Memo to Speaker Johnson: It is up to you and Congress to impose tariffs, not Trump. They should never have allowed Trump to run this. Time for them to read the Constitution, Speaker Johnson. The Constitution Article 1, Section 8: "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises... but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. Congress: "Do your job!"
I love the idea you mentioned of taking back the 4th of July from Trump. If Dems make it business as usual, Trump and Republicans will make the holiday all about him. Doing my Hopium homework today, I forward your idea to my two Democratic Senators.
Dear Simon, I think your idea of a powerful letter/statement from all Democrats is a great idea! It would have the most powerful things that our American ideals stand for...like " of the people, by the people, for the people", like the strength of being a melting pot country, Like everyone equal under the law, the checks and balances, etc..
And, as you said, it could be used in court cases, but I think YOU need to write a prototype, because otherwise it's like herding cats to get everyone to come together on wording. It's a great idea!
Toward the end, you mention the Declaration of Independence -- in English. I'm sure the Declaration of Independence has been translated into Spanish.... Isn't Now/July 4th the appropriate time to read the Declaration of Independence aloud in SPANISH? To ridicule the ridiculous edict of making English the official language of the USA? and all the resultant actions that has prompted (e.g., truckers)? Is it any less meaningful/powerful in Spanish? As we know, Switzerland has FOUR official languages, Canada TWO -- can we Americans demonstrate solidarity and strength in diversity with our Spanish speaking fellow Americans by learning/repeating/using the Declaration of Independence, not only in English but in Spanish as well??
If Trump perceives at some point that he "has been cornered"' what actions might he take and what if anything can be done to prepare for those actions?
I'm actually a little more hopeful for once than Simon. I think the American brand, leadership, and economic advantages could be restored. But not saying it won't take time or be easy.
Even if Trump were impeached tomorrow who knows what further decline would happen with a Republican President and Congress? In some ways that is the bigger problem than a madman in the Whitehouse.The illiberalism of these state GOP legislatures is stunning. But first things first.
After the Oklahoma State Superintendent's shocking fraudulent editing of curriculum to serve MAGA politics, I think a backlash could be brewing there, but it's Oklahoma so 🤷♂️.
The Senate voted 49-49 tonight. McConnell and Whitehouse were absent. Not sure what the stated reasons were. If there's any hopeful possibility it's that the GOP Senate is gonna let the disaster weaken Trump and bleed some support from MAGA before acting. With Johnson floating the idea of stepping in at some point, it could be a strategy they'll try to use to save themselves. These people know better, but they are playing a sick game.
I read that the vote was symbolic as it was DOA at the House. And of course Trump could veto as well. Would have been nice though. Not sure Whitehouse made a wise choice. He was at climate conference in Korea.
With respect this is not the right way to look at this vote. We got 3 Republicans voting against it today. 3 defying Trump on his most important issue. And we forced Rs to face the reality of their complicity in giving Trump powers the Constitution does not grant him; not just their complicity in this ruinous economic policy but also in Trump's ongoing abandonment of the Constitutional order. Viewing this as "symbolic" is playing into their frame and not an accurate way of understanding what just happened here.
We never know when the dam is going to break, but it will not break unless we apply pressure to it every day. Viewing actions like this as "symbolic" is a form of obeying in advance.
Thank you for frequently replying in this way as part of your commitment to arm this community with quality understanding (as you talked about in this interview) that we can spread to our networks.
As of ~9pm EST the story of the vote is indeed front page news already on AP, NBC, and CBS, but of course they released info about a deal with Ukraine that's taking the top spot already on CBS's main page. Nothing on ABC or CNN.
From the NBC article:
"U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill on Tuesday that countries are calling him to negotiate trade deals and that he is “optimistic” they will settle several of them in the next few weeks, according to two senators who attended the meeting with Greer and Vance."
Thune's comments...from the CBS article
"Overall, the things we're going to be doing to support a healthy economy, on taxes and regulations and energy, are going to have a positive impact long term," Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said. "The tariff issue is something that's, like I said, it's an open question, but we're giving them some space to negotiate and see if they can get some good deals"
I love this discussion. We ARE NOT one size fits all. We are NOT MAGA hat wearing, dress alike, talk alike, think alike people. Democrats are the melting pot. We are capable of independent thought. We are capable of independent actions.
https://5calls.org If you can only do calls, this is a great and free app! So many issues to call about. I like to call before their offices open so I can just do my thing. I also send lots and lots of emails to my GOP senators.
I called this morning as soon as I read Simon's request of us. Request to speak to staff at both Ossoff's and Warnock's (GA_ went straight to voice mail which their messages say means their staffs are busy with other callers!! Hoping for a positive outcome this evening in the Senate this evening!
Dear Simon – I’m just listening after the fact. Scary accurate summation. Here’s what I worry about, and I think in my belated listening you’re about to hit on it: If he starts going more obviously and undeniably south (both polls and cognition), I fear he will lash out with yet more destructive EOs. He’s that vindictive. And twisted. And there will be sycophants (psychophants?) till the bitter end. I call what he’s subjecting us to Grift, Graft, and Gratuitous Cruelty. Thank you so much for what we hear from you, and for calming and inspiring us to stay in the trenches.
PS Possible name for our resistance: American Revolution 2025. A friend suggests we sport Tricornes! 250th anniversary of signing of Declaration of Independence.
You should have Kurt Weyland as a guest for interviews. He wrote a book “Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat” which explains why Trump’s regime is likely to fail. Essentially what he did is research common factors not just in successful autocratic regimes, but also failed ones. He writes about Fujimori, Bukele, Orban, etc., as well as an analysis of Trump. It is written before the 2024 election. I read it July 2024 when I was depressed thinking Trump was going to win, before Kamala entered the race.
Thanks very much. I've suggested it to many others with no luck. Maybe he doesn't want to do it. Joe Trippi said he would try too. And I asked Rick Wilson and Lisa Senecal. Maybe he isn't open to it.
I just searched around for him (I have a few times) and did find he commented in the attached article. If you scroll down to the very end you can see what he says there:
With McConnell and Whitehouse absent from the Tariff vote it went 49-49. My guess is the GOP are gonna go ahead and lay that millstone around Trump's neck and let his voters get what they voted for while letting country's reputation burn.
Terrible is right!
Memo to Speaker Johnson: It is up to you and Congress to impose tariffs, not Trump. They should never have allowed Trump to run this. Time for them to read the Constitution, Speaker Johnson. The Constitution Article 1, Section 8: "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises... but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. Congress: "Do your job!"
welcome to the revolution, mike johnson
I know you're joking, but he's definitely still part of the un-revolution.
Definitely being ironical
I love the idea you mentioned of taking back the 4th of July from Trump. If Dems make it business as usual, Trump and Republicans will make the holiday all about him. Doing my Hopium homework today, I forward your idea to my two Democratic Senators.
Dear Simon, I think your idea of a powerful letter/statement from all Democrats is a great idea! It would have the most powerful things that our American ideals stand for...like " of the people, by the people, for the people", like the strength of being a melting pot country, Like everyone equal under the law, the checks and balances, etc..
And, as you said, it could be used in court cases, but I think YOU need to write a prototype, because otherwise it's like herding cats to get everyone to come together on wording. It's a great idea!
This was a very good discussion with Lisa and Susan, I appreciate you all.
As of this morning, my book: You are not Alone: Your Roadmap to Effective Political Action is the number one book for political advocacy at Amazon!
https://ex2025.earthx.org/Earthx25/speaker/1626897/gary-lucks
Toward the end, you mention the Declaration of Independence -- in English. I'm sure the Declaration of Independence has been translated into Spanish.... Isn't Now/July 4th the appropriate time to read the Declaration of Independence aloud in SPANISH? To ridicule the ridiculous edict of making English the official language of the USA? and all the resultant actions that has prompted (e.g., truckers)? Is it any less meaningful/powerful in Spanish? As we know, Switzerland has FOUR official languages, Canada TWO -- can we Americans demonstrate solidarity and strength in diversity with our Spanish speaking fellow Americans by learning/repeating/using the Declaration of Independence, not only in English but in Spanish as well??
Senators aren't going to reject Trump tariffs.
If Trump perceives at some point that he "has been cornered"' what actions might he take and what if anything can be done to prepare for those actions?
I'm actually a little more hopeful for once than Simon. I think the American brand, leadership, and economic advantages could be restored. But not saying it won't take time or be easy.
Even if Trump were impeached tomorrow who knows what further decline would happen with a Republican President and Congress? In some ways that is the bigger problem than a madman in the Whitehouse.The illiberalism of these state GOP legislatures is stunning. But first things first.
After the Oklahoma State Superintendent's shocking fraudulent editing of curriculum to serve MAGA politics, I think a backlash could be brewing there, but it's Oklahoma so 🤷♂️.
The Senate voted 49-49 tonight. McConnell and Whitehouse were absent. Not sure what the stated reasons were. If there's any hopeful possibility it's that the GOP Senate is gonna let the disaster weaken Trump and bleed some support from MAGA before acting. With Johnson floating the idea of stepping in at some point, it could be a strategy they'll try to use to save themselves. These people know better, but they are playing a sick game.
I read that the vote was symbolic as it was DOA at the House. And of course Trump could veto as well. Would have been nice though. Not sure Whitehouse made a wise choice. He was at climate conference in Korea.
With respect this is not the right way to look at this vote. We got 3 Republicans voting against it today. 3 defying Trump on his most important issue. And we forced Rs to face the reality of their complicity in giving Trump powers the Constitution does not grant him; not just their complicity in this ruinous economic policy but also in Trump's ongoing abandonment of the Constitutional order. Viewing this as "symbolic" is playing into their frame and not an accurate way of understanding what just happened here.
Fair enough.
We never know when the dam is going to break, but it will not break unless we apply pressure to it every day. Viewing actions like this as "symbolic" is a form of obeying in advance.
Thank you for frequently replying in this way as part of your commitment to arm this community with quality understanding (as you talked about in this interview) that we can spread to our networks.
As of ~9pm EST the story of the vote is indeed front page news already on AP, NBC, and CBS, but of course they released info about a deal with Ukraine that's taking the top spot already on CBS's main page. Nothing on ABC or CNN.
From the NBC article:
"U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill on Tuesday that countries are calling him to negotiate trade deals and that he is “optimistic” they will settle several of them in the next few weeks, according to two senators who attended the meeting with Greer and Vance."
Thune's comments...from the CBS article
"Overall, the things we're going to be doing to support a healthy economy, on taxes and regulations and energy, are going to have a positive impact long term," Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said. "The tariff issue is something that's, like I said, it's an open question, but we're giving them some space to negotiate and see if they can get some good deals"
I love this discussion. We ARE NOT one size fits all. We are NOT MAGA hat wearing, dress alike, talk alike, think alike people. Democrats are the melting pot. We are capable of independent thought. We are capable of independent actions.
https://5calls.org If you can only do calls, this is a great and free app! So many issues to call about. I like to call before their offices open so I can just do my thing. I also send lots and lots of emails to my GOP senators.
I called this morning as soon as I read Simon's request of us. Request to speak to staff at both Ossoff's and Warnock's (GA_ went straight to voice mail which their messages say means their staffs are busy with other callers!! Hoping for a positive outcome this evening in the Senate this evening!
Dear Simon – I’m just listening after the fact. Scary accurate summation. Here’s what I worry about, and I think in my belated listening you’re about to hit on it: If he starts going more obviously and undeniably south (both polls and cognition), I fear he will lash out with yet more destructive EOs. He’s that vindictive. And twisted. And there will be sycophants (psychophants?) till the bitter end. I call what he’s subjecting us to Grift, Graft, and Gratuitous Cruelty. Thank you so much for what we hear from you, and for calming and inspiring us to stay in the trenches.
To
PS Possible name for our resistance: American Revolution 2025. A friend suggests we sport Tricornes! 250th anniversary of signing of Declaration of Independence.
You should have Kurt Weyland as a guest for interviews. He wrote a book “Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat” which explains why Trump’s regime is likely to fail. Essentially what he did is research common factors not just in successful autocratic regimes, but also failed ones. He writes about Fujimori, Bukele, Orban, etc., as well as an analysis of Trump. It is written before the 2024 election. I read it July 2024 when I was depressed thinking Trump was going to win, before Kamala entered the race.
Good suggestion. Let me look into it. Thank you.
Thanks very much. I've suggested it to many others with no luck. Maybe he doesn't want to do it. Joe Trippi said he would try too. And I asked Rick Wilson and Lisa Senecal. Maybe he isn't open to it.
I just searched around for him (I have a few times) and did find he commented in the attached article. If you scroll down to the very end you can see what he says there:
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5340753/trump-democracy-authoritarianism-competive-survey-political-scientist
With McConnell and Whitehouse absent from the Tariff vote it went 49-49. My guess is the GOP are gonna go ahead and lay that millstone around Trump's neck and let his voters get what they voted for while letting country's reputation burn.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-7f81370d120d9529a354d2a4db32a7e5