will be posted here. https://www.donaanacounty.org/government/agendas/bocc-agendas
Sorry, but you know a lot more about the resolution's progress than I do.
People in Las Cruces need to do the work. I can't do it from BernCo. because I am not their constituent. Will check with the other contacts that I have there.
Thank you for highlighting that quote in your first sentence. Nobody can disagree that these are perilous times.
The one thing I am grateful for with Simon is his links to reliable, effective donation options. I have received those texts from Democratic fundraisers and I delete them all and mark them as junk. I also remember Harrison getting tons of money in his campaign against McConnell in Kentucky and then getting smoked in the election by double digits.
Mark, Amy McGrath ran against McConnell in KY; Jamie Harrison ran against Lindsey Graham in SC
Simon, great to hear you voice the need for a stronger Democratic focus on Texas elections! Yes, what Governor Abbott and Texas Republicans are trying to do is truly outrageous. Imho, the core problem is that the Roberts Supreme Court openly decided to allow egregious political gerrymanders. SCOTUS had the opportunity to put a stop to all this!
That said, nationally and in every state, the key question that needs to be in greater focus is this: What are the respective parties using their power to achieve?
Trump and the MAGA-Republican Party are using their power to inflict damage to American democracy itself that may prove exceedingly difficult if not impossible to undo. The ongoing purge of federal agencies, Trump’s impoundment of Congressionally-approved funds, and unprecedented rescissions, are but three examples of this.
These are not normal times – and Trump’s "marching orders" to state governments to seize power through not just extreme gerrymanders but also other means is unprecedented and deeply dangerous.
In recent negotiations, Senate Minority Leader Schumer couldn’t even get the White House to release Congressionally-approved funds. Obviously that should have been an easy bipartisan low-picked fruit.
The other question > WHO are the heroes ... and where will they come from (most likely). I'll try to answer that.
Simon, thank you for all of the great information.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to ask them to do more to get rid of the Trump tariffs. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Also: no actions today since I am on my way to Netroots Nation to learn how to be a better activist. But I did say “let’s start with Donald” when I was behind the guy with a “Dead pedophiles don’t re-offend” shirt 😈
Please report back! I attended when it was in Philly and found it very inspirational and educational.
Simon, I couldn’t have agreed more with your commentary on Kamala Harris. The legal sphere is both her wheelhouse and can now become her niche. All the more reason why I have a suspicious feeling this could (and should) all lead to her becoming our next Attorney General at minimum. Granted, I would still love to see her as President in our future (which she should have been now), and as I’ve stated before, I would not discount her chances in 2028. She’s remains in m view, one of the most underestimated figures of our time. Be that as it may, I agree with all three of you from the conversation in that she was actually smart to decline the Governor’s race and play the longer game, keeping her options open. She doesn’t work with crooks nor dances with the devil, she prosecutes them. Her future is bright!
Suggestion: Betting markets should open wagers whereby people can guess how many photos show Epstein and Trump appearing jointly with underaged girls.
I actually laughed out loud at that one. I’m currently watching Robert Reich’ interview on Colbert from last night. He’s a man who’s been around for quite some time and has seen an enormous deal. To hear him express his optimism in the face of such adversity, is greatly encouraging and not without its realism mind you, reassuring our (well, certainly mine at least) sense of belonging in this community very much in light of its name. Optics can account for a lot, yes. But what happens on the ground accounts for much more. Mainstream media and independent media are on two separate ends. Independent media/podcasts/sub-stacks, all like that of Hopium, Reich, Midas Touch (which has overtaken Rogan mind you), HCR, Lincoln Project, Seneca Project, Bulwark, Mark Elias and Brian Tyler Cohen (Democracy Watch/Democracy Docket—arguably the most imperative platform out there with Elias), Glenn Kirschner, Norm, Jennifer, Lichtman, Kinzinger, etc. is increasing in both viewership as well as in relevance and rapidly! It’s reaching across the aisle (with voters) and everywhere in between. The ground game (helping to be formulated by the people as well) is what’s becoming most vivid. All hope is most certainly not lost. Trump, his movement, and his approach to authoritarianism is both NOT irreversible and is NOT sustainable. The 1930s parallels are there and are alarming no doubt. The differences between then and our 21st century modern society (arguably the most culturally diverse in the world) are just as significant, stark, and perhaps even more key to climbing over the ‘hump of Trump,’ which we WILL and in our not so distant future at that. I can feel that in my gut. He and we are taking this all to a fever pitch and like Kinzinger has professed himself we will NOT be the generation that lets democracy completely die and America burn to the ground. Not on our watch! Btw, I know you’re a huge presence on here so my thanks to you as well for all you contribute.
OK going to cling to your words for rest of the day. (Cuz otherwise...WHAT THE ABSOLUTE F? times a million question marks and exclamation points. wish I was just being , but seriously....wtf.)
We can be alarmed and we can have our days of panic because we are human. However, constant cynicism and pessimism leads one to surrender to defeatism, complacency, and the difficulties faced. Cautious optimism leads to acting in light of the difficulties faced. There’s a reason why this community has been so successful and will continue to be so. I empathize with how you feel cuz there are many a day where I feel the same, believe me, as cautiously optimistic as I typically am. That all said, keep the faith. This too shall pass. Don’t believe it? Then, let’s make sure that’s the case when all set and done.
Love the coffee squad. Go team! We need to all band together.
Great interview, somehow I missed it.
I wonder who might emerge in Maine to run against Collins, who seems like a potential target. I think I heard LePage.. who is nuts... might primary Collins. But I haven't heard who might emerge from the Democratic Party to run for Senate.
Governor Janet Mills is considering challenging Susan Collins. Imho, Mills is by far the strongest possible candidate! Granted, ideally she would be two or three decades younger, but after Mills defeats Collins and serves one term, it will be far easier for Democrats to hold this seat.
I think she is close to 80... I'd rather someone younger.
By the way, I searched and I didn't find anything about LePage challenging Collins. Rather he's talking about running for Jared Golden's seat. I think I heard Rick Wilson talking about LePage... but I might be misremembering that. It would be interesting if Collins got a primary challenger though.
Mills is 77. Nonetheless, I believe she is our best bet. She has been a terrific governor and has done her utmost to undo the damage wrought by Paul "Flintstone" LePage.
If there was someone younger who looked like they could beat Collins, I would support them instead – but I don’t see an equally viable candidate in sight.
It does seem like she's done a great job. I still would like someone younger but if I lived there, I would support her.
Collins is 72, so no spring chicken either.
Democrat Shenna Bellows, current Secretary of State, ran once before against Susan Collins (in 2014) and lost, but that was back before everyone knew that Collins "is always there for you when you don't need her". Bellows is 50 years old right now -- a common age to start a Senate career. I don't live in Maine, so I don't know how she is considered there, but she looks good on paper: former executive director of the ACLU and Holocaust and Human Rights Center in Maine, and former member of the Maine Senate. She grew up in the more conservative CD in Maine and grew up in a poor household.
A quick comment re photos of Epstein's home today in NYT. I know this is not a big ticket item or especially newsworthy, but the photos of Epstein's bedroom show large blue flowers all over the walls. (assume it is wallpaper). I'm an art historian and tend to view images with an eye to symbolism. "Deflowering" was or is a term applied to a virgin's first full sexual experience. How apt is it that Epstein's bed chamber was decorated with blue flowers? One can also consider meanings of color blue but the flowers are what leaped out to me first.
Continuing with concept of imagery, Dems need to come up with some strong images to support whatever the post Aug messaging will be. Flags, maps, liberty bells, majestic places of this nation, etc do not belong only to GOP. Toxic T as Superman, please............
While I continue to make my daily calls, talk to friends and family, and protest when I can, Simon has it 1000% right that we are all very frustrated with the lack of urgency from Dem leadership response to the Trump crisis. Let's hope they can muster a much more robust response come September.
thanks everyone for all you do.
agree 1000%. americans are ahead of elected leadership. there has to be an urgency to saving democracy. standing up and calling it out like rachel did last nite. she said dictatorship is not coming, it's here. we can not be frogs simmering in ever heating water. it all has to be called out everyday. creativity and humor go a long way. dem governors ready to redistrict to save democracy. individuals filming ice kidnappings. individuals going to court to help protect people. it will take all of us, to our ability, to save our country. it's about time that the dem leadership got on board, throw away the old, polite, second guessing, hand wringing ways, and start the street fighting! dictatorship or autocracy is here!
How about “ Make America America Again” for a Democratic slogan. There are many things in the past to which all kinds of people react positively
That phrase is dead and will in future histories of this time represent authoritarian evil. After the abductions, deaths, concentration camps, weakening of research, expansion of disease, destruction of the economy and international relationships, undermining of free speech and independent media, undermining of rule of law and separation of powers, undermining of voting rights, that phrase must forever stand as a symbol of evil. It must not be resurrected any more than Nazi symbols should be resurrected.
As these signs at a protest last Saturday in Longview, TX said: "Make America a Democracy Again" and "Drain the Trump Swamp". https://scontent.fosu2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/527379568_24316462437965894_5912568708247325449_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=2mvUfJZtthQQ7kNvwFPvHfV&_nc_oc=AdnlqZOa3V1N9puIetpgowklyjgOIBBakAmk7ioLWdQp7GRGvwziC4-wEIa-IlF8sHu5-mkf-asluxJgrVxHzCam&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fosu2-2.fna&_nc_gid=ylzIAk5Drn_iRXBtR3Qs5g&oh=00_AfQiecFuU-YaAzowB3zRFV4LbpPUMKPwGumY2ehfJs-adQ&oe=689536D3
I also like "Never Again, Republican" which seems like it might be especially good in rural red places that have been devastated by the Big Ugly Bill.
While I really do like that, I avoid anything derivative of the Rs. I would rather pick something familiar and patriotic and easy to say, maybe from the Revolutionary era or the Civil Rights movement.
(What I would really love is something from the 1943 WV BoE vs Barnette decision, for its beauty, power, and patriotism, but “If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein” doesn’t fit very well on a sign.)
Whatever the Democratic slogan is, it should not mention Trump or Republicans and it should be positive.
An important point about gerrymandering- it could potentially backfire if republicans are depending on swing voters to move their direction. That might explain why even some Republicans are reluctant to support gerrymandering efforts before the midterms: https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/08/01/trump-texas-map-could-backfire/
Daily calls are in to Rep members of congress. The usual topics-tariffs, ICE, Epstein, attack on science. Thanks everyone for your work and discussions.
I share your passion and want to support your efforts. With limited resources it is not feasible to donate to the many seemingly responsible requests. At the same time AI is creating distrust in many news reports. Where would you recommend efforts be concentrated?
We need to put Dems in EVERY race from local to national. Write to your Dem Gov and ask if your state can redistrict to gain Dem seats
I've contacted my governor, Wes Moore, to ask him to do what he can. Maryland can probably only carve out one seat, but every little bit helps.
Good job. We need every Contrarian in a Dem State to let their Govs know that we support fighting fire with fire in this five alarm fire!
That requires recruiting, funding, and supporting people who run. Local and state Democratic groups do all of that and more. They are good places to volunteer or donate.