Yes, very disappointing to Mike Johnson win his budget vote last night. But now Republicans totally own this.
Every single Democrat voted against their crazy "fleece the poor and middle class, give tax cuts to the billionaires budget. I believe even Brittany Pettersen, who gave birth only a month ago, and Raúl Grijalva, who apparently is very ill, missing every vote since the speaker vote, showed up to vote.
I figure it's like arguing with the umpire. He's not going to reverse the call he's already made, but he might be just a little bit more inclined to side with you the next time.
EDIT: Clarification and correction, from another website (The Downballot):
"The only member of Congress who did not vote on the terrible GOP budget bill was Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), who is being treated for lung cancer and is retiring. Even if he had joined every other Democrat in opposing the bill, it still would have passed by one vote.
"However, Reps. Kevin Mullin (D-CA.), who recently suffered an infection following knee surgery, and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), who recently gave birth to her second child, both missed an earlier procedural vote yet managed to make it to the House chamber to vote against the bill."
From what I have read Raul did not show up, he is very ill with cancer. I think that is why 214 D's voted and 1 Rep voted with the Democrats ( he wanted bigger cuts!)
Also, yesterday afternoon the Democrats led by Elizabeth Warren held a shadow government meeting on the dissolution of the Consumer Finance Protection Board. I wouldn't have known about it except that I saw portions of the meeting being held in an unused room in the Capitol on Rachel. I don't know if it was on CSPAN. I would like to have seen the entire meeting since people in attendance were asking questions and detailing how the board helped them. So, if anyone hears about a potential shadow meeting like that, please let the group know so we can pass it on to our contacts. This will be something I will be asking my Senators, especially since one of them, Richard Blumenthal, was sitting right next to Warren.
Today, at noon, the judge on the USAID case will expect answers from Trump's lawyers as to why the money has not been released per the judges orders two weeks ago. The money must start flowing this evening. This ruling will be enforced, according to the judge.
So, now this budget goes to the Senate for approval. Is the goal to pressure the 17 “vulnerable” Senate Republicans to vote “Nay?” What are the chances of any of them courageously & responsibly voting against it?
it seems that the house budget is cloaked in terms rather than line items so they dont reveal their cards and protect members. but cut $880B is the goal. which would be medicaid and food stamps. on the senate side. same thing. except their cuts are in medicare. clever how they divided the labor here. then they go to reconciliation where FOTUS will probably weigh in and tell them what to do depending on public outrage. FOTUS does not care about debt at all, so if he gets them to save medicaid, medicare, SS, food stamps, and still give $$$ to billionaires and corporations, he will just expand the debt by trillions. (but some house members abhor this debt cycle). not his problem. so it is becoming more clear to me how they do the shell game in congress on budgeting. it's kind of a moving target and hard for the general public to grasp since obscured. good news, the 17 repubs on our hit list all voted for the budget last nite. read thom hartman today. he predicts massive voter purges prior to 2026 vote and voter challenges by maga goon squad and other voter suppression tactics to throw the election. we have our hands full!!!
In addition to being cruel, chaotic, and corrupt, the Republicans are also penny wise and pound foolish. Investing in the health, prosperity, and security of America pays off handsomely, unlike this heist they are trying to pull off.
Given recent history, not likely. Depending on Lisa Markoswski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and other to show some backbone is a fools errand. It has to be stopped in the House
Dear staffer for Tom Barrett (R; 7th District, MI):
Thank you very much for meeting with Dr. David Arnosti’s group the other day (February 25, 2025). We hope and pray that you, Tom Barrett and your office will do everything in your power to maintain the survival of Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Michigan Education, the state of Michigan and the United States of America.
These important institutions and infrastructure are under attack by the current administration in Washington, D.C. Destroying these institutions and this essential and fragile infrastructure will not save money for the United States of America. The current approach to economics, described as “trickle down”, has always failed and will always fail, is designed to fail, is meant to fail. The economics of the current administration is designed to hollow out America and to degrade America’s most essential institutions. If the goal is a successful and enduring country, reliance on such an economic approach is certain to fail.
Just wanted to echo Simon's appreciation for the whole group of beautiful souls here. Whenever I call my electeds, pass out redcards, write a postcard, or corral more volunteers locally, I know I am not alone because you are all with me in spirit. Thanks for reminding me I am not a lone voice in the wilderness!
I am a Ca member of AINC ( All IN FOR NC) which I first read about here on Hopium Chronicles. Its base is MA, which really surprised and interested me.
It’s been a huge lesson on how focused groups such as AICN, The States Projects and especially the Hopium community can focus their energies and dollars and make a real difference like what was/is being done now in NC. Clearly the state itself has a huge local activism going on; however being a part of a supporting group (both HC and AICN) made me appreciate even more our focused attention on winnable state legislatures. For me, and I think many others, the spirit of NC activists and your extraordinary leader Anderson Clayton, drew us in. So glad to be part of the party🙌🏻
Irene you are gorgeous. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are indeed working hard here in NC to undo the gross gerrymandering that has left NC poorer, sicker, and dumber than it should be given the excellence of people like Anderson Clayton, Josh Stein, Jeff Jackson, Marcia Morey, and the brilliant Roy Cooper. You're a peach and you are making a big difference.
Selection bias is at work in what people report, of course, but it seems even many MAGA are repulsed by the felon's betrayal of Ukraine, which is of course also a betrayal of everything America is supposed to stand for. I find that encouraging.
I live in SC and have been calling Graham and Scott daily as well as my local rep, Sheri Biggs. I’ve called about lots of different issues each time as there is so much, but our current focus is trying to get them to hold a town hall. I made this call to each of them today but not very confident it will happen. I also wrote and mailed postcards for Susan Crawford in WI.
Don't be surprised if the only way they do that is virtually if at all. After angry voters challenged the Republicans in the other town halls,they don't want to take the incoming. If that is the case, do what others have done- do the empty chair routine and ask your questions. Make sure you have media: print,TV, and video.
All who have Rep. reps or senators will have to do the empty chair routine since according to reporting on MSNBC they have been told by the RNC to stop holding in-person town halls. Obviously the optics have been terrible for them.
This marks the second time I've expected a street fight in the House and been wildly incorrect. At this point, I'm forced to wonder if I should retire my 'Johnson can barely build a coalition around having eggs for breakfast' line now.
I believe Johnson already has a coalition of bad eggs. They go on Newsmax, Fox News, Bannon's show, etc. and bloviate, yell, protest and in the end vote with Musk er I mean Johnson.
The Republicans need to stop the lying to the American people! They know damn well that Medicaid will be impacted by this Republican budget. In addition, to their long term plans of moving it as well as Medicare and maybe even SS to the private sector. There is no doubt that if they succeed with moving these programs into the private sector, that the American people will be robbed blind, or suffer irreparable harm as a result! Thanks to the 77 million and the couch setters!
I agree with you with one caveat. The republicans won't stop lying and now they have the MSM full on helping them. That is why Substack is so important and I hope true journalists continue to join.
Here in NJ, Gov. Murphy did final state of the state yesterday, not sure how well it was received given his orange bootlicking last week. ICE was literally in another part of Trenton at the same time raiding workplaces. I urged folks in my groups to call and text the governor and demand that he stand up for ALL of us (again, he'll be sorry he started a text line). I've already called/texted.
Our local activists are going to do Tesla actions the next two Saturdays (see what I started!) and we are calling, calling, calling our R House members who ALL caved yesterday, even Van Drew. Rep. Smith (R-NJ04) should be ashamed of himself for how he voted - he sees his main constituency as older residents and he just stabbed 'em all in the back.
Have gotten several nice emails from Sen. Kim - actual responses! And up in North Jersey, our Visibility Brigade puts large signs on highway overpasses - MUSK IS A THIEF, etc. NJ is doing the work!
Oh, and down in orange land, they are going to run into a total buzzsaw by reopening the concealed carry reciprocity issue and closing the ATF. You do NOT want to hear from a bunch of pissed off Moms & gun violence survivors, pal. If they are hearing it now, wait till the red shirts descend on the Capitol!
. DOGE workers quit, refuse to "dismantle public services" on Musk's orders
More than 20 Department of Government Efficiency employees resigned on Tuesday, saying that DOGE's actions are incompatible with their mission as civil servants.
The big picture: The workers, who were folded into DOGE via executive order when President Trump took office, warned in their resignation letter about the risks that DOGE presents to Americans' data and public services.
"We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans' sensitive data, or dismantle public services," they wrote in the anonymous letter directed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
"We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGE's actions."
Even Axios is editing out references to the Constitution. I'm sorry but the biggest crime of the Trump administration IS THE ASSAULT ON THE CONSTITUTION. Somehow it seems that people have decided that is an argument that won't have traction. Why is that?
The Military is (allegedly) willing to die for the document. These workers were moved to resign because of it. The Constitution is our power, yet the zeitgeist is avoiding it. Trump will lose most of his court cases because of the Constitution. It's the document that preserves our democracy. When people say "no one is above the law", the Constitution is THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND!!!
Why is this happening, and why aren't more people here and elsewhere using it in our arsenal?
From Huffington Post yesterday...
“We swore to serve the American people and UPHOLD OUR OATH TO THE CONSTITUTION across presidential administrations,” the 21 staffers wrote in a joint resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. “However, it has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments.”
Even these DOGE workers realize it: "It's the Constitution, stupid."
I live in Maine's 2d and am calling Golden and Collins regularly. I urged them both to have town halls. They respond right away when I tell them my elderly parents are worried about their SS and my dad's access to the VA medical care (lack of staff due to funding freeze, they also got the letters for "early retirement") as well as his monthly benefits.
He is traveling in the UK this week and meeting with some members of Parliament. They are confounded by our Dem lack of leadership:
From Robert Hubbell’s Today’s Edition
Speaking with members of Parliament in the UK
“for now, I want to relate two comments that were made by nearly every person in the Lib Dems Party that we spoke to.
The first was a genuine expression of concern for the fate of American democracy. Everyone expressed an intense interest in American politics because of the close relations between the US and the UK. They wish us well and are on the side of democracy and the American people. It was gratifying to hear.
The second point made by nearly everyone to whom we spoke was a bewildered question: Why don’t the Democrats have a spokesperson who is responding on a daily basis to the developments and statements by the Trump administration?” In the UK, the opposition parties are viewed as an integral part of the government, with the largest opposition party being called “his Majesty’s opposition.” Their leaders assume a national, daily role in shaping the counter-narrative to the ruling party’s policies.
Supporting (and funding) the administrative operations of an opposition party is viewed as both necessary and good—a way to keep the majority party honest and in check.
So, if you are one of the millions of Americans—like me—frustrated that Democratic leaders have not mounted a coordinated, daily response to the lies and outrageous acts of the Trump administration, take comfort in the fact that neutral observers across the globe share our bewilderment.
Thanks for the update, Simon. Last Friday, February 21, former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg posted: “A defining policy battle is about to come to a head in this country. The Republican budget will force everyone—especially Congress and the White House—to make plain whether they are prepared to harm the rest of us in order to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest.”
Well, now we know that every House Republican (except for Massie-KY) is perfectly fine with harming all Americans to further enrich the wealthiest among us and give Twitler his “win.” House Rs are also discontinuing their town halls due to recent voter backlash. They are desperate to cling to power and are betraying their constituents to appease the mango mobster.
Last night was the initial budget resolution floor vote so there should be a few more before the final bill is sent to the Senate. Those of us with R representatives must continue to hammer them with angry phone calls and emails. Picketing their district offices is also an idea. And of course flooding social media with the truth. It will be interesting to see if Dump does blink on cutting Medicaid.
I would just like to know, when the folks that this budget would devastate the most, continue to believe these ruthless lying thieves? They have been caught in lie after lie, but yet, they continue to support and trust folks that truly do not have their best interest in mind!
Voting against one's interests has been a time-honored tradition since the dawn of democracy. (/s) (But seriously folks, from where I sit, it's a combination of blind faith, an inability to recognize lies, and an irrational contempt for anything and anyone even slightly to the left of the Kaiser. (Especially that last one.))
Coming from a red, rural area, I want to tell you that the vast majority of MAGAts will indeed continue to believe "these ruthless lying thieves." Trump will tell them that the impacts on them are the fault of Biden, immigrants, uppity women, "woke" policies, LGBTQ people, etc., etc. Always "the enemy within." And they'll uncritically agree with him and adopt his latest scapegoating. Just look at states like Mississippi, etc. that always have the worst economic, health, education, etc. results. They don't wake up one day and realize they've been lied to and then start voting for Dems. They double down and vote redder than ever, sure that if they can just criminalize abortions or make LGBTQ kids' lives more miserable, everything will be great. "Inflation" was the excuse this time, just like "her emails" was the excuse in 2016, but the dopamine hit they get from anger and hatred is the real reason they vote for Trump. They're about 25-30% of the electorate and they're as unreachable as any other cult. We need to align with "sensible Republicans" and get out our own voters. Voter registration should begin now.
Agreed. As a former R. My family was very proud of the party of Lincoln. Nixon changed all that. Dems need to register young voters and people who have 2nd homes. Now. Sensible people can be reached. Democrats created as Medicare, 40 hr work week etc. People just don’t know.
Yesterday the man in front of me in the grocery checkout line was wearing a tee shirt that said, “Make pedophiles afraid again” and had one of those fraying flags in black and white that MAGAts like to use as their code of clan. I did not even want to know which of my heroes he thought he was implicating but he was adamant that “they” should keep “their” hands “off little kids.”
In my experience with local MAGA people, their heads are scrambled beyond the reach of rationality and those scrambled heads are protected by the like-minded herds they run in. I’m still reeling from an earlier supermarket conversation with the woman whose cap said, “I’m voting for the felon,” who passionately insisted we keep That Communist (Harris) out of the White House.
But back to yesterday at the grocery store, the young lady checking me out firmly assured us that she is not scared of bird flu.
I sure wish that I had the answer to your question. For anyone searching for words, here's what I said on calls to my Congressman and two Senators today. "Sir, do you realize that when you allow Donald Trump/Elon Musk to dissolve the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or you vote to defund Medicaid or Medicare that you are giving the big 'middle finger' to American voters? We are not endlessly gullible or stupid, Senator. The time will come -- hopefully soon -- when many of your voters will see how you are sacrificing us on the altar of Donald Trump. This, so your rich friends can once again feed at the trough of tax breaks that they don't need, or deserve."
Yes, very disappointing to Mike Johnson win his budget vote last night. But now Republicans totally own this.
Every single Democrat voted against their crazy "fleece the poor and middle class, give tax cuts to the billionaires budget. I believe even Brittany Pettersen, who gave birth only a month ago, and Raúl Grijalva, who apparently is very ill, missing every vote since the speaker vote, showed up to vote.
The fight continues!
I figure it's like arguing with the umpire. He's not going to reverse the call he's already made, but he might be just a little bit more inclined to side with you the next time.
Our fundraising numbers across the board look good at least.
EDIT: Clarification and correction, from another website (The Downballot):
"The only member of Congress who did not vote on the terrible GOP budget bill was Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), who is being treated for lung cancer and is retiring. Even if he had joined every other Democrat in opposing the bill, it still would have passed by one vote.
"However, Reps. Kevin Mullin (D-CA.), who recently suffered an infection following knee surgery, and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), who recently gave birth to her second child, both missed an earlier procedural vote yet managed to make it to the House chamber to vote against the bill."
Thank you. Appreciate the update.
From what I have read Raul did not show up, he is very ill with cancer. I think that is why 214 D's voted and 1 Rep voted with the Democrats ( he wanted bigger cuts!)
Also, yesterday afternoon the Democrats led by Elizabeth Warren held a shadow government meeting on the dissolution of the Consumer Finance Protection Board. I wouldn't have known about it except that I saw portions of the meeting being held in an unused room in the Capitol on Rachel. I don't know if it was on CSPAN. I would like to have seen the entire meeting since people in attendance were asking questions and detailing how the board helped them. So, if anyone hears about a potential shadow meeting like that, please let the group know so we can pass it on to our contacts. This will be something I will be asking my Senators, especially since one of them, Richard Blumenthal, was sitting right next to Warren.
Today, at noon, the judge on the USAID case will expect answers from Trump's lawyers as to why the money has not been released per the judges orders two weeks ago. The money must start flowing this evening. This ruling will be enforced, according to the judge.
So, not all bad news.
Yes, thank you. I just posted a correction about Raúl Grijalva.
(Small typo in your post: 214, not 714)
Oops, thank you.
Stayed up till 1 a.m. to make sure I got all the late breaking news.
Enforced - but how?
Not sure. Eager to find out.
Good for Grijalva!!! He's been a good congressman. I hope whoever gets his seat will do the same for their constituents.
So, now this budget goes to the Senate for approval. Is the goal to pressure the 17 “vulnerable” Senate Republicans to vote “Nay?” What are the chances of any of them courageously & responsibly voting against it?
There is no budget yet. Only an outline. Now they have to go build a budget and yes we have to keep working the 17.
Thank you for the clarification. 👌🏼
it seems that the house budget is cloaked in terms rather than line items so they dont reveal their cards and protect members. but cut $880B is the goal. which would be medicaid and food stamps. on the senate side. same thing. except their cuts are in medicare. clever how they divided the labor here. then they go to reconciliation where FOTUS will probably weigh in and tell them what to do depending on public outrage. FOTUS does not care about debt at all, so if he gets them to save medicaid, medicare, SS, food stamps, and still give $$$ to billionaires and corporations, he will just expand the debt by trillions. (but some house members abhor this debt cycle). not his problem. so it is becoming more clear to me how they do the shell game in congress on budgeting. it's kind of a moving target and hard for the general public to grasp since obscured. good news, the 17 repubs on our hit list all voted for the budget last nite. read thom hartman today. he predicts massive voter purges prior to 2026 vote and voter challenges by maga goon squad and other voter suppression tactics to throw the election. we have our hands full!!!
In addition to being cruel, chaotic, and corrupt, the Republicans are also penny wise and pound foolish. Investing in the health, prosperity, and security of America pays off handsomely, unlike this heist they are trying to pull off.
Given recent history, not likely. Depending on Lisa Markoswski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell and other to show some backbone is a fools errand. It has to be stopped in the House
Dear staffer for Tom Barrett (R; 7th District, MI):
Thank you very much for meeting with Dr. David Arnosti’s group the other day (February 25, 2025). We hope and pray that you, Tom Barrett and your office will do everything in your power to maintain the survival of Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Michigan Education, the state of Michigan and the United States of America.
These important institutions and infrastructure are under attack by the current administration in Washington, D.C. Destroying these institutions and this essential and fragile infrastructure will not save money for the United States of America. The current approach to economics, described as “trickle down”, has always failed and will always fail, is designed to fail, is meant to fail. The economics of the current administration is designed to hollow out America and to degrade America’s most essential institutions. If the goal is a successful and enduring country, reliance on such an economic approach is certain to fail.
Very sincerely;
Zachary Burton, Ph.D.
Just wanted to echo Simon's appreciation for the whole group of beautiful souls here. Whenever I call my electeds, pass out redcards, write a postcard, or corral more volunteers locally, I know I am not alone because you are all with me in spirit. Thanks for reminding me I am not a lone voice in the wilderness!
Christine,
Thank you for your heartfelt comments🙏🏻
I am a Ca member of AINC ( All IN FOR NC) which I first read about here on Hopium Chronicles. Its base is MA, which really surprised and interested me.
It’s been a huge lesson on how focused groups such as AICN, The States Projects and especially the Hopium community can focus their energies and dollars and make a real difference like what was/is being done now in NC. Clearly the state itself has a huge local activism going on; however being a part of a supporting group (both HC and AICN) made me appreciate even more our focused attention on winnable state legislatures. For me, and I think many others, the spirit of NC activists and your extraordinary leader Anderson Clayton, drew us in. So glad to be part of the party🙌🏻
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Irene you are gorgeous. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are indeed working hard here in NC to undo the gross gerrymandering that has left NC poorer, sicker, and dumber than it should be given the excellence of people like Anderson Clayton, Josh Stein, Jeff Jackson, Marcia Morey, and the brilliant Roy Cooper. You're a peach and you are making a big difference.
🤩💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🍑
Selection bias is at work in what people report, of course, but it seems even many MAGA are repulsed by the felon's betrayal of Ukraine, which is of course also a betrayal of everything America is supposed to stand for. I find that encouraging.
I live in SC and have been calling Graham and Scott daily as well as my local rep, Sheri Biggs. I’ve called about lots of different issues each time as there is so much, but our current focus is trying to get them to hold a town hall. I made this call to each of them today but not very confident it will happen. I also wrote and mailed postcards for Susan Crawford in WI.
Don't be surprised if the only way they do that is virtually if at all. After angry voters challenged the Republicans in the other town halls,they don't want to take the incoming. If that is the case, do what others have done- do the empty chair routine and ask your questions. Make sure you have media: print,TV, and video.
Love the empty chair routine. Now that you remind me of it, how about an empty throne for questioning Musk?
Although upon further thought, that might swell his head even further. Better a jail cell....
A jail cell with a throne in it! A toilet or an actual throne -- either would be appropriate.
Yes, that’s our plan - to show up even if they don’t; with the local media there too. Thanks!
Elizabeth Warren had an empty chair for Musk yesterday at her hearing. Of course he did not attend.
All who have Rep. reps or senators will have to do the empty chair routine since according to reporting on MSNBC they have been told by the RNC to stop holding in-person town halls. Obviously the optics have been terrible for them.
This marks the second time I've expected a street fight in the House and been wildly incorrect. At this point, I'm forced to wonder if I should retire my 'Johnson can barely build a coalition around having eggs for breakfast' line now.
Johnson is building a coalition of bad eggs.
A very pricey collection of bad eggs.
Available nowhere.
This 'bad egg' thread is hilarious.....thx
*Takes bow*
I believe Johnson already has a coalition of bad eggs. They go on Newsmax, Fox News, Bannon's show, etc. and bloviate, yell, protest and in the end vote with Musk er I mean Johnson.
I am glad there is an edit feature here.
At this rate, I'm fully convinced that the Republicans would stick together to pass a national abortion ban.
Even if they did, there's no way in hell that would get within driving distance of a vote in the Senate.
The Republicans need to stop the lying to the American people! They know damn well that Medicaid will be impacted by this Republican budget. In addition, to their long term plans of moving it as well as Medicare and maybe even SS to the private sector. There is no doubt that if they succeed with moving these programs into the private sector, that the American people will be robbed blind, or suffer irreparable harm as a result! Thanks to the 77 million and the couch setters!
I agree with you with one caveat. The republicans won't stop lying and now they have the MSM full on helping them. That is why Substack is so important and I hope true journalists continue to join.
Here in NJ, Gov. Murphy did final state of the state yesterday, not sure how well it was received given his orange bootlicking last week. ICE was literally in another part of Trenton at the same time raiding workplaces. I urged folks in my groups to call and text the governor and demand that he stand up for ALL of us (again, he'll be sorry he started a text line). I've already called/texted.
Our local activists are going to do Tesla actions the next two Saturdays (see what I started!) and we are calling, calling, calling our R House members who ALL caved yesterday, even Van Drew. Rep. Smith (R-NJ04) should be ashamed of himself for how he voted - he sees his main constituency as older residents and he just stabbed 'em all in the back.
Have gotten several nice emails from Sen. Kim - actual responses! And up in North Jersey, our Visibility Brigade puts large signs on highway overpasses - MUSK IS A THIEF, etc. NJ is doing the work!
Oh, and down in orange land, they are going to run into a total buzzsaw by reopening the concealed carry reciprocity issue and closing the ATF. You do NOT want to hear from a bunch of pissed off Moms & gun violence survivors, pal. If they are hearing it now, wait till the red shirts descend on the Capitol!
Keep going everyone!
And there is another Gabe Evans protest scheduled for Friday now.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/1iyp7qk/228_protest_at_rep_gabe_evans_northglenn_office/
GOOD NEWS YESTERDAY:
. DOGE workers quit, refuse to "dismantle public services" on Musk's orders
More than 20 Department of Government Efficiency employees resigned on Tuesday, saying that DOGE's actions are incompatible with their mission as civil servants.
The big picture: The workers, who were folded into DOGE via executive order when President Trump took office, warned in their resignation letter about the risks that DOGE presents to Americans' data and public services.
"We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans' sensitive data, or dismantle public services," they wrote in the anonymous letter directed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
"We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGE's actions."
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/doge-elon-musk-employees-quit
Even Axios is editing out references to the Constitution. I'm sorry but the biggest crime of the Trump administration IS THE ASSAULT ON THE CONSTITUTION. Somehow it seems that people have decided that is an argument that won't have traction. Why is that?
The Military is (allegedly) willing to die for the document. These workers were moved to resign because of it. The Constitution is our power, yet the zeitgeist is avoiding it. Trump will lose most of his court cases because of the Constitution. It's the document that preserves our democracy. When people say "no one is above the law", the Constitution is THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND!!!
Why is this happening, and why aren't more people here and elsewhere using it in our arsenal?
From Huffington Post yesterday...
“We swore to serve the American people and UPHOLD OUR OATH TO THE CONSTITUTION across presidential administrations,” the 21 staffers wrote in a joint resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. “However, it has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments.”
Even these DOGE workers realize it: "It's the Constitution, stupid."
I live in Maine's 2d and am calling Golden and Collins regularly. I urged them both to have town halls. They respond right away when I tell them my elderly parents are worried about their SS and my dad's access to the VA medical care (lack of staff due to funding freeze, they also got the letters for "early retirement") as well as his monthly benefits.
Hi Tanja, great to see you here as a fellow Hopium activist.
Thank you. Lots of us wish we could call them.
From Robert Hubbell’s Today’s Edition Substack:
He is traveling in the UK this week and meeting with some members of Parliament. They are confounded by our Dem lack of leadership:
From Robert Hubbell’s Today’s Edition
Speaking with members of Parliament in the UK
“for now, I want to relate two comments that were made by nearly every person in the Lib Dems Party that we spoke to.
The first was a genuine expression of concern for the fate of American democracy. Everyone expressed an intense interest in American politics because of the close relations between the US and the UK. They wish us well and are on the side of democracy and the American people. It was gratifying to hear.
The second point made by nearly everyone to whom we spoke was a bewildered question: Why don’t the Democrats have a spokesperson who is responding on a daily basis to the developments and statements by the Trump administration?” In the UK, the opposition parties are viewed as an integral part of the government, with the largest opposition party being called “his Majesty’s opposition.” Their leaders assume a national, daily role in shaping the counter-narrative to the ruling party’s policies.
Supporting (and funding) the administrative operations of an opposition party is viewed as both necessary and good—a way to keep the majority party honest and in check.
So, if you are one of the millions of Americans—like me—frustrated that Democratic leaders have not mounted a coordinated, daily response to the lies and outrageous acts of the Trump administration, take comfort in the fact that neutral observers across the globe share our bewilderment.
Extremely helpful for calling AGs, Reps, Senators.
https://5calls.org/
Thanks for the update, Simon. Last Friday, February 21, former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg posted: “A defining policy battle is about to come to a head in this country. The Republican budget will force everyone—especially Congress and the White House—to make plain whether they are prepared to harm the rest of us in order to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest.”
Well, now we know that every House Republican (except for Massie-KY) is perfectly fine with harming all Americans to further enrich the wealthiest among us and give Twitler his “win.” House Rs are also discontinuing their town halls due to recent voter backlash. They are desperate to cling to power and are betraying their constituents to appease the mango mobster.
Last night was the initial budget resolution floor vote so there should be a few more before the final bill is sent to the Senate. Those of us with R representatives must continue to hammer them with angry phone calls and emails. Picketing their district offices is also an idea. And of course flooding social media with the truth. It will be interesting to see if Dump does blink on cutting Medicaid.
I would just like to know, when the folks that this budget would devastate the most, continue to believe these ruthless lying thieves? They have been caught in lie after lie, but yet, they continue to support and trust folks that truly do not have their best interest in mind!
Voting against one's interests has been a time-honored tradition since the dawn of democracy. (/s) (But seriously folks, from where I sit, it's a combination of blind faith, an inability to recognize lies, and an irrational contempt for anything and anyone even slightly to the left of the Kaiser. (Especially that last one.))
Coming from a red, rural area, I want to tell you that the vast majority of MAGAts will indeed continue to believe "these ruthless lying thieves." Trump will tell them that the impacts on them are the fault of Biden, immigrants, uppity women, "woke" policies, LGBTQ people, etc., etc. Always "the enemy within." And they'll uncritically agree with him and adopt his latest scapegoating. Just look at states like Mississippi, etc. that always have the worst economic, health, education, etc. results. They don't wake up one day and realize they've been lied to and then start voting for Dems. They double down and vote redder than ever, sure that if they can just criminalize abortions or make LGBTQ kids' lives more miserable, everything will be great. "Inflation" was the excuse this time, just like "her emails" was the excuse in 2016, but the dopamine hit they get from anger and hatred is the real reason they vote for Trump. They're about 25-30% of the electorate and they're as unreachable as any other cult. We need to align with "sensible Republicans" and get out our own voters. Voter registration should begin now.
Agreed. As a former R. My family was very proud of the party of Lincoln. Nixon changed all that. Dems need to register young voters and people who have 2nd homes. Now. Sensible people can be reached. Democrats created as Medicare, 40 hr work week etc. People just don’t know.
Yesterday the man in front of me in the grocery checkout line was wearing a tee shirt that said, “Make pedophiles afraid again” and had one of those fraying flags in black and white that MAGAts like to use as their code of clan. I did not even want to know which of my heroes he thought he was implicating but he was adamant that “they” should keep “their” hands “off little kids.”
In my experience with local MAGA people, their heads are scrambled beyond the reach of rationality and those scrambled heads are protected by the like-minded herds they run in. I’m still reeling from an earlier supermarket conversation with the woman whose cap said, “I’m voting for the felon,” who passionately insisted we keep That Communist (Harris) out of the White House.
But back to yesterday at the grocery store, the young lady checking me out firmly assured us that she is not scared of bird flu.
I sure wish that I had the answer to your question. For anyone searching for words, here's what I said on calls to my Congressman and two Senators today. "Sir, do you realize that when you allow Donald Trump/Elon Musk to dissolve the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or you vote to defund Medicaid or Medicare that you are giving the big 'middle finger' to American voters? We are not endlessly gullible or stupid, Senator. The time will come -- hopefully soon -- when many of your voters will see how you are sacrificing us on the altar of Donald Trump. This, so your rich friends can once again feed at the trough of tax breaks that they don't need, or deserve."