thank you ... I saw that article also. Army and Air Force have complied. Nothing about my Navy -- yet. Submariners ("bubbleheads") to SEALS to Top Guns -- sailors have a real independent streak.
"Story or bore me" -- right, Rep. Swalwell?
One day at the Pentagon, generals from Army, Air Force, Marines, and a Navy admiral got into a debate as to which branch had the most balls. They went out to an army base, air force base, marine station -- and each general ordered the respective service member to follow orders that were essentially suicidal -- and after each demonstration, turned to the others and said, "Now gentlemen -- that took balls."
The admiral was last and took them to a naval station -- where a seaman was working 100 ft up on the mast of a ship. The admiral yelled to the seaman and ordered him to jump off the mast and land at his feet.
Silence .... followed by .... "Sir... fuck you... sir."
This community deals in facts, not lies. Your post reminds us of what we're up against - heartless and cruel lies that will cause deaths, disease, instability, violence... Even Rubio understands USAID is important and is pretending he turned programs back on. Why not own your thoughts with your actual name?
Let us not be distracted by MUSK, who appears to be the sole actor in executing the Coup. TRUMP and his sycophants are behind this with Project 2025 in hand, a 180 day playbook. Congress needs to make sure that TRUMP is incriminated in this COUP, as well. Attention cannot be diverted from the Trump Administration in all of the chaos being created.
Sorry, but this is wrong. Musk is running the assault on the government right now and breaking laws. Yes he is doing so in service of Trump and a broader agenda but Musk is breaking the law, his staff is breaking the law THIS IS NOT A FUCKING DISTRACTION.
And people need to stop talking about "Project 2025." Creating an impression that there was a radical agenda held by others rather than pointing out it was already Trump's agenda during the campaign allowed Trump to disavow it. The people who fought to create an understanding of an agenda separate from Trump - when Trump was already campaigning on many of the same ideas - helped us lose the election. We are dealing with Trump now, and Musk. No one else. Targets on them not on some abstract agenda.
Why use a term that is hardly known? Polls indicate that Project 2025 is hugely unpopular. We want to *glue* it to Trump and the Republican Party in an unambiguous way.
I do not understand how musk and his brownshirts were able to enter these buildings. Don't the buildings have security? Does musk have his own militia/army to protect him?
Linda, I agree!!! As civilians, we cannot just gain entry into the Treasury Dept, the US Mlnt, or any other restricted building. Our Senators & House members weren’t allowed in. Whatever governmental protection/enforcement entity needs to get Musk and his Muskettes out of there, they need to be empowered to that end, NOW!!!
Our phone calls shut down the D.C. switchboard yesterday.
The bad news:
Everything else.
Woke up this morning to read that Trump now wants to “own” Gaza. Relocate over a million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt and turn Gaza into a U.S. owned Mediterranean Riviera.
Sure. Why not?
Our global reputation is in the toilet. The comment I’m seeing over and over is that America can no longer be trusted. Treaties, laws, contracts are meaningless. Canadians booing the American National Anthem at hockey games. Burning our flag. CANADIANS!!! Our beloved neighbors to the north.
Here in my state our Republican legislators have a new bill that will undo the majority of us who voted in favor of reproductive rights last November. It will go on the ballot (again) in 2026.
The thing that made me smile today? Seeing Tug peacefully snoring in his comfy bed.
Funny...Russia tried that with Crimea; hasn't really worked out all that well recently. I wonder why the Merry Trumpster didn't propose Long Island as the destination for all those "there really aren't such a thing as...Palestinians", or maybe Guantanamo, Puerto Rico, American Virgin Islands, one Island in Hawaii, something like that?
I totally agree, Simon. I think Musk has his sights on world domination. He has Starlink over the earth. If he controls the money, he can control every single member of Congress. He must be arrested and stopped. He is playing DJT and his minions as “Useful Idiots”
Musk is conducting a coup. Rather than deported, as he could return, he must be physically stopped, and incarcerated in a prison from which he can't be freed by his cohorts. The DC police, or some other body of law enforcement officials should be sent after him.
You're right. Perhaps some of the officers who were clubbed on January 6 could take on the task. I wish I knew who to contact to urge this action. I did just contribute to Public Citizen's lawsuit to get Musk's teenagers out of Treasury.
I agree with Ailene.. I don't think she meant distraction that way. Trump intends to complete the Jan 6 coup to make his Presidency permanent. There is a symbiotic Musk/Trump arrangement. Trump is smart to have the evil genius of geniuses as his hatchet man. Trump set Musk in motion and gave him the power. BOTH need to be targets, BOTH are breaking law and constitutional norms.
Thank you Simon. This is just what I needed. We had 300 in front of Tillis’ Raleigh office yesterday; got coverage on the afternoon news. While I started the day feeling despair, grief and anger, I am determined to find joy and resistance today, to not let them steal the life I have. I called both my feckless spineless Senators today and actually talked to a young aide in one office. Now, I am going to play soccer with my corgi. Sending gratitude to you and all of the Hopium community. You alone must do this, but you don’t do it alone.
Great to hear that there's been a gathering in front of Sen. Tillis' Raleigh office! I called multiple times yesterday and sent emails to him and Sen. Budd requesting a reply explaining what they're doing to protect NC voter financial information. (I'm a registered NC voter living abroad). Keep at it!
Love to your corgi, and good on you for communicating mass displeasure to Tillis. I've made a bunch of calls, mainly to reps who are doing good (as mine are--this is Massachusetts, but I called others, too, including Brian Schatz and Jamie Raskin, to cheer them on), and if the ice has melted a bit from yesterday, my border collie and I will go running.
Corgis and Border Collies....unite! Show us the way ! Smarter by far than congress...( lower case intentional !) ...a greater conscience by far...not ruled by what's specifically in it for them! " Have you no shame, sir"???
Dogs have souls. It's obvious when you look at them with an open mind. With humans and dogs having coevolved for several tens of thousands of years, it shouldn't be surprising. Rumor has it that Pope Francis' next encyclical will speak to dogs having souls, and that dogs will become welcome in church.
Your words are music to my ears, David. Of course...dogs have souls!
Never have doubted that for a moment. Nice to feel there are at least a few left among us who value a warm sentient animal to the cold hearted riches of Fort Knox...or mar a lago...( lower case intended).
My.last warm Welsh Pembroke Corgi crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago...you' all never convince me that Paddy Tuppence will be there to greet me when my work on earth is finished!
Have learned over my 90 plus years...you cannot fool children...and you cannot fool animals. mr trump, to my knowledge, never had an animal friend...sad....he'll never know, nor appreciate what he has missed in life.
What is off the table? Someone please tell me. Keep calm. We need to be thoughtful and think ahead. More importantly, our VERY DULL (likely feckless?) MSM needs to be pushed into more thoughtful coverage of the possible darker paths for the nation.
While I appreciate your info, honestly I don't want to click on any of those links because I'm sure to be angry and depressed. HOWEVER, I will read them soon.
My guess? Musk wants to destabilize the dollar and put us on crypto, making more billions for himself and his version of Fagin's gang of pickpockets. Plus he wants to rule the world. I thought I loathed Trump but Musk takes my anger (and BP) to new heights.
Thanks for your info and forgive me for not reading it right now. I'll copy it into Word so I have it to check out after I've consumed a suitable amount of Scotch.
It is never my intention to bring folks down. If possible, I'm just trying to inform folks within the Hopium community and beyond. For something more uplifting, please check my upcoming note. I'm focusing on the use of meditation and changes in political perspective (AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Ezra Klein, and others) to help folks weather the storm. Both DOLOS (my Greek name for #47) and Leon (the Tesla CEO?) have real negative issues. It will be a bumpy ride, but we will get through this mishegoss.
I just added another note. It should be more inspirational. In terms of your drink, I think the ancients always instructed us to go with moderation (smile). Please take a look at www.vipassana.org (i.e. nonsectarian). I've found it useful.
We all need to continue to support direct action, do whatever you can. Call, write letters/emails, donate, share information about what's going on! Even if you can only do small things to help, you are still helping! Big things are made up of small things!
The democrats have selected a candidate to run for Stefanik's seat in NY-21; let's show him some love.
Once Stefanik has resigned to go to the UN please let us know The special election for that seat will not be soon. Isn't this the district just north of Democratic Rep Pat Ryan? I've always supported Pat from here in Illinois. West Point, Army Intelligence, etc.
No the election is not for some time, but it gives us time to build his war chest. I'm not sure about Pat Ryan since I haven't lived in NY since I was 18.
I actually live in Illinois, formerly Wheaton but now Carbondale!
Pat Ryan is great! He’s in a district a fair bit south of Stefanik, in the Hudson Valley. She’s up towards Glens Falls.Those districts have been shifted a couple of times in the last few years.
I read something yesterday (somewhere on Substack or in a WaPo comment (I read too much to remember who posted what, when, where) about contacting Gov. Hochul's office to ask her to delay the special election for replacing Stefanik until at least the 2026 primary election, as it would leave the spineless Republicans one less vote in the House. Does anyone know the viability of Gendebien's candidacy?
I am disgusted by the hypocrisy of the Republicans now complaining about Trump-Musk. They've had multiple opportunities to stop both of them and have instead enabled them. The Democrats voting for any of Trump's nominees should instead be putting holds on all nominations until this destruction of our democracy stops.
An email today from the NYT calls this coup a "reorganization of government." aaarrrgggghhhh!
We're having a protest rally today in our small town, despite ice and snow. I hope more people will do the same in their towns. Even a few people w/ signs makes an impact.
And now you know why thousands of us cancelled our subscriptions. Why has Musk not been arrested? Simple trespass would do to start. The children the Mrat has messing around with our information? Should be arrested for trespass.
I can't express how extremely angry I am about what's going on. I've called my senators and representatives every day to tell them that I expect them to do everything they possibly can to stop Musk. Also called my bank today to ask them what they're doing to safeguard their customers. And trying to let people I work with know what's going on and coordinating calls and actions with my coworkers. We've made a pooled donation to a local food bank and have all been calling our congress people. Makes me feel better to have us all taking action together
I asked my credit union this morning, and the teller said they have heard nothing from the CU president so far. She doesn't think they have anything they can do other than the usual online security measures like strong passwords, freeze and fraud alerts on your credit, etc. 😞
I will still ask my bank and my credit union. If enough of their customers ask, they might decide to start developing something within their systems. The key is to make sure they KNOW what is happening. So many people seem to be clueless.
I already have credit freezes with the three credit agencies from an incident 2.5 years ago, and was just getting ready to unfreeze Experian briefly for one particular thing before I refreeze Not doing that rirght now! Thank you for responding to my question!
They said they hadn't heard anything about increased risk but encouraged me to watch for any unauthorized charges and to keep an eye on my credit report. I hope if a lot of customers call the bank will take action (I'm at a large national bank).
Continuing to ask banks etc about security of your accounts and information is wise! Yes, I think you asking raises the concern with them, and it may take just a few people asking to get the bank to move on it or even pressure lawmakers. In my case, the credit union employee was clearly worried about it personally.
Everyone should be calling our senators, although their phones are busier than usual, or go on their websites and those of other senators and tell them you want them to take action immediately. We are in a coup. In Illinois both Democratic senators MUST constantly withhold consent on all nominees, they have to form a blanket opposition and call for a quorum.
The senate is operating in a bubble and have to be woken up to DO SOMETHING, today and everyday moving forward. They have to get Elon out of the treasury TODAY.
People should call there credit card companies and financial institutions and banks and find out what they are doing to protect your information. If nothing, then freeze your credit cards at least. This is dangerous and we have to wake up our congress. If you have a Republican senator you should tell them that if they continue to bow down to Trump they will be voted out of office.
I am mad and hell and stand with you. It is time to fight and move our leaders ahead of us as we go.
I have been trying to contact Chris Murphy's office by phone but instead used email, received a brief answer this morning. Will receive more info at a later date. I am hoping to get him here in my town to speak at some point.
Don't think that will happen, CT only has 5 electoral votes. But one can dream. He has an excellent record on gun control, etc. Maybe VP then Pres.? But right now he is just where he needs to be.
Indivisible is a great place to start. They're organizing the protests across the nation and working to ensure the safety of the participants. They also have localized groups across the country if you want to focus on certain areas
Simon- I think we all agree with your statement that today is hard. We get it and we all are having bad days. That’s why we have this community. To pick each other up and to know that we are not alone. You are not alone here.
I agree that we have to do everything we can now. Every little action helps. I am calling my reps daily and encouraging them to do more. I am working my network to do more.
Never forget that a small band of dedicated citizens can change the world. It’s the only thing that ever has.
We are here for each other other and will be going forward.
So Russia, via Dimtry M, is chiming in. What they all are not getting is MAGA, Trump et. al ARE the Deep State! Like no other 'deep state' the US ever had. We are in a fight for our lives; I'm feeling it can't figure out if it is stress or a stomach virus. Take care everyone! Cassidy, a DOCTOR, flaked out; I believe RFK Jr. will be confirmed & Tulsi. I'm doing what I can. I hope you all are too. TAKE CARE
thank you ... I saw that article also. Army and Air Force have complied. Nothing about my Navy -- yet. Submariners ("bubbleheads") to SEALS to Top Guns -- sailors have a real independent streak.
"Story or bore me" -- right, Rep. Swalwell?
One day at the Pentagon, generals from Army, Air Force, Marines, and a Navy admiral got into a debate as to which branch had the most balls. They went out to an army base, air force base, marine station -- and each general ordered the respective service member to follow orders that were essentially suicidal -- and after each demonstration, turned to the others and said, "Now gentlemen -- that took balls."
The admiral was last and took them to a naval station -- where a seaman was working 100 ft up on the mast of a ship. The admiral yelled to the seaman and ordered him to jump off the mast and land at his feet.
Silence .... followed by .... "Sir... fuck you... sir."
"Gentlemen, that took balls."
This community deals in facts, not lies. Your post reminds us of what we're up against - heartless and cruel lies that will cause deaths, disease, instability, violence... Even Rubio understands USAID is important and is pretending he turned programs back on. Why not own your thoughts with your actual name?
I don not agree with this at all, obviously.
Comments on now. Sorry. Have at it.
Please comment on efforts/ memo to purge the CIA
Exactly my message to Tillis and Budd this morning! Musk is making a mockery of them. Let's hit the GOP with hits to their egos. I am furious.
Let us not be distracted by MUSK, who appears to be the sole actor in executing the Coup. TRUMP and his sycophants are behind this with Project 2025 in hand, a 180 day playbook. Congress needs to make sure that TRUMP is incriminated in this COUP, as well. Attention cannot be diverted from the Trump Administration in all of the chaos being created.
Sorry, but this is wrong. Musk is running the assault on the government right now and breaking laws. Yes he is doing so in service of Trump and a broader agenda but Musk is breaking the law, his staff is breaking the law THIS IS NOT A FUCKING DISTRACTION.
And people need to stop talking about "Project 2025." Creating an impression that there was a radical agenda held by others rather than pointing out it was already Trump's agenda during the campaign allowed Trump to disavow it. The people who fought to create an understanding of an agenda separate from Trump - when Trump was already campaigning on many of the same ideas - helped us lose the election. We are dealing with Trump now, and Musk. No one else. Targets on them not on some abstract agenda.
May I suggest we use *Trump’s Project 2025*? This is what I have consistently used up to now, and for precisely the reasons you indicate.
Didn't the campaign have something called Agenda 47? Maybe that's the label to use
Why use a term that is hardly known? Polls indicate that Project 2025 is hugely unpopular. We want to *glue* it to Trump and the Republican Party in an unambiguous way.
I do not understand how musk and his brownshirts were able to enter these buildings. Don't the buildings have security? Does musk have his own militia/army to protect him?
Linda, I agree!!! As civilians, we cannot just gain entry into the Treasury Dept, the US Mlnt, or any other restricted building. Our Senators & House members weren’t allowed in. Whatever governmental protection/enforcement entity needs to get Musk and his Muskettes out of there, they need to be empowered to that end, NOW!!!
There are plenty of repubs in congress assisting the tyranny.
The good news?
Our phone calls shut down the D.C. switchboard yesterday.
The bad news:
Everything else.
Woke up this morning to read that Trump now wants to “own” Gaza. Relocate over a million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt and turn Gaza into a U.S. owned Mediterranean Riviera.
Sure. Why not?
Our global reputation is in the toilet. The comment I’m seeing over and over is that America can no longer be trusted. Treaties, laws, contracts are meaningless. Canadians booing the American National Anthem at hockey games. Burning our flag. CANADIANS!!! Our beloved neighbors to the north.
Here in my state our Republican legislators have a new bill that will undo the majority of us who voted in favor of reproductive rights last November. It will go on the ballot (again) in 2026.
The thing that made me smile today? Seeing Tug peacefully snoring in his comfy bed.
Is there room for one more?
Move over, Tug & Judy !
Made me chuckle as well, Judy.
Thank goodness for small " victories" over such patent evil!
Funny...Russia tried that with Crimea; hasn't really worked out all that well recently. I wonder why the Merry Trumpster didn't propose Long Island as the destination for all those "there really aren't such a thing as...Palestinians", or maybe Guantanamo, Puerto Rico, American Virgin Islands, one Island in Hawaii, something like that?
I totally agree, Simon. I think Musk has his sights on world domination. He has Starlink over the earth. If he controls the money, he can control every single member of Congress. He must be arrested and stopped. He is playing DJT and his minions as “Useful Idiots”
Musk should be arrested and deported. Period.
Musk is conducting a coup. Rather than deported, as he could return, he must be physically stopped, and incarcerated in a prison from which he can't be freed by his cohorts. The DC police, or some other body of law enforcement officials should be sent after him.
You're right. Perhaps some of the officers who were clubbed on January 6 could take on the task. I wish I knew who to contact to urge this action. I did just contribute to Public Citizen's lawsuit to get Musk's teenagers out of Treasury.
Thanks for supporting Public Citizen!
I agree with Ailene.. I don't think she meant distraction that way. Trump intends to complete the Jan 6 coup to make his Presidency permanent. There is a symbiotic Musk/Trump arrangement. Trump is smart to have the evil genius of geniuses as his hatchet man. Trump set Musk in motion and gave him the power. BOTH need to be targets, BOTH are breaking law and constitutional norms.
Musk's action is the coup! It's not a distraction, everything else is the distraction. Nothing matters more than what musk is doing right now!
Thank you Simon. This is just what I needed. We had 300 in front of Tillis’ Raleigh office yesterday; got coverage on the afternoon news. While I started the day feeling despair, grief and anger, I am determined to find joy and resistance today, to not let them steal the life I have. I called both my feckless spineless Senators today and actually talked to a young aide in one office. Now, I am going to play soccer with my corgi. Sending gratitude to you and all of the Hopium community. You alone must do this, but you don’t do it alone.
Great to hear that there's been a gathering in front of Sen. Tillis' Raleigh office! I called multiple times yesterday and sent emails to him and Sen. Budd requesting a reply explaining what they're doing to protect NC voter financial information. (I'm a registered NC voter living abroad). Keep at it!
Lorraine, I just checked and it looks like you are on the list of 60K challenged voters. https://www.propublica.org/article/north-carolina-voters-jefferson-griffin-supreme-court-challenge Here is the search: https://thegriffinlist.com/ Many who vote from abroad have had their votes challenged; they are trying to overturn the Supreme Court race which Allison Riggs won. The Riggs campaign is asking that you contact them.
Mindy! Superstar move!
I sure hope @Lorraine Tilby gets that information!
she did!
There was also a clip of you folks on Rachel. Well done!
Corgi soccer! 👊🏻🤣😂🥳🎉
Love to your corgi, and good on you for communicating mass displeasure to Tillis. I've made a bunch of calls, mainly to reps who are doing good (as mine are--this is Massachusetts, but I called others, too, including Brian Schatz and Jamie Raskin, to cheer them on), and if the ice has melted a bit from yesterday, my border collie and I will go running.
Corgis and Border Collies....unite! Show us the way ! Smarter by far than congress...( lower case intentional !) ...a greater conscience by far...not ruled by what's specifically in it for them! " Have you no shame, sir"???
Our pugs are more into snuggles while they nap by the wood stove. 🙂
Do so appreciate the lovely peaceful image of pugs napping contentedly by a warm wood stove, Lorraine ! Bless you, my dear lady....& pugs as well!
A chuckle , along with a smile these days is a treasured moment in these chaotic times.🤗
Dogs have souls. It's obvious when you look at them with an open mind. With humans and dogs having coevolved for several tens of thousands of years, it shouldn't be surprising. Rumor has it that Pope Francis' next encyclical will speak to dogs having souls, and that dogs will become welcome in church.
Your words are music to my ears, David. Of course...dogs have souls!
Never have doubted that for a moment. Nice to feel there are at least a few left among us who value a warm sentient animal to the cold hearted riches of Fort Knox...or mar a lago...( lower case intended).
My.last warm Welsh Pembroke Corgi crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago...you' all never convince me that Paddy Tuppence will be there to greet me when my work on earth is finished!
Have learned over my 90 plus years...you cannot fool children...and you cannot fool animals. mr trump, to my knowledge, never had an animal friend...sad....he'll never know, nor appreciate what he has missed in life.
Well done!
Simon et al.:
RED ALERT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV30YwXaKJg !!! “IT IS LITERALLY THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF KLEPTOCRACY” (Scott Galloway, “Prof G.”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoAkDu_Yy6A&list=TLPQMDQwMjIwMjWwq0kf9gV-kQ&index=4 . It is a presidency (and possibly a political party) for sale. This is a concept that I have shared previously. It would also explain why he is pushing Ukraine for their minerals as a protection racket: https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-mineral-riches-greenland-plan-deal-olaf-scholz-democracy/ . Does the President of Russia need to make a counter offer/bid? If you wish, see The Moscow Times coverage of minerals for protection - at your own risk.
Follow the money! What does Elon have for DOLOS (hint: $$$)? Now, the USA (and/or policy) goes to the highest bidder(?). Who suggested Gaza as the next “Riviera”: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/04/trump-wont-rule-out-deploying-us-troops-support-rebuilding-gaza-sees-long-term-us-ownership.html ? Alternatively, with the new USA Sovereign Wealth Fund: https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/02/05/this-is-a-big-deal-bitcoin-and-crypto-now-braced-for-a-huge-us-price-earthquake/, he could also invest in a PMC (Are you listening Mr. Prince of “Blackwater”??) like Russia’s Wagner to do the clearing of Gaza.
This is MAKE AMERICA RUSSIA LIKE (MARL) not MAGA. We are moving toward an era of smash and grab government/capitalism. As the Russian state falters, PMCs are growing like weeds: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230716-private-russian-military-companies-are-multiplying-–-and-so-are-the-kremlin-s-problems . Note that the PMCs can also be used as a form of tribute by the oligarchs to the leader (i.e. more MEAT waves at the front lines).
What is off the table? Someone please tell me. Keep calm. We need to be thoughtful and think ahead. More importantly, our VERY DULL (likely feckless?) MSM needs to be pushed into more thoughtful coverage of the possible darker paths for the nation.
Thanks. This message will repeat once a day.
P.S.: Please become acquainted with the term “Political Technology” (PT): https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/political-technology-why-is-it-alive-and-flourishing-in-former-ussr/ . A number of the people working with/for DOLOS are extreme practitioners of PT. This is the future that we are trying to avoid!
While I appreciate your info, honestly I don't want to click on any of those links because I'm sure to be angry and depressed. HOWEVER, I will read them soon.
My guess? Musk wants to destabilize the dollar and put us on crypto, making more billions for himself and his version of Fagin's gang of pickpockets. Plus he wants to rule the world. I thought I loathed Trump but Musk takes my anger (and BP) to new heights.
Thanks for your info and forgive me for not reading it right now. I'll copy it into Word so I have it to check out after I've consumed a suitable amount of Scotch.
Ms. Von Huben:
It is never my intention to bring folks down. If possible, I'm just trying to inform folks within the Hopium community and beyond. For something more uplifting, please check my upcoming note. I'm focusing on the use of meditation and changes in political perspective (AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Ezra Klein, and others) to help folks weather the storm. Both DOLOS (my Greek name for #47) and Leon (the Tesla CEO?) have real negative issues. It will be a bumpy ride, but we will get through this mishegoss.
You are not alone. Be well.
But . . . can I still have my drink? Thank you for this. :D
I just added another note. It should be more inspirational. In terms of your drink, I think the ancients always instructed us to go with moderation (smile). Please take a look at www.vipassana.org (i.e. nonsectarian). I've found it useful.
We all need to continue to support direct action, do whatever you can. Call, write letters/emails, donate, share information about what's going on! Even if you can only do small things to help, you are still helping! Big things are made up of small things!
The democrats have selected a candidate to run for Stefanik's seat in NY-21; let's show him some love.
https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/51193/20250204/democrats-choose-farmer-blake-gendebien-for-ny21-special-election
https://blakegendebienforcongress.com/
Once Stefanik has resigned to go to the UN please let us know The special election for that seat will not be soon. Isn't this the district just north of Democratic Rep Pat Ryan? I've always supported Pat from here in Illinois. West Point, Army Intelligence, etc.
No the election is not for some time, but it gives us time to build his war chest. I'm not sure about Pat Ryan since I haven't lived in NY since I was 18.
I actually live in Illinois, formerly Wheaton but now Carbondale!
Pat Ryan flipped a red district to blue. He was making appearances on TV after the election. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/what-pat-ryan-thinks-democrats-can-learn-from-his-2024-win.html
Pat Ryan is great! He’s in a district a fair bit south of Stefanik, in the Hudson Valley. She’s up towards Glens Falls.Those districts have been shifted a couple of times in the last few years.
He describes himself as a "farmer." ... (High marks.)
Thanks; I just set up a $10 monthly donation.
I read something yesterday (somewhere on Substack or in a WaPo comment (I read too much to remember who posted what, when, where) about contacting Gov. Hochul's office to ask her to delay the special election for replacing Stefanik until at least the 2026 primary election, as it would leave the spineless Republicans one less vote in the House. Does anyone know the viability of Gendebien's candidacy?
I am disgusted by the hypocrisy of the Republicans now complaining about Trump-Musk. They've had multiple opportunities to stop both of them and have instead enabled them. The Democrats voting for any of Trump's nominees should instead be putting holds on all nominations until this destruction of our democracy stops.
An email today from the NYT calls this coup a "reorganization of government." aaarrrgggghhhh!
We're having a protest rally today in our small town, despite ice and snow. I hope more people will do the same in their towns. Even a few people w/ signs makes an impact.
And now you know why thousands of us cancelled our subscriptions. Why has Musk not been arrested? Simple trespass would do to start. The children the Mrat has messing around with our information? Should be arrested for trespass.
I cancelled months ago, too, but still get NYT emails. I took a screenshot of this one.
I can't express how extremely angry I am about what's going on. I've called my senators and representatives every day to tell them that I expect them to do everything they possibly can to stop Musk. Also called my bank today to ask them what they're doing to safeguard their customers. And trying to let people I work with know what's going on and coordinating calls and actions with my coworkers. We've made a pooled donation to a local food bank and have all been calling our congress people. Makes me feel better to have us all taking action together
Thank you
What did your bank say? BTW, I heard about someone doing this from HCR's history chat yesterday! Great idea!
I asked my credit union this morning, and the teller said they have heard nothing from the CU president so far. She doesn't think they have anything they can do other than the usual online security measures like strong passwords, freeze and fraud alerts on your credit, etc. 😞
I will still ask my bank and my credit union. If enough of their customers ask, they might decide to start developing something within their systems. The key is to make sure they KNOW what is happening. So many people seem to be clueless.
I already have credit freezes with the three credit agencies from an incident 2.5 years ago, and was just getting ready to unfreeze Experian briefly for one particular thing before I refreeze Not doing that rirght now! Thank you for responding to my question!
yep, credit freezes. do it.
They said they hadn't heard anything about increased risk but encouraged me to watch for any unauthorized charges and to keep an eye on my credit report. I hope if a lot of customers call the bank will take action (I'm at a large national bank).
Continuing to ask banks etc about security of your accounts and information is wise! Yes, I think you asking raises the concern with them, and it may take just a few people asking to get the bank to move on it or even pressure lawmakers. In my case, the credit union employee was clearly worried about it personally.
Everyone should be calling our senators, although their phones are busier than usual, or go on their websites and those of other senators and tell them you want them to take action immediately. We are in a coup. In Illinois both Democratic senators MUST constantly withhold consent on all nominees, they have to form a blanket opposition and call for a quorum.
The senate is operating in a bubble and have to be woken up to DO SOMETHING, today and everyday moving forward. They have to get Elon out of the treasury TODAY.
People should call there credit card companies and financial institutions and banks and find out what they are doing to protect your information. If nothing, then freeze your credit cards at least. This is dangerous and we have to wake up our congress. If you have a Republican senator you should tell them that if they continue to bow down to Trump they will be voted out of office.
I am mad and hell and stand with you. It is time to fight and move our leaders ahead of us as we go.
I have been trying to contact Chris Murphy's office by phone but instead used email, received a brief answer this morning. Will receive more info at a later date. I am hoping to get him here in my town to speak at some point.
He’s. Been great
He has been really impressive. I would love to see him or Jamie Raskin run for president.
Don't think that will happen, CT only has 5 electoral votes. But one can dream. He has an excellent record on gun control, etc. Maybe VP then Pres.? But right now he is just where he needs to be.
Yes!!! Need to coordinate best options for funding and other efforts. I'm getting dozens of asks. Help!!!!
Indivisible is a great place to start. They're organizing the protests across the nation and working to ensure the safety of the participants. They also have localized groups across the country if you want to focus on certain areas
https://indivisible.org/
appreciate that but this is exactly why I would appreciate some consensus from Simon and the team.
Simon- I think we all agree with your statement that today is hard. We get it and we all are having bad days. That’s why we have this community. To pick each other up and to know that we are not alone. You are not alone here.
I agree that we have to do everything we can now. Every little action helps. I am calling my reps daily and encouraging them to do more. I am working my network to do more.
Never forget that a small band of dedicated citizens can change the world. It’s the only thing that ever has.
We are here for each other other and will be going forward.
So Russia, via Dimtry M, is chiming in. What they all are not getting is MAGA, Trump et. al ARE the Deep State! Like no other 'deep state' the US ever had. We are in a fight for our lives; I'm feeling it can't figure out if it is stress or a stomach virus. Take care everyone! Cassidy, a DOCTOR, flaked out; I believe RFK Jr. will be confirmed & Tulsi. I'm doing what I can. I hope you all are too. TAKE CARE
Because GOP/MAGA are 100% with Trump. They have the numbers :-(
Actually, I think they have been intimidated. Not a particularly brave group.
Anyone in KS or LA (or who knows anyone there) who can call Cassidy, Moran.