What can be done to prevent the mobilization of the US Military and US National Guard AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE? Trump is defying the courts. Congress must impeach him immedately.
Blocking troop deployments: In October 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard to Oregon. This has now been upheld in court.
I will call Schumer and Jeffries today and say, “This is (name) from (zip code) and I am calling in the capacity as Democratic leader. You are the highest ranking official of the Democratic Party. Get to Chicago right now and stand up for democracy and against martial law. And thank you for your continued refusal to negotiate with terrorists.” Schumer (202) 224-6542 Jeffries 202-225-5936
this govt shutdown by dems could be the turning point. could become the great awakening of americans as to who is fighting for them. it could spill over into general strikes. the MSM could start actually accurately reporting both sides. this is a fight about principles. americans love the underdog. we just can not cave. and hey taco man will taco.
All well and good, but I really do not see much effective means to stop Trump and MAGA. It is only the courts that seem to have any power, and that usually ends with the Supreme Court supporting the MAGA agenda. I blame the arrogance of the Clinton, Bill for his relationship with Monica and his repeated denials that he did not have sex with that woman, setting up Gore's loss to Bush Junior, Hillary for taking a desperate call from Donna Brazille, the then DNC chairwoman, begging her to visit the rust belt states and spend money there -- Hillary's response was that "our computer models tell us we are fine -- Brazille said, and I watched her say it on the Bill Maher show, "I hung up the phone and cried because I knew we were going to lose the rust belt states and the election" -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg's refusal to retire after being begged by Obama on several occasions and thus sinking her lifelong work supporting women's right, Biden's inner circle who lied to us (including St. Jill who even now claims that her husband was completely capable of a second term who I once respected) when big contributor's like George Clooney were telling us that Biden needed to announce he was not running for a second term and allow a vetting process to go forward so that a weak Trump could be defeated, and those in the Biden campaign attacking James Carvel for being old and out of touch when he was warning about the same thing, and a lack of leadership and solidarity from the Democratic Party, that issue being beyond my pay grade as I have little control or expertise in how to win election both local and national. Our leaders failed us. And while I agree that something must be done, but as Carvel said in an interview that the Democrats forgot and still forget that it is about winning. Writing letters and attending feel good rallies and lining up to hear AOC and Bernie Sanders speak sound like they are important but I watched 500,000 Israelis demonstrate against Netanyahu and his right wing government and the result was more genocide against the Palestinian people. Most of us are just barely able to keep up with the rising cost of living, trying to put our kids through college, keeping up with our healthcare. I do believe that we may be at a watershed turning point as Trump's numbers sink and the amount of new jobs are as low as I have ever seen, and the threat of healthcare costs going through the roof for EVERYONE and that gives me hope that Dems will take back the House and put Trump and the MEGA agenda on statis AND in 2028, if Trump is unable to run (and there is no guarantee that the Supreme Court may allow him to), their champion will be gone and the host of characters are not very popular allowing a Democrat back in the oval office.
I'd add that the refusal to endorse Mamdani has made "Vote Blue No Matter Who" a bad joke. They could have simply endorsed the choice of the voters, by a wide margin, while also saying they do not endorse all of his policies. They have endorsed pro-life Dems in the past. Why not support the voters Democratic candidate now?
Richard, we have community guidelines here. Your post clearly does not comport with them - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/hopium-housekeeing-itemspaid-subscribers. As we all go to work to try to save our democracy you coming in here and shitting on all of us is self-indulgent and unhelpful. Do better or leave.
This is a bugaboo of mine, but the "Free Speech" clause of the Constitution says that the government cannot restrict your speech. It has nothing to do with whether a private website can restrict your speech.
I was listening to Robert Reich yesterday. When asked how he thought this shutdown would end he reminded us all about Trumps last shutdown. It ended when the unpaid air traffic controllers started calling in sick. Flights all over were canceled and delayed. Including private jets. The outcry and pressure forced the Republicans to deal, and Trump did NOT get what he wanted, which was funding for the Wall. So stay the course everyone! The pressure will be on the GOP because this is their shutdown not ours. And if you’re in CA vote Yes on Prop 50 on day one! Mail in ballots are being sent out.
The shutdown likely ends when Republicans get trounced and humiliated at the polls on the November 4th election and fear for their congressional seats as a result. Let's make that happen!
This is a common misconception these days, thanks to constant right wing whinging. Free speech is about whether or not the government can suppress speech. Comment moderation is about community.
Know what I do when I'm really FEELING hopeless about our politics/government?
Well, first, I try not to infect others who, despite perhaps sharing my despair, continue to work hard, trying to make some real change by acting (vs feeling).
Next - AND THIS IS KEY - I listen to about 10 minutes of the Prince of Darkness, Steve Schmidt. I let HIM do all the dark, despairing, and angry stuff. I let HIM put it all out there in that way that only Steve Schmidt can.
Then, I move on with whatever work I feel I can do, cause somehow, I feel cleansed.
Really, that's your question? I'm glad Catherine G and Anne B both pointed out free speech is about government overreach, not effective communication among people. Did you think your post was engaging in effective communication among people? If you're depressed about the current situation, express it as that and people will offer support (that's happened plenty here). But vomiting blame and anxiety - we're not here for that.
Richard, there are no perfect people or perfect parties. In any actual democracy, parties win some and lose some, candidates and elected officials stumble, and some (mostly Dems) rise to do good or great things while also stumbling. At no time did Dems initiate an autocratic takeover. You cannot help improve things till you put the blame for the current situation where it belongs. If you're going to dig up the past, please start with the GOP's racist southern strategy, planting of right wing judges, McConnell, corruption of SCOTUS judges, Citizens United, and so much more.
The historians all say that when democracies get saved, it's by mass movements of people. Courts can slow things down while Trump et al try to pretend they are legitimate, and that gives us time to catch up. What are doing to help in that catch up?
It is our task to build the movement - not to tear it down. Add energy and ideas. When you do the opposite as in your post above, you're doing exactly what Trump wants - depleting energy and ideas. What are you doing to help, or at least not hurt the movement? There are so many options - help good candidates, support pro-democracy media and legal advocacy groups, go to protests, recruit friends to do anything in that list, chat with people who are afraid and help them feel less isolated and more courageous, so many things that help.
You are blaming everyone but where the blame really belongs: with a fascist president; a errant, renegade congress; and a fascist, federalist high court.
My congresspersons call script anyone can riff off of:
1. Keep holding the line on the shutdown! Do not capitulate!
2. Get the military off our streets.
3. Stop warrantless middle-of-night secret police raids on American homes (see: South Side of Chicago).
4. Stop deportations to 3rd-country prisons & illegal re-foulment to countries of origin (see current multi-million dollar contract w/ Eswatini as reported on today in The Guardian).
5. Find out what happened to the missing Alligator Auschwitz inmates. Forced disappearances will be happening to US citizens sooner than later if you remain silent.
And what's with Cortez-Masto, Fetterman, and Angus King? They voted with the Rs. We have to change their minds. They are being ridiculous and myopic. Is there anyway to contact them EVEN IF I"M NOT A CONSTITUENT? Simon... can you influence them?
Hey everyone. - Robert Hubbell has a good pep talk in his intro today if you need one (Substack: Today's Edition) Also Jessica Craven's Sunday "good news" is always great to read (Substack: Chop Wood Carry Water). I'm feeling strong today so calling and calling and writing and writing. Great post. I pick out pieces and send to all my friends AND on FB. They are so sick of me. I send stuff anyway. Oh.. and let's find a way to thank that AG in Oregon who sued Trump and won (for now).
not to defend them, but all 3 are in states where they could be turned out easily. and king is pretty old and not even a democrat. if you ever go to maine, you will find out how many gun toting magas there are once you get five feet outside of portland or augusta. and even rick wilson worries about the maga bros all over pennsylvania; he worried they could cost us the state; he was correct. still, a little show of spine might get them support outside those groups, who aren't going to vote for them anyway.
There's always snail mail to their Senate offices. Postcards are supposed to get seen the quickest because they don't need to be screened for security.
And/or you can comment on their social media accounts.
If you call their offices after hours, you can usually leave a voicemail and no staffer will screen you out as not being a constituent.
Thank you for your opposition to the "clean" CR and your ongoing clear communication. Please continue.
At this point, clear communication is so very important. Every elected Democrat, at every level of office, should put out regular statements denouncing what Trump is doing, and talk to us constituents about what is happening now, in our country, with our tax dollars. Amicus briefs should be flying. These same leaders should be booking themselves to speak to as many No Kings events as possible on October 18th.
Again, thank you for all you are doing. Please continue!
I am floored that ANYBODY is in favor of deploying military troops anywhere! never mind helicopters landing on apt buildings and what we have heard about the cruelty and violent methods to drag people out. How can anyone defend this???
They just don’t understand. They don’t have the history or context. I believe it’s like all of the people who were in favor of mass deportation, and now are like…actually, immigrants are great!
Made my calls. made last minute donations for this November and a monthly for the Audacious fund. I learned talking to a neighbor early this morning that apparently those people who are thinking they can move to Mexico or other countries are running into all kinds of problems getting visas. She and her husband were planning to go to Mexico and they can’t because of the new Visa regulations that have been put into place since Trump turned on the world. So my neighbor is back working at the food bank where they are now preparing to feed the federal workers who have been laid off or furloughed. We’re in this together. I’m so glad to be part of this Hopium family in this difficult time.
I don't know why the Dems should even negotiate with Republicans knowing that the fully intend to go back on any concessions and use rescission and impoundment to do whatever they want with appropriations.
It's time for a national boycott of everybody and everything! Everyone out on October 18 for NO KINGS 2
I have called and spoken with staff at Bresnahan’s office, and left voicemail with Dave McCormick’s and Fetterman’s office. With all three my message was to 1) negotiate a budget or CR that protects the ACA, and congressional authority over tariffs and appropriations, and stops the lawlessness of the administration. 2) stop being silent about the use of the military and military-grade weapons/activities on American citizens and neighbors 3) release the Epstein files.
Protect constitutional law and fight against their attempts at martial law.
I will attend a rally in Scranton today that ends with a march by the offices of Rep Bresnahan and Sen Dave McCormick.
Simon, thank you for your response to Miller; it strikes exactly the right tone. "Sit down and shut up with that bullshit."
Yesterday, pawpaw rambled about his past grievances in front of our naval personnel, said that he'd called the president of Puerto Rico to complain, and hallucinated about Portland burning. His dementia has gotten much worse.
The judge in the Portland case smacked him down in a late-night Sunday order. Trust me, judges don't like being mocked and they don't like working on Sundays.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to urge them to stand strong on the budget and to start making state & federal criminal referrals. I also contacted Senator Schumer to encourage him to stand strong. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Thanks, Simon. We have our work cut out for us. Democracy ain’t for the faint of heart. ❤️ 💪🏻Never was. Never will be.
To borrow a phrase from Bette Davis, then:
Democracy ain't for sissies.
What can be done to prevent the mobilization of the US Military and US National Guard AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE? Trump is defying the courts. Congress must impeach him immedately.
Blocking troop deployments: In October 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard to Oregon. This has now been upheld in court.
I will call Schumer and Jeffries today and say, “This is (name) from (zip code) and I am calling in the capacity as Democratic leader. You are the highest ranking official of the Democratic Party. Get to Chicago right now and stand up for democracy and against martial law. And thank you for your continued refusal to negotiate with terrorists.” Schumer (202) 224-6542 Jeffries 202-225-5936
this govt shutdown by dems could be the turning point. could become the great awakening of americans as to who is fighting for them. it could spill over into general strikes. the MSM could start actually accurately reporting both sides. this is a fight about principles. americans love the underdog. we just can not cave. and hey taco man will taco.
We did not shut the government down. Trump did.
yep 100%
Agreed. Republicans run all 3 branches of the federal government and own this shutdown.
We need to make sure the democrats in congress stand firm!!!!
Make your calls!
All well and good, but I really do not see much effective means to stop Trump and MAGA. It is only the courts that seem to have any power, and that usually ends with the Supreme Court supporting the MAGA agenda. I blame the arrogance of the Clinton, Bill for his relationship with Monica and his repeated denials that he did not have sex with that woman, setting up Gore's loss to Bush Junior, Hillary for taking a desperate call from Donna Brazille, the then DNC chairwoman, begging her to visit the rust belt states and spend money there -- Hillary's response was that "our computer models tell us we are fine -- Brazille said, and I watched her say it on the Bill Maher show, "I hung up the phone and cried because I knew we were going to lose the rust belt states and the election" -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg's refusal to retire after being begged by Obama on several occasions and thus sinking her lifelong work supporting women's right, Biden's inner circle who lied to us (including St. Jill who even now claims that her husband was completely capable of a second term who I once respected) when big contributor's like George Clooney were telling us that Biden needed to announce he was not running for a second term and allow a vetting process to go forward so that a weak Trump could be defeated, and those in the Biden campaign attacking James Carvel for being old and out of touch when he was warning about the same thing, and a lack of leadership and solidarity from the Democratic Party, that issue being beyond my pay grade as I have little control or expertise in how to win election both local and national. Our leaders failed us. And while I agree that something must be done, but as Carvel said in an interview that the Democrats forgot and still forget that it is about winning. Writing letters and attending feel good rallies and lining up to hear AOC and Bernie Sanders speak sound like they are important but I watched 500,000 Israelis demonstrate against Netanyahu and his right wing government and the result was more genocide against the Palestinian people. Most of us are just barely able to keep up with the rising cost of living, trying to put our kids through college, keeping up with our healthcare. I do believe that we may be at a watershed turning point as Trump's numbers sink and the amount of new jobs are as low as I have ever seen, and the threat of healthcare costs going through the roof for EVERYONE and that gives me hope that Dems will take back the House and put Trump and the MEGA agenda on statis AND in 2028, if Trump is unable to run (and there is no guarantee that the Supreme Court may allow him to), their champion will be gone and the host of characters are not very popular allowing a Democrat back in the oval office.
I'd add that the refusal to endorse Mamdani has made "Vote Blue No Matter Who" a bad joke. They could have simply endorsed the choice of the voters, by a wide margin, while also saying they do not endorse all of his policies. They have endorsed pro-life Dems in the past. Why not support the voters Democratic candidate now?
Please take this post down. It has no place here. Doomerism is not part of what we do here at Hopium. Happy to refund your subscription.
Gee, whatever happened to free speech?
Richard, we have community guidelines here. Your post clearly does not comport with them - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/hopium-housekeeing-itemspaid-subscribers. As we all go to work to try to save our democracy you coming in here and shitting on all of us is self-indulgent and unhelpful. Do better or leave.
This is a bugaboo of mine, but the "Free Speech" clause of the Constitution says that the government cannot restrict your speech. It has nothing to do with whether a private website can restrict your speech.
Yep!
I was listening to Robert Reich yesterday. When asked how he thought this shutdown would end he reminded us all about Trumps last shutdown. It ended when the unpaid air traffic controllers started calling in sick. Flights all over were canceled and delayed. Including private jets. The outcry and pressure forced the Republicans to deal, and Trump did NOT get what he wanted, which was funding for the Wall. So stay the course everyone! The pressure will be on the GOP because this is their shutdown not ours. And if you’re in CA vote Yes on Prop 50 on day one! Mail in ballots are being sent out.
The shutdown likely ends when Republicans get trounced and humiliated at the polls on the November 4th election and fear for their congressional seats as a result. Let's make that happen!
What a great example of non-compliance -- the air traffic controllers calling in sick. I'd forgotten or maybe never quite knew that story. Thanks.
There are a number of recent stories about. Here is one from NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/02/nx-s1-5560219/air-traffic-controllers-ending-government-shutdown
This is a common misconception these days, thanks to constant right wing whinging. Free speech is about whether or not the government can suppress speech. Comment moderation is about community.
Know what I do when I'm really FEELING hopeless about our politics/government?
Well, first, I try not to infect others who, despite perhaps sharing my despair, continue to work hard, trying to make some real change by acting (vs feeling).
Next - AND THIS IS KEY - I listen to about 10 minutes of the Prince of Darkness, Steve Schmidt. I let HIM do all the dark, despairing, and angry stuff. I let HIM put it all out there in that way that only Steve Schmidt can.
Then, I move on with whatever work I feel I can do, cause somehow, I feel cleansed.
Steve Schmidt is like the Ozzy Osbourne of political strategists/activists/pundits.
You can watch him bite the head off a live bat. so you don't have to.
Really, that's your question? I'm glad Catherine G and Anne B both pointed out free speech is about government overreach, not effective communication among people. Did you think your post was engaging in effective communication among people? If you're depressed about the current situation, express it as that and people will offer support (that's happened plenty here). But vomiting blame and anxiety - we're not here for that.
Richard, there are no perfect people or perfect parties. In any actual democracy, parties win some and lose some, candidates and elected officials stumble, and some (mostly Dems) rise to do good or great things while also stumbling. At no time did Dems initiate an autocratic takeover. You cannot help improve things till you put the blame for the current situation where it belongs. If you're going to dig up the past, please start with the GOP's racist southern strategy, planting of right wing judges, McConnell, corruption of SCOTUS judges, Citizens United, and so much more.
The historians all say that when democracies get saved, it's by mass movements of people. Courts can slow things down while Trump et al try to pretend they are legitimate, and that gives us time to catch up. What are doing to help in that catch up?
It is our task to build the movement - not to tear it down. Add energy and ideas. When you do the opposite as in your post above, you're doing exactly what Trump wants - depleting energy and ideas. What are you doing to help, or at least not hurt the movement? There are so many options - help good candidates, support pro-democracy media and legal advocacy groups, go to protests, recruit friends to do anything in that list, chat with people who are afraid and help them feel less isolated and more courageous, so many things that help.
You are blaming everyone but where the blame really belongs: with a fascist president; a errant, renegade congress; and a fascist, federalist high court.
Good response to Stephen Miller.
His uncle wrote a WP column a few years ago, calling him out as the racist he so obviously is. He’s simply a mean-spirited and resentful dumbshit.
There's another relative who has done the same: https://alte.substack.com/p/stephen-miller.
Her name is Alisa Kasmer and she's his cousin. She detailed her heartbreak at what Stephen has become and has officially disowned him.
My congresspersons call script anyone can riff off of:
1. Keep holding the line on the shutdown! Do not capitulate!
2. Get the military off our streets.
3. Stop warrantless middle-of-night secret police raids on American homes (see: South Side of Chicago).
4. Stop deportations to 3rd-country prisons & illegal re-foulment to countries of origin (see current multi-million dollar contract w/ Eswatini as reported on today in The Guardian).
5. Find out what happened to the missing Alligator Auschwitz inmates. Forced disappearances will be happening to US citizens sooner than later if you remain silent.
And what's with Cortez-Masto, Fetterman, and Angus King? They voted with the Rs. We have to change their minds. They are being ridiculous and myopic. Is there anyway to contact them EVEN IF I"M NOT A CONSTITUENT? Simon... can you influence them?
Hey everyone. - Robert Hubbell has a good pep talk in his intro today if you need one (Substack: Today's Edition) Also Jessica Craven's Sunday "good news" is always great to read (Substack: Chop Wood Carry Water). I'm feeling strong today so calling and calling and writing and writing. Great post. I pick out pieces and send to all my friends AND on FB. They are so sick of me. I send stuff anyway. Oh.. and let's find a way to thank that AG in Oregon who sued Trump and won (for now).
not to defend them, but all 3 are in states where they could be turned out easily. and king is pretty old and not even a democrat. if you ever go to maine, you will find out how many gun toting magas there are once you get five feet outside of portland or augusta. and even rick wilson worries about the maga bros all over pennsylvania; he worried they could cost us the state; he was correct. still, a little show of spine might get them support outside those groups, who aren't going to vote for them anyway.
I know Maine well and I grew up in Pennsylvania..... We still have to fight. Thanks for responding. I so appreciate all the conversation.
There's always snail mail to their Senate offices. Postcards are supposed to get seen the quickest because they don't need to be screened for security.
And/or you can comment on their social media accounts.
If you call their offices after hours, you can usually leave a voicemail and no staffer will screen you out as not being a constituent.
Thank you. Great. I will call tonight!
You're very welcome!
Self report to my MI Senators and Representative
Dear Senator:
Thank you for your opposition to the "clean" CR and your ongoing clear communication. Please continue.
At this point, clear communication is so very important. Every elected Democrat, at every level of office, should put out regular statements denouncing what Trump is doing, and talk to us constituents about what is happening now, in our country, with our tax dollars. Amicus briefs should be flying. These same leaders should be booking themselves to speak to as many No Kings events as possible on October 18th.
Again, thank you for all you are doing. Please continue!
I am floored that ANYBODY is in favor of deploying military troops anywhere! never mind helicopters landing on apt buildings and what we have heard about the cruelty and violent methods to drag people out. How can anyone defend this???
They just don’t understand. They don’t have the history or context. I believe it’s like all of the people who were in favor of mass deportation, and now are like…actually, immigrants are great!
Unfortunately, we’re living through the context.
Made my calls. made last minute donations for this November and a monthly for the Audacious fund. I learned talking to a neighbor early this morning that apparently those people who are thinking they can move to Mexico or other countries are running into all kinds of problems getting visas. She and her husband were planning to go to Mexico and they can’t because of the new Visa regulations that have been put into place since Trump turned on the world. So my neighbor is back working at the food bank where they are now preparing to feed the federal workers who have been laid off or furloughed. We’re in this together. I’m so glad to be part of this Hopium family in this difficult time.
Can confirm that moving to Mexico has become much more difficult, if not impossible. Can't say I blame the Mexicans.
I don't know why the Dems should even negotiate with Republicans knowing that the fully intend to go back on any concessions and use rescission and impoundment to do whatever they want with appropriations.
It's time for a national boycott of everybody and everything! Everyone out on October 18 for NO KINGS 2
That's why one of the negotiation points was not using rescission or impoundment -- it's not just healthcare funds and access, it's the Constitution.
As taxpayers, we are funding this assault on ourselves.
I have called and spoken with staff at Bresnahan’s office, and left voicemail with Dave McCormick’s and Fetterman’s office. With all three my message was to 1) negotiate a budget or CR that protects the ACA, and congressional authority over tariffs and appropriations, and stops the lawlessness of the administration. 2) stop being silent about the use of the military and military-grade weapons/activities on American citizens and neighbors 3) release the Epstein files.
Protect constitutional law and fight against their attempts at martial law.
I will attend a rally in Scranton today that ends with a march by the offices of Rep Bresnahan and Sen Dave McCormick.
Simon, thank you for your response to Miller; it strikes exactly the right tone. "Sit down and shut up with that bullshit."
Yesterday, pawpaw rambled about his past grievances in front of our naval personnel, said that he'd called the president of Puerto Rico to complain, and hallucinated about Portland burning. His dementia has gotten much worse.
The judge in the Portland case smacked him down in a late-night Sunday order. Trust me, judges don't like being mocked and they don't like working on Sundays.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to urge them to stand strong on the budget and to start making state & federal criminal referrals. I also contacted Senator Schumer to encourage him to stand strong. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
It’s still better to be us than them.