It continues to confound me how so many people seem to ignore the truth and support this foolish man in the White House. This morning, especially... seeing people offer so many words of support for someone who couldn't care less about them. Well...all we can do is to continue the good fight and right this gigantic wrong. Happy 4th to all!
Agree. We went out for breakfast & passed an older gentleman wearing a MAGA hat—today of all days. My husband asked him if he knew that Orange was using the 250th to steal from us. He laughed uncomfortably & kept walking. That 💩 bilks so many simple people over& over & they just continue to fall for it. It’s just so abhorrent.
Trump’s attempts to hijack the 250th anniversary of America’s independence continues to be pathetic – and are seen as deeply embarrassing and unsettling even by his MAGA supporters.
This essay by Josh Kovensky on the Talking Points Memo highlights this in a jarring way. Trump has lost America and is now losing even his MAGA base. Well worth reading!
For those who kept the light of democracy burning that came before us and for those who are continuing to keep the light of democracy burning at this present time, Happy 250th!
We need to keep the light burning for future generations. It's our duty!
Despite the corruption and betrayal of Trump and the Republicans, I am heartened by the blue states, lower courts and independent media (including Hopium) pushing back and giving us optimism for the future of American democracy.
Sharing this today in honor of every judge across America who sits on the bench remembering he/she is there to defend our Constitution - not any one President or person.
MORE THAN 100 RETIRED CALIFORNIA JUDGES CREATE "WALL OF JUSTICE" TO DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW & AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Video Project Reaffirms Judges' Constitutional Oaths in Honor of America's 250th Celebration
Just watched the judges in your link. Like everything these days where people are standing up for our country, it brought tears to my eyes, but also helps me stay strong and keep fighting. Thanks for the link!
Happy 4th everyone. Thank you for yet another thought provoking post, Simon.
My family and I spent three weeks in May and June in an RV crisis crossing across Canada and the US. We were reminded of what an incredible country we have and how fantastic our Canadian neighbors are. We have much to learn from them. We spent several days in the Black Hills and visited both the crazy horse monument and Mount Rushmore. Everywhere we drove out west, we thought about the theft of land from our indigenous people and the massacres and horror that are country bestowed upon them. Last night was an abomination by the current president at the foot of one of the most iconic symbols of our country today. I’ve read several analysis of his speech because I can’t bear to watch or listen to him. It was frightening and disturbing to see how he’s used this holiday to insight hate and further his Christian nationalist racist agenda. I get great satisfaction seeing that no one has come to Washington to see the “great“ state fair. I pray that people understand how dangerous this man and those following him are. not only to our beloved immigrants and vulnerable populations, but to all of us. Let’s continue to find ways to experience joy and keep up our fight so that we can defeat these dark forces in November. Again, I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July.💙🇺🇸☮️🕊️
Today we celebrate our country--not its defacto ruler, who governs by fiat and fear. Our Founders were imperfect--as we all are. But they were serious people with the courage to write down a bold vision of self-government and commit to it their "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor." They pledged themselves to service and sacrifice for a new nation, not grift, and many of them suffered greatly for their acts of courage.
Their commitment is not quaint or old fashioned. Just ask the people of Hungary or the people of Ukraine or the people of Minneapolis how real and current it is. The Founders lit a torch for us to carry forward--a torch visible a century later held by Lady Liberty; a torch passed a century after that in the words of President Kennedy's Inaugural. Our American torch.
Great reminders, I will read it all again this evening.
This morning, I just started listening to the audiobook "To Catch a Fascist" by Christopher Mathias. Along with watching the World Cup, and avoiding crowds, that's my Fourth.
From Trump/MAGA Republican Oath Violation, Dereliction of Duty and Tyranny
July 4, 2026
We, the People, wish to create a more perfect union, in which all PEOPLE are created equal and, as expressed in the original declaration, “are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”https://substack.com/home/post/p-204970283
Also in that stream of inspirational American documents flowing from the Declaration is Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. That dream, and I closely paraphrase, is of the day we fully live up to our creed, that all men are created equal.
Thank you Simon for including our Declaration of Independence. So much of what the founders endured is akin to what we currently are going through. I did get a chuckle on the paragraph stating "He has dissolved Representative House repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people." There is nothing manly or firm about Donnie. More like a sack of demented, orange goo.
The joy I have felt watching my diverse hometown of NYC celebrate the Knicks, and the Americas hosting the World Cup, has nourished my soul.
Happy birthday USA! I still believe you’re worth the effort!!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It continues to confound me how so many people seem to ignore the truth and support this foolish man in the White House. This morning, especially... seeing people offer so many words of support for someone who couldn't care less about them. Well...all we can do is to continue the good fight and right this gigantic wrong. Happy 4th to all!
Agree. We went out for breakfast & passed an older gentleman wearing a MAGA hat—today of all days. My husband asked him if he knew that Orange was using the 250th to steal from us. He laughed uncomfortably & kept walking. That 💩 bilks so many simple people over& over & they just continue to fall for it. It’s just so abhorrent.
Good for your husband!
I applaud your husband. A simple well-worded comment can sometimes lead to enlightenment.
Happy Democracy Day to all proud plucky patriots! Thank you, Simon.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!
Trump’s attempts to hijack the 250th anniversary of America’s independence continues to be pathetic – and are seen as deeply embarrassing and unsettling even by his MAGA supporters.
This essay by Josh Kovensky on the Talking Points Memo highlights this in a jarring way. Trump has lost America and is now losing even his MAGA base. Well worth reading!
https://r.mail.talkingpointsmemo.com/mk/mr/sh/1t6AVsd2XFnIGABaHWRtmDPy0hVyKp/hvXSaz50vMK1
For those who kept the light of democracy burning that came before us and for those who are continuing to keep the light of democracy burning at this present time, Happy 250th!
We need to keep the light burning for future generations. It's our duty!
Despite the corruption and betrayal of Trump and the Republicans, I am heartened by the blue states, lower courts and independent media (including Hopium) pushing back and giving us optimism for the future of American democracy.
"He has refused to Assent to laws...."
,Happy 250th Birthday To the USA! Wave those ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸 high and proudly!
Sharing this today in honor of every judge across America who sits on the bench remembering he/she is there to defend our Constitution - not any one President or person.
MORE THAN 100 RETIRED CALIFORNIA JUDGES CREATE "WALL OF JUSTICE" TO DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW & AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY
Video Project Reaffirms Judges' Constitutional Oaths in Honor of America's 250th Celebration
youtu.be/m_lpnkZMbGc
Just watched the judges in your link. Like everything these days where people are standing up for our country, it brought tears to my eyes, but also helps me stay strong and keep fighting. Thanks for the link!
Happy 4th everyone. Thank you for yet another thought provoking post, Simon.
My family and I spent three weeks in May and June in an RV crisis crossing across Canada and the US. We were reminded of what an incredible country we have and how fantastic our Canadian neighbors are. We have much to learn from them. We spent several days in the Black Hills and visited both the crazy horse monument and Mount Rushmore. Everywhere we drove out west, we thought about the theft of land from our indigenous people and the massacres and horror that are country bestowed upon them. Last night was an abomination by the current president at the foot of one of the most iconic symbols of our country today. I’ve read several analysis of his speech because I can’t bear to watch or listen to him. It was frightening and disturbing to see how he’s used this holiday to insight hate and further his Christian nationalist racist agenda. I get great satisfaction seeing that no one has come to Washington to see the “great“ state fair. I pray that people understand how dangerous this man and those following him are. not only to our beloved immigrants and vulnerable populations, but to all of us. Let’s continue to find ways to experience joy and keep up our fight so that we can defeat these dark forces in November. Again, I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July.💙🇺🇸☮️🕊️
Today we celebrate our country--not its defacto ruler, who governs by fiat and fear. Our Founders were imperfect--as we all are. But they were serious people with the courage to write down a bold vision of self-government and commit to it their "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor." They pledged themselves to service and sacrifice for a new nation, not grift, and many of them suffered greatly for their acts of courage.
Their commitment is not quaint or old fashioned. Just ask the people of Hungary or the people of Ukraine or the people of Minneapolis how real and current it is. The Founders lit a torch for us to carry forward--a torch visible a century later held by Lady Liberty; a torch passed a century after that in the words of President Kennedy's Inaugural. Our American torch.
Happy Fourth of July Everyone!
Simon, If You did not Create HOPIUM, None of Us would be Celebrating this Day together! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Such a lovely sentiment, Millie. Thank you 🙏
I can always depend on Millie to bring a smile or a laugh to my face.
Great reminders, I will read it all again this evening.
This morning, I just started listening to the audiobook "To Catch a Fascist" by Christopher Mathias. Along with watching the World Cup, and avoiding crowds, that's my Fourth.
Happy Fourth everyone.
A New Declaration of Independence
From Trump/MAGA Republican Oath Violation, Dereliction of Duty and Tyranny
July 4, 2026
We, the People, wish to create a more perfect union, in which all PEOPLE are created equal and, as expressed in the original declaration, “are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”https://substack.com/home/post/p-204970283
Also in that stream of inspirational American documents flowing from the Declaration is Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. That dream, and I closely paraphrase, is of the day we fully live up to our creed, that all men are created equal.
Thank you Simon for including our Declaration of Independence. So much of what the founders endured is akin to what we currently are going through. I did get a chuckle on the paragraph stating "He has dissolved Representative House repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people." There is nothing manly or firm about Donnie. More like a sack of demented, orange goo.