Thinking about Simon’s call to imagine our future. Imagine what our country could be if individuals and families had real, enduring security….
“Security” is the bridge between our two issues of affordability and democracy.
We would not live in fear, on the edge of becoming destitute from medical debt, student loans, or losing a job without a safety net. If we became sick, we would have health care and insurance - without fighting with for-profit insurance companies to be covered. If a loved one became disabled or mentally ill, services and community would be there to support our family. We would work at jobs that paid a living wage so we could afford the necessities and pleasures in life.
We would not live in fear of our government. We would be secure in knowledge that we are safe in our homes and on the streets, whomever and wherever we are. We would not be afraid that some government goon could snatch us off the street, beat us, kill us, or send us far away to a concentration camp. We could speak our opinions and protest in the public square without fear. We wouldn’t be singled out if we belonged to the wrong religion or were the wrong kind of person.
A community struggling for survival with affordability and with authoritarianism is a fearful community. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is only possible when we the people have both economic security and the freedom of political security, democracy.
The entire administration are all just lying, gaslighting, p.o.s-es. Miller, Bondi on Epstein, Noem.
Keep pushing. I expect the polls to drop dramatically further in the coming week. We are in an inflection point.
Hopefully the pressure builds on Mike Johnson to step down, or the GOP fires him. He wouldn’t know “regular order” if it punched him in the nose.
I’m calling my D House Rep to suggest they meet in D.C as a shadow legislature to get a unified strategy to combat Johnson’s dereliction of duty. Meet in the basement if they have to.
that's an excellent idea. I've been saying they need to have shadow activities, and act between House & Senate together. Also hearings. Lots of 'em. There should be a group of Dems just based in MN holding hearings like they did a couple weeks back.
For the last couple of years, I have thought of myself as a Maslow's Democrat. I believe the bottom two layers of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs should be human rights: physiological needs and safety needs.
Your call for security, for people to *feel* secure, resonates with me strongly.
That is wonderful because Maslow's Hierarchy is a key to creating a stable, cared for population who can focus on their community because they are cared for. 💙
The worst part is that this isn't rocket science. The Scandinavian countries have all of that, and the people consistently rate their countries as the happiest in the world. Denmark is number 2. Finland has been #1 for 8 years running. In Finland it is illegal to charge tuition for education. As a result the rich attend the same schools as the rest. They make sure those schools are very good. There is no car insurance industry. The government covers it as part of your fees.
This is a great strategy I think. We should still be hammering the affordability security bit especially after all this calms down because, well, that got Trump into 1600 Penn ave and it also will get the "normie" voters on our side who, while MN might be a bit more abstract to them, crazy as that might seem, their wallet very much isn't. It is still the #1 concern among trump voters that have soured on him and is still one of the top concerns for everyone else.
And that is tied to our other security as well with what you mention of not being afraid of our government, and the ruining of our place in the world. A great message that instead of the administration prioritizing your economic/well being security, it's tearing down your physical and international one as well. It doesn't care about you or your concerns, it only cares about its power, and will gladly run you over and leave you destitute do get there.
Does anyone know where things stand with the ACA subsidies in the Senate appropriations bills? With all the recent attention on ICE and DHS, extension of the ACA subsidies seems to have fallen out of the news.
Just talked with a young saxophone musician (weddings, dances, events, etc.) from Pittsburgh yesterday. He could afford Obamacare last year, but no way in hell this year. When I told him I was afraid for him - that he could need a $100,000 surgery or procedure tomorrow and his life would be so messed up financially, he said he knew and that his parents can't afford insurance this year either. We now have two generations of Americans who can't afford health insurance. In the richest country in the world? Appalling.
universal healthcare like other countries have had for decades would solve all that, I heard David Jolly, now Dem candidate for Florida governor who used to be a Republican say, "I hate to admit it, but universal healthcare is the only way out of this mess."
The above is a link to Marc Elias' recent video. After last night's Hopium Member meeting, I think it is especially relevant.
Very much looking forward to when Marc will be joining us at one of our upcoming Wednesday night meetings.
Finally, for those who haven't heard yet, NO KINGS 3.0 will be March 28. And, yes, Simon, I will try again to organize the Hopium-ites to meet and protest together!
And to keep with the spirit of songs, here's something you might like:
Yesterday, the Save America Movement (started by Steve Schmidt and others) began airing a new spot on Fox 9 and WCCO in Minneapolis. It is called “Battle Cry of Freedom.”
Calls to DC made, with the addition of calling for Stephen Miller’s removal. Will call my Governor and our inspiring AG of the free state of New Mexico now.
The measles graph appears to represent exponential growth. Should plot it on a semilog scale, log N vs. t, to be sure. That's what I assume you must see at the early stages of an epidemic.
It is great that Springsteen wrote a song. I wish Prince was still here too. The Boss sounds more like Bob Dylan than ever. Come to think of it, Dylan is a Minnesota guy too, we need a song from him. Those cultural things matter.
i thought of chimes of freedom flashing when i heard this song. the boss and dylan were often compared to each other and neither really appreciated it, but i think there is a valid comparison there. bruce was electric first then acoustic, bob famously went electric and pissed off the peter paul and mary crowd, no disrespect to them.....the song resonates, more than his
My ResistBot letter for Jan 28: After the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, DHS leadership spread false narratives, defied court orders, and lost bipartisan confidence. Congress must intervene now—using hearings and funding leverage—to impose real accountability and reform. Use this link to send letters to your members of Congress.
pls add to the list of dem demands that training needs to be 6 mos not 47 days. even that is a low bar compared to other law enforcement agencies. also, when there are hearings & investigations renee good and alex pretti must both be investigated. very important to include the first execution: a mom, turning away, saying i am not mad, shot 3 times in face point blank, then called a fu ing bi ch. this was the first execution in broad daylight. must be included.
Email today: The owner of Stow Cafe, Stow Ma (pop'n 6,000) named Max, got kidnapped simply walking into work. 5 cars swarmed the parking lot of our building and masked cowards got out and took him. He’s owned the business for over 15 years. He’s a hard worker, a father, and a husband. It was beyond upsetting to witness.
There is a standout of support at noon...go if you can!!
INVITE: Tonight's Rapid Response Call on Minnesota with DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
DNC Grassroots Team
Jan 28
Team,
Tonight, we will come together virtually to hear how Democrats and community groups are responding to ICE’s harmful actions in Minnesota and how you can help.
Please join us for a virtual Rapid Response Call on Minnesota with DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison at 7 PM ET tonight, Wednesday, January 28th. You can sign up here to receive the link.
We hope you can make it:
Rapid Response Call on Minnesota — Virtual
With DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Wednesday, January 28
7 PM Eastern
Event Time
1/28, 7:00 PM — 7:30 PM EST
This call will run for 30 minutes, and will be hosted virtually. RSVP to receive the link.
Thanks for the Springsteen song, which I shared immediately. I phoned Josh Hawley, thanking him for supporting reforms to ICE. Hope he stays with that. Phoned Schmitt asking him to join with Hawley but we’ll see. Schmitt has turned out to be a radical disappointment, even in a red state.
Yeah great song. The boss still has it. He rises to the occasion -- Streets of Philadelphia for the AIDS crisis, The Rising for 9/11, and now this song.
Called my 2 Senators to stay strong and not cave to DHS funding request. Also called Schumer, thanking him for his opposition and urging him to keep it up. Contacted my Rep to ask that House Dems push hard to strip ICE/CBP funding. He said House Dems are in discussions with Senate Dems. But said there won’t be an attempt to rescind the $75 billion for ICE from Big Ugly bill. Told him there should be. Make Republicans go on record again for supporting that.
I Just called and emailed 4 senators (my secret "in"with Colorado in addition my Mass crew). Here's the script if you want to use. Sorry this may be a duplicate; I can't find my original post.
Dear Senator
First thank you for tirelessly working to save our Democracy. It is the biggest issue on the table right now. Thank you for your work to reform or abolish ICE. In the negotiations this week I want you to know that our grassroots movement which numbers now, in the millions, believes you should demand these five things:
1. End ICE Operations in Minnesota Immediately. ICE's "Operation Metro Surge" has terrorized communities, wrongfully detained citizens, and sparked strikes and lawsuits—halt it now.
2. Refocus ICE on Criminal Removals Only. Define ICE's mission to target solely criminals, as Trump claims; current indiscriminate deportations of legal residents and non-criminals require massive funding for decade-long occupations, not public support.
3. Remove Stephen Miller from Government. As architect of the Minnesota surge and Greenland seizure, Miller drives Trump-Vance's extreme policies—unlike expendable managers like Noem or Homan.
4. Mandate Oversight of Detention Centers. Require independent or Congressional inspections amid reports of overcrowding, medical neglect, and denied access, as in Whipple facility.
5. Ban Masks for ICE Agents. End anonymous terrorizing of communities—no masks.
Our own damn government is doing this to us. It’s tyranny. MAGA tyranny. The American revolution was started for much less.
Thinking about Simon’s call to imagine our future. Imagine what our country could be if individuals and families had real, enduring security….
“Security” is the bridge between our two issues of affordability and democracy.
We would not live in fear, on the edge of becoming destitute from medical debt, student loans, or losing a job without a safety net. If we became sick, we would have health care and insurance - without fighting with for-profit insurance companies to be covered. If a loved one became disabled or mentally ill, services and community would be there to support our family. We would work at jobs that paid a living wage so we could afford the necessities and pleasures in life.
We would not live in fear of our government. We would be secure in knowledge that we are safe in our homes and on the streets, whomever and wherever we are. We would not be afraid that some government goon could snatch us off the street, beat us, kill us, or send us far away to a concentration camp. We could speak our opinions and protest in the public square without fear. We wouldn’t be singled out if we belonged to the wrong religion or were the wrong kind of person.
A community struggling for survival with affordability and with authoritarianism is a fearful community. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is only possible when we the people have both economic security and the freedom of political security, democracy.
Called my Senators with Simon’s ICE OUT points.
Grateful for Bruce. It raises awareness.
The entire administration are all just lying, gaslighting, p.o.s-es. Miller, Bondi on Epstein, Noem.
Keep pushing. I expect the polls to drop dramatically further in the coming week. We are in an inflection point.
Hopefully the pressure builds on Mike Johnson to step down, or the GOP fires him. He wouldn’t know “regular order” if it punched him in the nose.
I’m calling my D House Rep to suggest they meet in D.C as a shadow legislature to get a unified strategy to combat Johnson’s dereliction of duty. Meet in the basement if they have to.
that's an excellent idea. I've been saying they need to have shadow activities, and act between House & Senate together. Also hearings. Lots of 'em. There should be a group of Dems just based in MN holding hearings like they did a couple weeks back.
LOVE the idea of doing shadow hearings in Minnesota!
Yes, we've been pushing for a shadow Cabinet for a long time now! Agree with you, Lisa!!
For the last couple of years, I have thought of myself as a Maslow's Democrat. I believe the bottom two layers of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs should be human rights: physiological needs and safety needs.
Your call for security, for people to *feel* secure, resonates with me strongly.
That is wonderful because Maslow's Hierarchy is a key to creating a stable, cared for population who can focus on their community because they are cared for. 💙
Thanks! I haven’t figured out a way to fit it on a sign or a shirt though. :)
The worst part is that this isn't rocket science. The Scandinavian countries have all of that, and the people consistently rate their countries as the happiest in the world. Denmark is number 2. Finland has been #1 for 8 years running. In Finland it is illegal to charge tuition for education. As a result the rich attend the same schools as the rest. They make sure those schools are very good. There is no car insurance industry. The government covers it as part of your fees.
In other words, WHY would Greenland want to be part of us when they have Denmark?
Tax the Rich as AOC always has said. TAX THE RICH and RAISE MIN WAGE and we would be so much closer to the Scandenavian countries.
Yes as Simon reminded us LIFE, Liberty, the pursuit of happiness. YES Love your idea about the basic needs, human rights. Thank You for that.
This is a great strategy I think. We should still be hammering the affordability security bit especially after all this calms down because, well, that got Trump into 1600 Penn ave and it also will get the "normie" voters on our side who, while MN might be a bit more abstract to them, crazy as that might seem, their wallet very much isn't. It is still the #1 concern among trump voters that have soured on him and is still one of the top concerns for everyone else.
And that is tied to our other security as well with what you mention of not being afraid of our government, and the ruining of our place in the world. A great message that instead of the administration prioritizing your economic/well being security, it's tearing down your physical and international one as well. It doesn't care about you or your concerns, it only cares about its power, and will gladly run you over and leave you destitute do get there.
Does anyone know where things stand with the ACA subsidies in the Senate appropriations bills? With all the recent attention on ICE and DHS, extension of the ACA subsidies seems to have fallen out of the news.
Here is the Politico analysis. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/01/28/congress/republicans-set-to-make-best-and-final-obamacare-offer-moreno-says-00752843
and this from The Hill https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5687461-senate-obamacare-compromise-deadline/
remarks from Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
"To date, Congressional efforts to extend the ACA PTCs [enhanced premium tax credits] have stalled, and the path forward is unclear." January 20, 2026
https://www.astho.org/communications/blog/2026/aca-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-legislative-developments-2025-2026/
Thanks very much, Deborah!!!
🌞
Just talked with a young saxophone musician (weddings, dances, events, etc.) from Pittsburgh yesterday. He could afford Obamacare last year, but no way in hell this year. When I told him I was afraid for him - that he could need a $100,000 surgery or procedure tomorrow and his life would be so messed up financially, he said he knew and that his parents can't afford insurance this year either. We now have two generations of Americans who can't afford health insurance. In the richest country in the world? Appalling.
universal healthcare like other countries have had for decades would solve all that, I heard David Jolly, now Dem candidate for Florida governor who used to be a Republican say, "I hate to admit it, but universal healthcare is the only way out of this mess."
Yes, truly you are right. We are the richest city in the world and our hard working middle class and "working" class are making the Rich get Richer.
https://youtu.be/xmJWeH1wBn4?si=m_GP859SKy3R71Ti
The above is a link to Marc Elias' recent video. After last night's Hopium Member meeting, I think it is especially relevant.
Very much looking forward to when Marc will be joining us at one of our upcoming Wednesday night meetings.
Finally, for those who haven't heard yet, NO KINGS 3.0 will be March 28. And, yes, Simon, I will try again to organize the Hopium-ites to meet and protest together!
I would love to meet any Salem Oregon Hopium ites and stand together at No Kings
And to keep with the spirit of songs, here's something you might like:
Yesterday, the Save America Movement (started by Steve Schmidt and others) began airing a new spot on Fox 9 and WCCO in Minneapolis. It is called “Battle Cry of Freedom.”
https://youtu.be/I8SC6UJ2s9M?si=nxQ3DNCocZxxZJAf
Calls to DC made, with the addition of calling for Stephen Miller’s removal. Will call my Governor and our inspiring AG of the free state of New Mexico now.
The measles graph appears to represent exponential growth. Should plot it on a semilog scale, log N vs. t, to be sure. That's what I assume you must see at the early stages of an epidemic.
It is great that Springsteen wrote a song. I wish Prince was still here too. The Boss sounds more like Bob Dylan than ever. Come to think of it, Dylan is a Minnesota guy too, we need a song from him. Those cultural things matter.
yeah where is minnesota bob???
He has enough relevant songs. I would say Blowin' in the Wind, Masters of War, the Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll...
i'd say a hard rain gonna fall
well that too. Like I said, there are plenty of them.
i thought of chimes of freedom flashing when i heard this song. the boss and dylan were often compared to each other and neither really appreciated it, but i think there is a valid comparison there. bruce was electric first then acoustic, bob famously went electric and pissed off the peter paul and mary crowd, no disrespect to them.....the song resonates, more than his
'41 shots" imho....
His version of Chimes is better IMHO. :)
this is a song based on the latter, but updated for Renee Good
https://youtu.be/NjKA5DDRak8?si=mGZsu7nbwmeMEJ3R
he never was much for his home town. but you have to see bruce is channeling him here. also, bob's in his 80's....
He’s never been extremely political but this is different
I made my daily calls first thing today to my 2 Dem Senators who are firmly on board with no funding.
Also had a parking ticket charge due to meter monitor error forgiven so donated that fee plus some to 4 candidates running for congress.
Springsteen song made me weep.
me too - I mean the weeping not the parking ticket
And me. I think Bruce's song has vibrated with a lot of us.
My ResistBot letter for Jan 28: After the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, DHS leadership spread false narratives, defied court orders, and lost bipartisan confidence. Congress must intervene now—using hearings and funding leverage—to impose real accountability and reform. Use this link to send letters to your members of Congress.
Text SIGN PRWNVN to 50409 or go to: https://resist.bot/petitions/PRWNVN
"Fight for Thriving Worldwide Democracy"
pls add to the list of dem demands that training needs to be 6 mos not 47 days. even that is a low bar compared to other law enforcement agencies. also, when there are hearings & investigations renee good and alex pretti must both be investigated. very important to include the first execution: a mom, turning away, saying i am not mad, shot 3 times in face point blank, then called a fu ing bi ch. this was the first execution in broad daylight. must be included.
ICE is revving up in Massachusetts!
Email today: The owner of Stow Cafe, Stow Ma (pop'n 6,000) named Max, got kidnapped simply walking into work. 5 cars swarmed the parking lot of our building and masked cowards got out and took him. He’s owned the business for over 15 years. He’s a hard worker, a father, and a husband. It was beyond upsetting to witness.
There is a standout of support at noon...go if you can!!
Trump is not backing down!
INVITE: Tonight's Rapid Response Call on Minnesota with DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
DNC Grassroots Team
Jan 28
Team,
Tonight, we will come together virtually to hear how Democrats and community groups are responding to ICE’s harmful actions in Minnesota and how you can help.
Please join us for a virtual Rapid Response Call on Minnesota with DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison at 7 PM ET tonight, Wednesday, January 28th. You can sign up here to receive the link.
We hope you can make it:
Rapid Response Call on Minnesota — Virtual
With DNC Chair Ken Martin and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Wednesday, January 28
7 PM Eastern
Event Time
1/28, 7:00 PM — 7:30 PM EST
This call will run for 30 minutes, and will be hosted virtually. RSVP to receive the link.
https://platform.winnable.app/events/rapid-response-grassroots-call-with-dnc-llgmb?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email#signup
direct link to join https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8htnmddxtgY
Thank you, Deborah, as always. Will sign up right now. Best, Claire
Thanks for the Springsteen song, which I shared immediately. I phoned Josh Hawley, thanking him for supporting reforms to ICE. Hope he stays with that. Phoned Schmitt asking him to join with Hawley but we’ll see. Schmitt has turned out to be a radical disappointment, even in a red state.
Yeah great song. The boss still has it. He rises to the occasion -- Streets of Philadelphia for the AIDS crisis, The Rising for 9/11, and now this song.
Called my 2 Senators to stay strong and not cave to DHS funding request. Also called Schumer, thanking him for his opposition and urging him to keep it up. Contacted my Rep to ask that House Dems push hard to strip ICE/CBP funding. He said House Dems are in discussions with Senate Dems. But said there won’t be an attempt to rescind the $75 billion for ICE from Big Ugly bill. Told him there should be. Make Republicans go on record again for supporting that.
This is Good Trouble!
I Just called and emailed 4 senators (my secret "in"with Colorado in addition my Mass crew). Here's the script if you want to use. Sorry this may be a duplicate; I can't find my original post.
Dear Senator
First thank you for tirelessly working to save our Democracy. It is the biggest issue on the table right now. Thank you for your work to reform or abolish ICE. In the negotiations this week I want you to know that our grassroots movement which numbers now, in the millions, believes you should demand these five things:
1. End ICE Operations in Minnesota Immediately. ICE's "Operation Metro Surge" has terrorized communities, wrongfully detained citizens, and sparked strikes and lawsuits—halt it now.
2. Refocus ICE on Criminal Removals Only. Define ICE's mission to target solely criminals, as Trump claims; current indiscriminate deportations of legal residents and non-criminals require massive funding for decade-long occupations, not public support.
3. Remove Stephen Miller from Government. As architect of the Minnesota surge and Greenland seizure, Miller drives Trump-Vance's extreme policies—unlike expendable managers like Noem or Homan.
4. Mandate Oversight of Detention Centers. Require independent or Congressional inspections amid reports of overcrowding, medical neglect, and denied access, as in Whipple facility.
5. Ban Masks for ICE Agents. End anonymous terrorizing of communities—no masks.
Thank you Thank you for all you are doing.