Karen I am taking your comment down for it is a gross and almost ridiculous interpretation of what the Congressman is saying and what I've been writing here. I would encourage you to be much more careful in your future comments. The quote and the sentiment is about the growing power and success of our movement.
As a "formerly censored" Hopium member, I think the power of our arguments should determine what makes opinion and interpretation "ridiculous" , not the suppresion to articulate various views on the corrupt MAGA autocracy.
I always experienced that the allowamce of diversity in thought and opinion created positive outcomes and expanded the possibilities of continuing on the best path.
Let us all be free to make our own judgements and contribute without censorship.
Agree. and editing in and of itself is not censorship. You should see what your favorite columnist's writing looks like sometimes before the editors get a hold of it.
I agree. As a paid subscriber, I have given up even reading much less commenting. Deleting subscribers’ comments or telling them to do it themselves is authoritarian. I would like a refund of my subscription.
We don't know, of course what was written, but I've seen undue criticism at members voicing a mere opinion.
I can only speak for my posts, which I always tried to have substantiated with known experts and an honest point of view.
I sense Hopium is beginning to pick up the gauntlet, but it won't continue without an open minded alllowance of a diverse dissemination of ideas as we work to save our country and democracy.
I was so relieved when Congressman Jamie Raskin survived his cancer treatment! He is a man of integrity, articulate and uncompromising – precisely the kind of fighter Democrats and America need right now.
Really looking forward to a break when I can watch Simon’s interview with him!
Jamie and his family have been through hell and back. I look forward to carving out some time, being able to concentrate, and watching this interview. He's looking and sounding so great these days. He's so badly needed. I am always hoping that he's taking care of himself.
I listened to a podcast conversation between Mary Chapin Carpenter and him (they are friends) last year before the election. He does not seem to fear what is happening right now. Worried, yes, and knows we are in danger and need to repel all of this nastiness with everything we have. But I don't think he is afraid. He was not afraid on January 6, he told MCC, because the worst thing in the world had just happened to him and whatever happened on January 6-- as bad as it was-- he knew would not be worse than losing his son to suicide just days earlier. That told me what an amazing human he is, what a principled leader he is, and I admire how he navigates the world. When I get overwhelmed and scared, I think of his words and tell myself that if Jaime Raskin can face this danger with everything he has gone through, so can I (and I've been through some s#i*, too!).
What a great insight and comment. Thank you for noticing his fearlessness. I feel more fearless because of this. He HAS faced the worst: Losing a son to suicide. WOW.
Thank you for this! Every time Jamie speaks, my ears prick up. I respect and love him so much. Very exciting that you enlisted him in the Resolutions project.
I found this New Republic article very much in alignment with the Hopium Declarations of Xondemnation project and Simon's interview with Raskin. Props to everyone involved!
The heart of the declaration, however, is devoted to a third point, one all too relevant today: how and when governments lose their legitimate authority. Governments are not dissolved “for light and transient causes” but only “when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism.” If the evidence all points in the same direction, then the people can and must act to defend their liberties. That’s why the rest of the declaration—the bulk of the text—laid out the king’s “long train of abuses and usurpations” to demonstrate that he sought “the establishment of an absolute Tyranny.” A large number of the grievances concern the right of the Colonial legislatures to meet and consent to laws and taxation. To our Founders, there was a causal relationship between legislative consent and liberty. Today, we often think freedom is the ability to do what one wants. To our Founders, in contrast, freedom was a collective possession, not a private one. Freedom was only possible in a free state in which the people or their representatives actively made the rules that govern their shared life.
What a hope filled interview! It was great to hear Congressman Raskin pick up on the Declaration ideas you’ve been encouraging. “Abuses, usurpations, and injuries” indeed! Stay on Epstein too, please. Raskin did!
Thank you Simon for your amazing tireless efforts. Hateful trolls have made Substack commentary a disturbing unusable platform for some. Hope your staff is tracking.
What a thrill to see you interviewing Jamie Raskin. Thanks so much for your dedication to inspiring and encouraging us. Every. Single. Day. I share your pleasure in his embrace of the Resolutions project, and I feel certain you'll be instrumental in getting the DC council to pass one. Self report: Calls to MOC, to my Secretary of State for declining to share voter data with the Trump admin, and to my governor for declining to send National Guard troops to ICE offices. Also working with my local Indivisible chapter: attending the One Million Rising training, planning our participation in the Labor Day rally, and painting lawn signs! These have proved to be very popular in our disperse, rural community. It brings a smile to my face every time I drive by the head of a gravel road in the woods and see a sign that says, "Resist Bigly." I highly recommend them as a way to express your resistance while giving other people hope. People who have been quiet and in the background have asked me to make them signs. This is yet another way to meet people wherever they are and start getting them involved. As Jamie said, we are rising up and getting stronger all over the country!
I was in tears listening to your interview of my Congressman, Jamie Raskin. You could see his eyes light up when you discussed the petitions being filed. The song he quoted at the end, Little Steven's "I Am a Patriot," is in my will to be played at my funeral. If you don't know it, it's on YouTube and worth a listen.
I called Congressman Raskin to thank him for this interview. I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to ask them to do everything they can to stop the expansion of ICE. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Jackson Browne, who has covered "I Am a Patriot" over the years, includes it in his setlist for his current tour. He played it during his residency at the Beacon Theatre just this month. I can't find a video of it, but I was there for two nights out of four, and each time he played it, people rose from their seats, cheered wildly, and applauded (and I believe I saw some people wipe tears from their eyes). It was very emotional.
Oh my, this song brought tears to my eyes. Cannot believe I had not heard it before. It would make a great song to represent our efforts to save our country.
Steve isn’t all talk ; he is most proud of taking on the apartheid regime in South Africa and drawing the world’s attention to it; it’s very likely his efforts helped bring it down. He could have coasted on the money he made with Springsteen but he went out and had a distinguished solo career as well, in both music and drama. But he will tell you none of that compares to his South African efforts. And he is right.
there is a documentary on it, that's how l learned of it. the name escapes me. after he left springsteen's band and embarked on his solo career, he moved onto acting with appearances in the sopranos and starring in lillehammer. i think he managed to talk bruce into a cameo in one of those shows,as a mortician i think.
Thanks for all the info. I loved Steven in the Sopranos and I loved lillehammer. Another fun fact: when Rep. Jamie Raskin had Lymphoma and faced a tough long chemo treatment, Steven gave Jamie a bunch of his headscarves (not sure what they’re called) to wear when his hair fell out. Jamie was resilient, didn’t miss a day of Congress. Steven and Jamie are two men I totally admire.
When I read your word "petition," I went right to the interview -- REALLY GOOD. I think you are referring to the Resolutions of Condemnation. (Which can provide a solid foundation for petitions to spring up from.) I condemn my MAGA congressman for not fulfilling his obligation to his Oath to stop a lawless president -- but that's another thing.
Encouraging his numbers are going down. His behavior is dangerous and will escalate I think.
Krugman on his Substack had a thoughtful article about the AI investments hitting an electricity wall, which I think connects with the point about 10% more expensive electricity. Gutting renewables is a terrible idea. There may be regions with expanding data center operations where this becomes a bigger issue locally.
Also when the inflated AI bubble bursts, for whatever reason, the stock market will experience large declines. No predicting when I think.
Already I was reading about air quality issues and people with asthma having problems in Memphis where Elon is burning I think natural gas to power his data center and massive air conditioners.
Maybe we'll start burning solely lignite for energy like the East Germans did back in the day. Then we can all feel like strong men.
Continuing with my post carding. I need to buy more sharpies.
Too busy to watch the video now. I love Raskin and am delighted to hear that he is doing well.
My electric bill was a staggering 494 last month, despite solar panels. Which I also have pay a lease fee for. The utility blamed climate change and rate increases.
Simon, can't thank you enough for this excellent, fruitful interview with Jamie Raskin. I feel so inspired. Have already forwarded the link to a number of friends.
💙 💙 It was fabulous hearing the resolutions project being discussed in the video with Jamie Raskin. What a surprise that he will promote a resolution in Montgomery County, MD, where I was born and attended the same Catholic HS as Mayor Muriel Bowser. WOW! 💙 💙 Even more surprising that Simon has begun talking with Council member Matt Furman about introducing a resolution in the District of Columbia. WOW! WOW!! 💙 💙
Reporting on a very successful political event at my home last night with about 30 Democrats listening to candidate Katharine Clark for NM Secretary of State. This is a critical position for securing our elections against the maga criminals. Katharine discussed many of the plans being made by the exec. branch to illegally change the rules for federal elections, and how the Secretary of State and County Clerks in NM will be responding.
THANK YOU, Simon for monitoring this comment section because we NEED to focus on truth, strength, action AND respect......we have been vulnerable to complicit legacy media and NOT now...thanks to people like you
Jamier is stating the "wide spread corruption" of Trumps "Personal Lawsuits demanding extortion payments" from Law Firms, ABC, CBS, etc. My question is this: How do we or Who does file a law suit against this blatant corruption? I know SCOTUS has given him immunity in regards to actions performed in the course of performing work as the President, but what about these Personal Actions ie lawsuits?
Yes, as soon as I got it, I forwarded it to my new "friend," the contact I made at my councilwoman's office, who is now stuck with me and is probably sorry he ever offered me a seat at the local office.
Does someone have the tools to just "clip" the last few minutes? I am going to be presenting our Santa Clara County, CA resolution to the Orchard City Indivisible (OCI) group on August 27, it would be great to have a video of just those few minutes to inspire the crowd. I'm looking to have several people join me to present to the Supervisors who meet twice in September.
Thanks for this great interview with Rep. Raskin, who has been fighting for all of us for so long--dating back to Trump's first term.
And a note to you, Simon. Staffers in multiple campaigns must be reading not only Hopium Chronicles, but the Comments posted here and during our paid subscriber meetings. I say that because I've now received several campaign emails addressed to "KBH," and Hopium is the only public place I identify myself in that way.
Lastly, I share an article from Politico demonstrating (again) that no matter how much lipstick they try to put on the pig of The Big Ugly Stinkbomb Bill, it isn't enough to disguise the truth. This article describes the transportation grants in deeply red areas that have been cancelled through the bill, DOGE cuts and other Trump executive actions. Not mentioned was a $47 million grant in my community of Knoxville, TN, which would have reconnected minority sections of town with other areas that have more plentiful jobs, grocery shopping and other necessities. Highway construction in the1960s and 70s, along with mostly (though not completely) well-intentioned urban renewal of the same period ended up causing severe collateral damage to these minority neighborhoods. Our city had a great plan for streets, sidewalks, public transportation and other infrastructure that would have provided current and future remedies. But it's up in MAGA smoke now.
Karen I am taking your comment down for it is a gross and almost ridiculous interpretation of what the Congressman is saying and what I've been writing here. I would encourage you to be much more careful in your future comments. The quote and the sentiment is about the growing power and success of our movement.
As a "formerly censored" Hopium member, I think the power of our arguments should determine what makes opinion and interpretation "ridiculous" , not the suppresion to articulate various views on the corrupt MAGA autocracy.
I always experienced that the allowamce of diversity in thought and opinion created positive outcomes and expanded the possibilities of continuing on the best path.
Let us all be free to make our own judgements and contribute without censorship.
Start your own site where you are the censor, Simon is the only judge on this platform.
My point exactly..
. But censorship of any kind in society is a threat to free speech.
Agree. and editing in and of itself is not censorship. You should see what your favorite columnist's writing looks like sometimes before the editors get a hold of it.
I agree. As a paid subscriber, I have given up even reading much less commenting. Deleting subscribers’ comments or telling them to do it themselves is authoritarian. I would like a refund of my subscription.
We don't know, of course what was written, but I've seen undue criticism at members voicing a mere opinion.
I can only speak for my posts, which I always tried to have substantiated with known experts and an honest point of view.
I sense Hopium is beginning to pick up the gauntlet, but it won't continue without an open minded alllowance of a diverse dissemination of ideas as we work to save our country and democracy.
I was so relieved when Congressman Jamie Raskin survived his cancer treatment! He is a man of integrity, articulate and uncompromising – precisely the kind of fighter Democrats and America need right now.
Really looking forward to a break when I can watch Simon’s interview with him!
Jamie and his family have been through hell and back. I look forward to carving out some time, being able to concentrate, and watching this interview. He's looking and sounding so great these days. He's so badly needed. I am always hoping that he's taking care of himself.
I listened to a podcast conversation between Mary Chapin Carpenter and him (they are friends) last year before the election. He does not seem to fear what is happening right now. Worried, yes, and knows we are in danger and need to repel all of this nastiness with everything we have. But I don't think he is afraid. He was not afraid on January 6, he told MCC, because the worst thing in the world had just happened to him and whatever happened on January 6-- as bad as it was-- he knew would not be worse than losing his son to suicide just days earlier. That told me what an amazing human he is, what a principled leader he is, and I admire how he navigates the world. When I get overwhelmed and scared, I think of his words and tell myself that if Jaime Raskin can face this danger with everything he has gone through, so can I (and I've been through some s#i*, too!).
Ditto, sister!
What a great insight and comment. Thank you for noticing his fearlessness. I feel more fearless because of this. He HAS faced the worst: Losing a son to suicide. WOW.
He's really so important to everyone.
He's incredible. Losing his son and then subsequent cancer, AND, trying to save this country...I can't even imagine that level of fortitude.
Hear, hear! Raskin is amazing – a paragon of what politicians should be.
I’ll second and third that!
Thank you for this interview, Simon! I’m so glad you mentioned the resolutions project. Raskin, of course, loves it.
Thank you for this! Every time Jamie speaks, my ears prick up. I respect and love him so much. Very exciting that you enlisted him in the Resolutions project.
I found this New Republic article very much in alignment with the Hopium Declarations of Xondemnation project and Simon's interview with Raskin. Props to everyone involved!
https://newrepublic.com/article/198379/trump-enemy-american-revolution
Wow, thanks for the link!
Yes, it is very good. Thank you Cindy.
Loved this passage from the article
The heart of the declaration, however, is devoted to a third point, one all too relevant today: how and when governments lose their legitimate authority. Governments are not dissolved “for light and transient causes” but only “when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism.” If the evidence all points in the same direction, then the people can and must act to defend their liberties. That’s why the rest of the declaration—the bulk of the text—laid out the king’s “long train of abuses and usurpations” to demonstrate that he sought “the establishment of an absolute Tyranny.” A large number of the grievances concern the right of the Colonial legislatures to meet and consent to laws and taxation. To our Founders, there was a causal relationship between legislative consent and liberty. Today, we often think freedom is the ability to do what one wants. To our Founders, in contrast, freedom was a collective possession, not a private one. Freedom was only possible in a free state in which the people or their representatives actively made the rules that govern their shared life.
In Locke’s framework, he is a private person—just like a thief—from whom the people have the right to protect themselves.
This sentence jumped out for me.
Me too!
Thank you, Cindy!
What a hope filled interview! It was great to hear Congressman Raskin pick up on the Declaration ideas you’ve been encouraging. “Abuses, usurpations, and injuries” indeed! Stay on Epstein too, please. Raskin did!
Thank you Simon for your amazing tireless efforts. Hateful trolls have made Substack commentary a disturbing unusable platform for some. Hope your staff is tracking.
What a thrill to see you interviewing Jamie Raskin. Thanks so much for your dedication to inspiring and encouraging us. Every. Single. Day. I share your pleasure in his embrace of the Resolutions project, and I feel certain you'll be instrumental in getting the DC council to pass one. Self report: Calls to MOC, to my Secretary of State for declining to share voter data with the Trump admin, and to my governor for declining to send National Guard troops to ICE offices. Also working with my local Indivisible chapter: attending the One Million Rising training, planning our participation in the Labor Day rally, and painting lawn signs! These have proved to be very popular in our disperse, rural community. It brings a smile to my face every time I drive by the head of a gravel road in the woods and see a sign that says, "Resist Bigly." I highly recommend them as a way to express your resistance while giving other people hope. People who have been quiet and in the background have asked me to make them signs. This is yet another way to meet people wherever they are and start getting them involved. As Jamie said, we are rising up and getting stronger all over the country!
I'd love to hear more detail about your signs! What type of paint, materials, etc. What a fun and creative action to take!
Sign making would be a fun thing to do with a group, even older kids.
A picture would be great, too, if that's possible on here!
I was in tears listening to your interview of my Congressman, Jamie Raskin. You could see his eyes light up when you discussed the petitions being filed. The song he quoted at the end, Little Steven's "I Am a Patriot," is in my will to be played at my funeral. If you don't know it, it's on YouTube and worth a listen.
I called Congressman Raskin to thank him for this interview. I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to ask them to do everything they can to stop the expansion of ICE. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Simon, thank you for keeping us hopeful.
Jackson Browne, who has covered "I Am a Patriot" over the years, includes it in his setlist for his current tour. He played it during his residency at the Beacon Theatre just this month. I can't find a video of it, but I was there for two nights out of four, and each time he played it, people rose from their seats, cheered wildly, and applauded (and I believe I saw some people wipe tears from their eyes). It was very emotional.
updated live version with intro right here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzguf7WBIM0
and Jackson Brown did a cover on an album, but also live right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq7h7NjCjdg
Jackson Browne also does some talking on his clip. When he talks about the flag, he reminds me of Simon ... : )
Oh my, this song brought tears to my eyes. Cannot believe I had not heard it before. It would make a great song to represent our efforts to save our country.
our own hopium DJ!
Steve isn’t all talk ; he is most proud of taking on the apartheid regime in South Africa and drawing the world’s attention to it; it’s very likely his efforts helped bring it down. He could have coasted on the money he made with Springsteen but he went out and had a distinguished solo career as well, in both music and drama. But he will tell you none of that compares to his South African efforts. And he is right.
Yeah he put together the “Sun City” song and album right? U2’s “Silver and Gold” among others.
Thanks for talking about Steven’s work to end apartheid in South Africa. That’s amazing to hear. Is there anything written about this work he did?
there is a documentary on it, that's how l learned of it. the name escapes me. after he left springsteen's band and embarked on his solo career, he moved onto acting with appearances in the sopranos and starring in lillehammer. i think he managed to talk bruce into a cameo in one of those shows,as a mortician i think.
Thanks for all the info. I loved Steven in the Sopranos and I loved lillehammer. Another fun fact: when Rep. Jamie Raskin had Lymphoma and faced a tough long chemo treatment, Steven gave Jamie a bunch of his headscarves (not sure what they’re called) to wear when his hair fell out. Jamie was resilient, didn’t miss a day of Congress. Steven and Jamie are two men I totally admire.
When I read your word "petition," I went right to the interview -- REALLY GOOD. I think you are referring to the Resolutions of Condemnation. (Which can provide a solid foundation for petitions to spring up from.) I condemn my MAGA congressman for not fulfilling his obligation to his Oath to stop a lawless president -- but that's another thing.
Thank you, Catherine for your work!
Encouraging his numbers are going down. His behavior is dangerous and will escalate I think.
Krugman on his Substack had a thoughtful article about the AI investments hitting an electricity wall, which I think connects with the point about 10% more expensive electricity. Gutting renewables is a terrible idea. There may be regions with expanding data center operations where this becomes a bigger issue locally.
Also when the inflated AI bubble bursts, for whatever reason, the stock market will experience large declines. No predicting when I think.
Already I was reading about air quality issues and people with asthma having problems in Memphis where Elon is burning I think natural gas to power his data center and massive air conditioners.
Maybe we'll start burning solely lignite for energy like the East Germans did back in the day. Then we can all feel like strong men.
Continuing with my post carding. I need to buy more sharpies.
Too busy to watch the video now. I love Raskin and am delighted to hear that he is doing well.
My electric bill was a staggering 494 last month, despite solar panels. Which I also have pay a lease fee for. The utility blamed climate change and rate increases.
That is kind of unbelievable. Enough of corporate sharks.
there is very little regulation of solar companies and unfortunately i fell victim to one, and i cannot get out of the contract.
I’m sorry to hear this. Having the foxes guard the chicken coop is never a good idea.
Jamie Raskin is a wonderful Patriot and Statesman! 💙❤️💙
Simon, can't thank you enough for this excellent, fruitful interview with Jamie Raskin. I feel so inspired. Have already forwarded the link to a number of friends.
💙 💙 It was fabulous hearing the resolutions project being discussed in the video with Jamie Raskin. What a surprise that he will promote a resolution in Montgomery County, MD, where I was born and attended the same Catholic HS as Mayor Muriel Bowser. WOW! 💙 💙 Even more surprising that Simon has begun talking with Council member Matt Furman about introducing a resolution in the District of Columbia. WOW! WOW!! 💙 💙
Reporting on a very successful political event at my home last night with about 30 Democrats listening to candidate Katharine Clark for NM Secretary of State. This is a critical position for securing our elections against the maga criminals. Katharine discussed many of the plans being made by the exec. branch to illegally change the rules for federal elections, and how the Secretary of State and County Clerks in NM will be responding.
Great to hear, Deborah !
(I think Deb Haaland is running for Governor in NM? So cool!! )
THANK YOU, Simon for monitoring this comment section because we NEED to focus on truth, strength, action AND respect......we have been vulnerable to complicit legacy media and NOT now...thanks to people like you
Jamier is stating the "wide spread corruption" of Trumps "Personal Lawsuits demanding extortion payments" from Law Firms, ABC, CBS, etc. My question is this: How do we or Who does file a law suit against this blatant corruption? I know SCOTUS has given him immunity in regards to actions performed in the course of performing work as the President, but what about these Personal Actions ie lawsuits?
Use the clip with Jamie about the Resolutions. What a fantastic way to promote the effort! Love it.
Yes, as soon as I got it, I forwarded it to my new "friend," the contact I made at my councilwoman's office, who is now stuck with me and is probably sorry he ever offered me a seat at the local office.
Does someone have the tools to just "clip" the last few minutes? I am going to be presenting our Santa Clara County, CA resolution to the Orchard City Indivisible (OCI) group on August 27, it would be great to have a video of just those few minutes to inspire the crowd. I'm looking to have several people join me to present to the Supervisors who meet twice in September.
That would be great! I could send that out to many elected representatives.
Michael -- great idea. Why don't you email Lincoln and see if he can help
On the video transcript it is 10:34 to 15:06, but can't download a clip due to unstable line.
I think you gotta take it to 16:07 when Raskin says "I am a Patriot and I only belong to one party; Freedom" I will email Lincoln, good idea Claire.
clipped and uploaded to my google drive -- must be a 5 min limit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bC3GOJKz7aXKltc1DEy8p6EJRY5ht0iz/view?usp=sharing
and on my substack https://substack.com/@nmhope2024?utm_source=user-menu
celebration emoji !!!
Is there ANYTHING you CAN'T do, Deborah?
Thanks for this great interview with Rep. Raskin, who has been fighting for all of us for so long--dating back to Trump's first term.
And a note to you, Simon. Staffers in multiple campaigns must be reading not only Hopium Chronicles, but the Comments posted here and during our paid subscriber meetings. I say that because I've now received several campaign emails addressed to "KBH," and Hopium is the only public place I identify myself in that way.
Lastly, I share an article from Politico demonstrating (again) that no matter how much lipstick they try to put on the pig of The Big Ugly Stinkbomb Bill, it isn't enough to disguise the truth. This article describes the transportation grants in deeply red areas that have been cancelled through the bill, DOGE cuts and other Trump executive actions. Not mentioned was a $47 million grant in my community of Knoxville, TN, which would have reconnected minority sections of town with other areas that have more plentiful jobs, grocery shopping and other necessities. Highway construction in the1960s and 70s, along with mostly (though not completely) well-intentioned urban renewal of the same period ended up causing severe collateral damage to these minority neighborhoods. Our city had a great plan for streets, sidewalks, public transportation and other infrastructure that would have provided current and future remedies. But it's up in MAGA smoke now.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/republicans-voted-to-slash-biden-era-transportation-grants-their-constituents-aren-t-happy/ar-AA1KSAIU?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=56f733021c98425fa28380e88e62b027&ei=19