MoveOn is doing a counter State of the Union w Sens. Chris Murphy, Ed Markey, Angela Alsobrooks & Brian Schatz. Tomorrow at 8:15 pm, sign up here: MoveOn.org/TrumpBS
I think the ones who actually attend should all get up and walk out en masse.
walking out on live tv will get the attention this situation deserves. the loss of our country. walk out and assemble on steps and speak to the nation on social media live. to make the biggest impact, should be all dems.
Luckily it’s Fat Tuesday at our local knitting group so I’ll be celebrating by having my Old Fashioned and a piece of king’s cake and nowhere near the SOTU.
Here is another independent media organization to check out. They are live streaming for 24 hours to counter the lies and propaganda. This organization is new to me, so I'll be interested to watch it. Maybe others here will be interested too. https://stateofthepeople.media/
I love the name of this new media organization already!
"DEMOCRATS must formally CONDEMN this Administration NOW.
Hi, Warren / Markey / McGovern,
I urge you and your colleagues to formally condemn this administration for its illegal, immoral betrayal of our country.
To quote Simon Rosenberg, we need a "rallying cry for all of our work together. It can become the amicus brief in every court challenge to Trump. It can become a clear statement to the world that American patriots are fighting this historical betrayal of our democracy but also of freedom loving people throughout the world. The people of America and the world need to hear from Democrats and other leaders of this pro-democracy movement that they understand the stakes of the fight we are in and are willing to leave it all on the line for the most important force for freedom humanity has ever seen."
Thanks for all you're doing. Now please do more. Make the statement bold and loud. Please.
I hear some frustration or annoyance in your comment. For folks who are new to this (and I'm raise my hand), it's not uncommon to be apprehensive and intimidated to put your opinions in writing or recorded on a machine (for fear of retribution if writing to a republican official or just not wanting to do things 'wrong'). A great email is a great email and it is a compliment to have it be quoted or used. I'm constantly reposting other ppl's posts because they say it better than I ever could. Is that wrong? NO.
The point is we need to be contacting our reps. Chances are a staffer just skims the content and sort as pro or against.
Was nice that suzc asked for permission, don't you think?
Again, I sense frustration or annoyance in your reply, and appreciate your expounding on the issue of plagiarism in academia and beyond.
When I share on social media and particularly on this topic of writing our representatives to advance the cause of democracy, I hope and assume that if I did or wrote something to advance the cause, and it was a goodie, others would use it or get ideas from it as well. That's the point of sharing on this friendly community site, to help, enlighten and encourage others as we advance the cause of democracy.
For the record, since that seems to be important here, when I referred to social media in my previous post, I was referring to Bluesky, not Substack, when I said I repost and did not make that clear. And also for the record, sucz asked to use Jane Rabbit's note, but we do not know IF Jane replied (perhaps in a private DM) or IF sucz used the note yet.
I think we both made our points and unless it is particularly grievous, I'll let you have the last word, should you be so inclined.
Thank you for this! I loved everything Simon said, but you put it into a format that works for email / phone. I will use this shell and customize in my own voice.
I love the language "formally condemn." Nice clear succinct directive of what you are asking them to do., easy for an aid to spot and copy out. Thanks!
Thank you for this! I loved everything Simon said, but you put it into a format that works for email / phone. I will use this shell and customize in my own voice.
that is what happened at Obama's first SOTU - the Tea Party despicable racism went on record; I was horrified - now all bets are off, to my mind this is about BETRAYAL of our country
Republicans broke the system (decorum) (MTG), no reason for the Dems not to play by the new Republican rules. Blue jeans and tshirts and ball caps, to start. Heckling, yep. Then moving on to walking out when it becomes nothing but offensive, stale, old talking points and Biden bashing. Laughing at him works too. Turning your back on him when R's rise to clap at the dear leader. And no smiling or talking to R's. No hand shakes.
Do you all read Heather Cox Richardson substack? (She has become quite terrifying! Reports that basically this Cabinet is removing all security apparatus and people from federal govt and giving Russia total access. This does not bode well for a future. Being very loud now may be our only shot at stopping the destruction of the USA as anything but a Russian satellite if the reporting is accurate. Do we need to be more out in the streets?)
Meanwhile, I notice Dems are starting to show up on indie podcasts like MeidasTouch. Good sign.
I read it this AM —and I am “sick -in-my stomach” ( I think it is fear). Certainly overwhelmed with grief that we have an oligarchy over our government. My father was WW II vet—serving between the ages of 16-19. My grandparents were “immigrants” from the Baltics. I am grateful they are not living to “witness” this. I am grateful that I live in a very BLUE State with leadership protecting us…so far. Today-I will e-mail contact in WI. I will contact my representatives to make sure they are condemning the TRUMP actions. I am going to write my Democratic state Reps to ask about on-going protections in our State’s elections-I am very upset in HCR letter —she mentioned that 2 members of DOGE are now installed at CISA. CISA has worked on protecting our elections. IF our elections get “hacked”—we certainly will be a Russian satellite. I feel like it’s a cancer that has metastasized into our nervous system. And finally—work on my protest sign for next rally—-I think this Friday. We are having several per week.
Our elections have been hacked for 20 years. We have been asleep at the wheel as a nation. Now we are a critical junction imho. There are those who think our 250 year history will get us through. I think it's no better than 50/50. But we must do what we can I suppose. I too am in a Blue State. But we'll all be in trouble when there's no food on the shelves and our smart phones don't work etc.
Simon, you have been regularly making constructive, nudging recommendations to Dem leaders in your newsletter. Given your relationships, are you receiving any indication that they are listening and willing/ready to apply these suggestions with concrete, visible action? The conventional, muted response from many in the Dem leadership is deeply concerning and frustrating to so many of us.
This morning I learned that DOGE has dismantled a group of government employees in a group called 18F, which works on keeping government websites secure and running efficiently. The best place to read about this may be Robert Hubbell's Substack, Today's Edition - No ads
I had dinner with a friend who does research for the VA the other day and she talked about this. Her boss's theory is that Musk wants all the contracts for himself. No regard to the fact that he doesn't have any idea of what these programs do or how to create something equivalent. She said everyone was busy downloading what they could, but they don't even have access to their own data sets because so much of the information is protected by HIPAA or is classified. Of course, that doesn't stop Musk.
What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment?
Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included)
"Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America
Subject: Apology to President Zelensky
Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO
Yesterday there was a significant rally in support of Ukraine on the "Magnificent Mile" of downtown Chicago (North Michigan Avenue). Senator Durbin and others spoke at the rally. Here is the story. (The Chicago Sun Times is a non-profit newspaper.)
I live in MA and I still call my congressional delegation : I have now started calling senators in states where family members live and who have republican senators: I use the family member address and my messages start with their failure to uphold their sworn constitutional oath of office--and then I tell them, that as a constituent, they have abandoned all of us as the federal government is being dismantled and we are now becoming a Russian satellite.
My level of frustration with this Congress, that should be doing their job has boiled over.
I am going to sign up for the Move ON State of the Union--and share the information.
I am supporting (from Texas) the special elections in Florida on APRIL 1 new U.S. House of Representatives candidates BEN WEIL and GAIL VALIMONT - this may not give us the majority, but we will be so close! and it will be a strong message in the news and out to the world! I hope you will do the same -
Two slight clarifications: Josh Weil is the candidate for FL-6.
If FL-1 and Fl-6 flip on April 1, Democrats WILL have the majority in the House, which currently stands at 217/216. Speaker Johnson will be replaced by a Democratic Speaker.
wonderful! thank you for that correction on the Speaker - I had gone into information about the districts in other emails but I appreciate having it here - thanks Thomas!
...and if Dems win only one of those races, then we will have a chance later in the spring to take control when Elise Stefanik's seat in NY is up for special election.
I just left a message for Ted Cruz reminding him that his own father was an asylum seeker from Cuba's Batista regime in the 50s. I pointed out that he is siding with a President who is leading us into an autocracy and that history would not be good to him. He must take a stand or be part of the treachery being done.
I also spoke to a staffer of Tony Gonzales about his need to speak out for his constituents who will suffer as a result of the job losses, Medicaid, SNAP cuts. That the economy in TX will be hurt.
I urged him to hold a town hall.
Our Tesla Takedown had Ukrainian flags, Distressed US flags, and 100 in attendance. There are more protests planned in San Antonio this week by our local party and Indivisible.
Cruz is in charge of the Transportation Committee in the Senate. Wondering how he feels about the cuts to FAA, which would make his flights to Cancun less safe.
Gilbert, a warning to you. Two posts today but super negative, snarky, cynical. We don't do that here. We are working to save our democracy. We lift each other up, and keep the sentiment here positive, constructive. As you are new you may not understand that but need you to do better. And one of your comments you are also just wrong. On Friday House Dems did file an amicus brief in one of the main suits against Trump. Thank you - S
I'm sorry. Don't want to be negative. I accept your constructive suggestion. I want to help and I have a lot of time. I'm a retired physician and am willing to spend time saving us. Give me something to do
I notice you list three things you brought up. Were they all on the same call? I only make one point per call when I call my Republican rep, but a lot of times I would rather bring up more than one pressing issue.
Before this year, I didn’t call every day. I generally only had one point to make, and I didn’t really call all that often. So I feel like I have a lot to learn about doing it effectively.
When I call or email, I limit it to one main point. Sometimes I add a small second one, like "when is your next town hall?"
These days I sometimes send more than one email per day, each with a different topic. My understanding is that staffers skim through the emails and summarize them, eg, " lot about this bill, 60/40 against it." So I keep it simple.
I had an idea similar to what you proposed…could we get our former presidents and cabinet members of both parties to hold press conferences together where they share the facts and folly of Trump’s actions and invite all the members of the press that have been kicked out of the White House. Ideally, in competition with Trump’s own press conferences to drive him crazy when the competing ones get more viewership and coverage.
I don't consider Gdubya respectable in any sense of the word. He waged a war based on a lie, killed and/or displaced over a million Iraqis. He gave rise to ISIL. It took over 20 years to get out of that mess. Meanwhile his real prez, Cheney, made billions.
On Tuesday, February 18,. Trump issued Executive Order 14215, which asserts that the White House has authority over the [formerly independent] Federal Elections Commission, essentially seizing control of it. (This is an illegal act, which should be added to the list of impeachable offenses.)
I know what you mean but even if they don't change course right away, everything helps. The cumulative constant effort will payoff. This is a long fight.
Considering what DOGE is doing to break into government networks and steal our financial information, I strongly recommend checking your banking and credit card statements every single day. All of my ActBlue and charitable contributions are on a VISA card that does not go anywhere. It's just for recurring contributions and kept in a desk drawer. I'm becoming somewhat paranoid about this, maybe, but if they hacked ActBlue I would definitely be on an enemy's list.
I added an identity theft protection coverage to my work benefits- it sends out notices if anything looks suspicious. So far it's quiet. I also check my accounts regularly and use double authentication, and have frozen credit reports.
Also good idea to freeze your credit through the 3 credit rating companies: Experian, TransUnion, and My Equifax. It's free to do so and prevents anyone from posing as you to open a line of credit, take out a loan, get a mortgage in your name. You can still use your credit cards. We did this three years ago after someone attempted to scam us on the advice of our brother-in-law who had just retired as cybersecurity team for a state's gas and electric company. Really, everyone should leave their credit frozen ALL the time except to apply for a loan, change the amount of credit on a credit card, etc. which takes only a few hours and then you can refreeze.
I did that also! I actually do not use credit cards much and told my banker I do not want a high credit limit. What’s the point: So they can earn some interest. I believe in strict budgeting. What do we really need, especially since I just retired!
MoveOn is doing a counter State of the Union w Sens. Chris Murphy, Ed Markey, Angela Alsobrooks & Brian Schatz. Tomorrow at 8:15 pm, sign up here: MoveOn.org/TrumpBS
I think the ones who actually attend should all get up and walk out en masse.
Yes - I signed up for the MoveOn event and spread the word. I would like to think this SOTU will be the least viewed on record.
I bet it could be lifted in its entirety from a North Korean propaganda screed.
More likely Putin has written it for him in very short, very treasonous sentences.
yes! thanks Linda I am registering now
I agree on walking out. Or standing and turning backs to podium.
Will sign up for Move On alternative. Important that numbers be large, as they'll be tracked!
But if it's not reported on Fox News (and it won't be)..... /s
walking out on live tv will get the attention this situation deserves. the loss of our country. walk out and assemble on steps and speak to the nation on social media live. to make the biggest impact, should be all dems.
Thank you for the information, I signed up
so great - I would love it if our Dems would walk out in protest when Trump mentions Ukraine/Russia and that Russia is our friend
Luckily it’s Fat Tuesday at our local knitting group so I’ll be celebrating by having my Old Fashioned and a piece of king’s cake and nowhere near the SOTU.
Here is another independent media organization to check out. They are live streaming for 24 hours to counter the lies and propaganda. This organization is new to me, so I'll be interested to watch it. Maybe others here will be interested too. https://stateofthepeople.media/
I love the name of this new media organization already!
Don't understand. Will this be going on during trump's speech (9pm eastern)? Hope so...would love some live commentary as it goes.
Lisa, that is fantastic alternate muscular programming from the Blue Team. Hurray!!!
Lisa Iannucci! Thank you so much for posting this!
I just gave my R rep a real earful.
Thanks, Simon. I just sent this:
"DEMOCRATS must formally CONDEMN this Administration NOW.
Hi, Warren / Markey / McGovern,
I urge you and your colleagues to formally condemn this administration for its illegal, immoral betrayal of our country.
To quote Simon Rosenberg, we need a "rallying cry for all of our work together. It can become the amicus brief in every court challenge to Trump. It can become a clear statement to the world that American patriots are fighting this historical betrayal of our democracy but also of freedom loving people throughout the world. The people of America and the world need to hear from Democrats and other leaders of this pro-democracy movement that they understand the stakes of the fight we are in and are willing to leave it all on the line for the most important force for freedom humanity has ever seen."
Thanks for all you're doing. Now please do more. Make the statement bold and loud. Please.
Jane
in Hubbardston
May I plagiarize you to my sens/rep?
Come on, peeps. It's important to use your own words.
I agree. By all means be inspired, but at least tweak it so it is in your voice.
I hear some frustration or annoyance in your comment. For folks who are new to this (and I'm raise my hand), it's not uncommon to be apprehensive and intimidated to put your opinions in writing or recorded on a machine (for fear of retribution if writing to a republican official or just not wanting to do things 'wrong'). A great email is a great email and it is a compliment to have it be quoted or used. I'm constantly reposting other ppl's posts because they say it better than I ever could. Is that wrong? NO.
The point is we need to be contacting our reps. Chances are a staffer just skims the content and sort as pro or against.
Was nice that suzc asked for permission, don't you think?
Again, I sense frustration or annoyance in your reply, and appreciate your expounding on the issue of plagiarism in academia and beyond.
When I share on social media and particularly on this topic of writing our representatives to advance the cause of democracy, I hope and assume that if I did or wrote something to advance the cause, and it was a goodie, others would use it or get ideas from it as well. That's the point of sharing on this friendly community site, to help, enlighten and encourage others as we advance the cause of democracy.
For the record, since that seems to be important here, when I referred to social media in my previous post, I was referring to Bluesky, not Substack, when I said I repost and did not make that clear. And also for the record, sucz asked to use Jane Rabbit's note, but we do not know IF Jane replied (perhaps in a private DM) or IF sucz used the note yet.
I think we both made our points and unless it is particularly grievous, I'll let you have the last word, should you be so inclined.
Agree 💯. Let's learn from one another. Sharing words is fine.
totally just copied and pasted into Sens. Kim & Booker's webforms!
great script Jane
Thank you for this! I loved everything Simon said, but you put it into a format that works for email / phone. I will use this shell and customize in my own voice.
I love the language "formally condemn." Nice clear succinct directive of what you are asking them to do., easy for an aid to spot and copy out. Thanks!
Thank you for this! I loved everything Simon said, but you put it into a format that works for email / phone. I will use this shell and customize in my own voice.
Just saw the best response for Dems to have at the State of the Union: every time DJT lies, they should all, loudly and in unison, laugh! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
yell out "you lie" every single time he lies. there is no decorum anymore.
that is what happened at Obama's first SOTU - the Tea Party despicable racism went on record; I was horrified - now all bets are off, to my mind this is about BETRAYAL of our country
Republicans broke the system (decorum) (MTG), no reason for the Dems not to play by the new Republican rules. Blue jeans and tshirts and ball caps, to start. Heckling, yep. Then moving on to walking out when it becomes nothing but offensive, stale, old talking points and Biden bashing. Laughing at him works too. Turning your back on him when R's rise to clap at the dear leader. And no smiling or talking to R's. No hand shakes.
Do you all read Heather Cox Richardson substack? (She has become quite terrifying! Reports that basically this Cabinet is removing all security apparatus and people from federal govt and giving Russia total access. This does not bode well for a future. Being very loud now may be our only shot at stopping the destruction of the USA as anything but a Russian satellite if the reporting is accurate. Do we need to be more out in the streets?)
Meanwhile, I notice Dems are starting to show up on indie podcasts like MeidasTouch. Good sign.
The "emergency" money to Israel today, sidestepping Congress, was also alarming.
Sidestepping Congress is very alarming!
I read it this AM —and I am “sick -in-my stomach” ( I think it is fear). Certainly overwhelmed with grief that we have an oligarchy over our government. My father was WW II vet—serving between the ages of 16-19. My grandparents were “immigrants” from the Baltics. I am grateful they are not living to “witness” this. I am grateful that I live in a very BLUE State with leadership protecting us…so far. Today-I will e-mail contact in WI. I will contact my representatives to make sure they are condemning the TRUMP actions. I am going to write my Democratic state Reps to ask about on-going protections in our State’s elections-I am very upset in HCR letter —she mentioned that 2 members of DOGE are now installed at CISA. CISA has worked on protecting our elections. IF our elections get “hacked”—we certainly will be a Russian satellite. I feel like it’s a cancer that has metastasized into our nervous system. And finally—work on my protest sign for next rally—-I think this Friday. We are having several per week.
Our elections have been hacked for 20 years. We have been asleep at the wheel as a nation. Now we are a critical junction imho. There are those who think our 250 year history will get us through. I think it's no better than 50/50. But we must do what we can I suppose. I too am in a Blue State. But we'll all be in trouble when there's no food on the shelves and our smart phones don't work etc.
Simon, you have been regularly making constructive, nudging recommendations to Dem leaders in your newsletter. Given your relationships, are you receiving any indication that they are listening and willing/ready to apply these suggestions with concrete, visible action? The conventional, muted response from many in the Dem leadership is deeply concerning and frustrating to so many of us.
This morning I learned that DOGE has dismantled a group of government employees in a group called 18F, which works on keeping government websites secure and running efficiently. The best place to read about this may be Robert Hubbell's Substack, Today's Edition - No ads
https://substack.com/home/post/p-158260507?source=queue
I had dinner with a friend who does research for the VA the other day and she talked about this. Her boss's theory is that Musk wants all the contracts for himself. No regard to the fact that he doesn't have any idea of what these programs do or how to create something equivalent. She said everyone was busy downloading what they could, but they don't even have access to their own data sets because so much of the information is protected by HIPAA or is classified. Of course, that doesn't stop Musk.
Musk is looking to be ruler of the world, having hacked into personal data and eventually all governments systems that use computers.
Seems like there might be a movie or 2 or 100 with that theme (James Bond) (written with sarcasm)
What can an ordinary Missourian do about this Oval Office Trump-Vance debacle and America-to-the-world embarrassment?
Here's what I tried--a direct apology to President Zelensky via the Ukraime embassy WDC: Sent email today to Ukraine Embassy WDC, in part (full name and location included)
"Attn: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America
Subject: Apology to President Zelensky
Dear Madam Ambassador Markarova: On behalf of myself and the majority of American people standing for the freedom of Ukraine, may I request that the following subject apology be forwarded to President Zelensky: Please apologize to President Zelenskyy for the shameful behaviour of President Trump and Vice-President Vance on Feb. 28, 2025. It was a despicable, pre-coordinated setup ambush by two bullies against one courageous man standing tall. Trump and Vance have forever stained the sacred honor of the Oval Office. Thank you. Sincerely, (Ordinary American citizen)" s/s (full name and location, Farmington, MO
Blue Missouri needs you:
https://bluemissouri.org/
Are you connected with your home folks, like powerhouse Jess Piper?
https://substack.com/@jesspiper
You should be writing and calling your despicable Republican representatives, all of them, every day. Start with Josh Hee-Haw Hawley.
I sent an apology email also.
Yesterday there was a significant rally in support of Ukraine on the "Magnificent Mile" of downtown Chicago (North Michigan Avenue). Senator Durbin and others spoke at the rally. Here is the story. (The Chicago Sun Times is a non-profit newspaper.)
https://chicago.suntimes.com/ukraine/2025/03/02/pro-ukraine-rally-draws-thousands-of-marchers-to-michigan-avenue
Yesterday we attended and baked for a neighborhood bake sale for Ukraine. It raised $750 in two hours.
beautiful
I live in MA and I still call my congressional delegation : I have now started calling senators in states where family members live and who have republican senators: I use the family member address and my messages start with their failure to uphold their sworn constitutional oath of office--and then I tell them, that as a constituent, they have abandoned all of us as the federal government is being dismantled and we are now becoming a Russian satellite.
My level of frustration with this Congress, that should be doing their job has boiled over.
I am going to sign up for the Move ON State of the Union--and share the information.
I am supporting (from Texas) the special elections in Florida on APRIL 1 new U.S. House of Representatives candidates BEN WEIL and GAIL VALIMONT - this may not give us the majority, but we will be so close! and it will be a strong message in the news and out to the world! I hope you will do the same -
Two slight clarifications: Josh Weil is the candidate for FL-6.
If FL-1 and Fl-6 flip on April 1, Democrats WILL have the majority in the House, which currently stands at 217/216. Speaker Johnson will be replaced by a Democratic Speaker.
wonderful! thank you for that correction on the Speaker - I had gone into information about the districts in other emails but I appreciate having it here - thanks Thomas!
...and if Dems win only one of those races, then we will have a chance later in the spring to take control when Elise Stefanik's seat in NY is up for special election.
These are very red districts
Phone banking going on every day in the Sarasota Democratic Party office for the candidates so I am hearing.
I just left a message for Ted Cruz reminding him that his own father was an asylum seeker from Cuba's Batista regime in the 50s. I pointed out that he is siding with a President who is leading us into an autocracy and that history would not be good to him. He must take a stand or be part of the treachery being done.
I also spoke to a staffer of Tony Gonzales about his need to speak out for his constituents who will suffer as a result of the job losses, Medicaid, SNAP cuts. That the economy in TX will be hurt.
I urged him to hold a town hall.
Our Tesla Takedown had Ukrainian flags, Distressed US flags, and 100 in attendance. There are more protests planned in San Antonio this week by our local party and Indivisible.
Cruz is in charge of the Transportation Committee in the Senate. Wondering how he feels about the cuts to FAA, which would make his flights to Cancun less safe.
He couldn't care less
Gilbert, a warning to you. Two posts today but super negative, snarky, cynical. We don't do that here. We are working to save our democracy. We lift each other up, and keep the sentiment here positive, constructive. As you are new you may not understand that but need you to do better. And one of your comments you are also just wrong. On Friday House Dems did file an amicus brief in one of the main suits against Trump. Thank you - S
I'm sorry. Don't want to be negative. I accept your constructive suggestion. I want to help and I have a lot of time. I'm a retired physician and am willing to spend time saving us. Give me something to do
I notice you list three things you brought up. Were they all on the same call? I only make one point per call when I call my Republican rep, but a lot of times I would rather bring up more than one pressing issue.
Before this year, I didn’t call every day. I generally only had one point to make, and I didn’t really call all that often. So I feel like I have a lot to learn about doing it effectively.
When I call or email, I limit it to one main point. Sometimes I add a small second one, like "when is your next town hall?"
These days I sometimes send more than one email per day, each with a different topic. My understanding is that staffers skim through the emails and summarize them, eg, " lot about this bill, 60/40 against it." So I keep it simple.
I had an idea similar to what you proposed…could we get our former presidents and cabinet members of both parties to hold press conferences together where they share the facts and folly of Trump’s actions and invite all the members of the press that have been kicked out of the White House. Ideally, in competition with Trump’s own press conferences to drive him crazy when the competing ones get more viewership and coverage.
I love this idea!
if bush would participate it would even be better!!
Yeah, definitely need respectable Republicans of the past to participate so it’s not seen as “leftist”.
I don't consider Gdubya respectable in any sense of the word. He waged a war based on a lie, killed and/or displaced over a million Iraqis. He gave rise to ISIL. It took over 20 years to get out of that mess. Meanwhile his real prez, Cheney, made billions.
Nah, he can stay hidden.
Where is Obama?
love this! how to accomplish - call and request the leaders at the alternative event to urge these former leaders to attend?
Do Poll numbers really matter when this admin is hostel and clearly taking over our government!?
I imagine they don't care about Polls- by the next election, we may not have one!?
You know that is their plan!
Are we moving too slowly and being too well-behaved about all these outrageous actions??
(sorry to say)
However, I AM doing everything I can to be loud, make calls, and share anything I can!
I am guessing that polls matter in terms of other Republicans; if they bottom out enough they might feel more free to act.
On Tuesday, February 18,. Trump issued Executive Order 14215, which asserts that the White House has authority over the [formerly independent] Federal Elections Commission, essentially seizing control of it. (This is an illegal act, which should be added to the list of impeachable offenses.)
Marc Elias just filed suit along w DNC, DSCC, DCCC.
Yes, that's right. Thank you. The illegal act has to be noted, so that it penetrates the minds of citizens.
Per authoritarianism expert Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, polling/public opinion is extremely important. It is one of the reasons Putin is so weak.
I know what you mean but even if they don't change course right away, everything helps. The cumulative constant effort will payoff. This is a long fight.
Absolutely! They add credence to everything we say!
Considering what DOGE is doing to break into government networks and steal our financial information, I strongly recommend checking your banking and credit card statements every single day. All of my ActBlue and charitable contributions are on a VISA card that does not go anywhere. It's just for recurring contributions and kept in a desk drawer. I'm becoming somewhat paranoid about this, maybe, but if they hacked ActBlue I would definitely be on an enemy's list.
If they hack ActBlue, that enemy's list would wrap around the world. (I'd be on it, too.)
I added an identity theft protection coverage to my work benefits- it sends out notices if anything looks suspicious. So far it's quiet. I also check my accounts regularly and use double authentication, and have frozen credit reports.
Also good idea to freeze your credit through the 3 credit rating companies: Experian, TransUnion, and My Equifax. It's free to do so and prevents anyone from posing as you to open a line of credit, take out a loan, get a mortgage in your name. You can still use your credit cards. We did this three years ago after someone attempted to scam us on the advice of our brother-in-law who had just retired as cybersecurity team for a state's gas and electric company. Really, everyone should leave their credit frozen ALL the time except to apply for a loan, change the amount of credit on a credit card, etc. which takes only a few hours and then you can refreeze.
I did that also! I actually do not use credit cards much and told my banker I do not want a high credit limit. What’s the point: So they can earn some interest. I believe in strict budgeting. What do we really need, especially since I just retired!
Thank you, Simon, for this guidance. I very much appreciate it. I crafted individual messages for my members of Congress and called them.
I was able to reach staffers for Rep. Larsen and Sen. Cantwell. I left a message for Sen. Murray.
I will give some thought about what to say to my state legislators. It's too early to call the West Coast, so I have some time to formulate a message.