Well into writing promised paper on the role of America's democratic civil society in the Resistance to Trump. I am including "markets, associations, and a sphere of public debate." (Marcos Perez Jimenez) and there is an amazing amount going on. Trying to remain agnostic about the impact against Trump, mainly because networking, which is essential, is so difficult, even in the age of the internet. However, as Hamlet told Horatio "there is more in heaven and earth, Horatio, than our dreamt of in your philosophy. "
A few things come to mind. ( Thank you again, Simon for all you do).
. Supreme Court reform. There needs to be a bipartisan outside ethics board created as a watchdog, like an IG. There also needs to be an open avenue for We,
the People, to complain directly to SCOTUS .
2. No pay for members of Congress during a shutdown.
3. Majority party should not be able to use a shutdown as a hostage taking mechanism. Previous year's budget should be in effect if Congress can't pass a budget. If we had that, ACA subsidies would be intact at least for another year.
Cabinet Secretaries Should be fined for ignoring Congressional subpoenas and for disrespectful, time-wasting behavior.
Members of Congress who skip votes too often should lose their voting privileges for a period of time.
Cabinet Secretaries should not be able to exclude media outlets from regular coverage, like Hegseth has done.
If Cabinet Secretaries are abusing their perks, like Patel taking his girlfriend on a government jet and making the FBI be his Lyft drivers, deduct it from the department's budget, not taxpayers' money. Let the Secretaries deal with an internal mutiny.
Members of Congress should have to spend their first term with insurance on the ACA, not from Congress. Make them live in the real world for a few years.
These are all outstanding recommendations, and I agree with all of the statements, especially regarding the Supremes reform and the "junk drawer" cabinet secretaries. These utterly unqualified, ignorant, and profoundly unethical department heads have done immeasurable harm to the American people (see RFK Jr. as a prime example) and threatened our security (Hegseth, Noem.) I could go on and on...
I'm hoping you will continue to advocate for grassroots groups to be more than just "donors to a cause". We have more than come into our own and could be incredibly useful in frontloading campaigns. I agree with you, we should be out there early and strong. Enjoy your time at the DNC. As you know, to date, the grassroots are not a spoke on the campaign wheel chart. We, however, are doing our own thing, and doing it strong. How much more powerful we could be if there was better coordination. There should be a role for Grassroots Coordinators where they are welcome. Best, Susan
I so agree about “ coming into our own” as Hopium community members. I just took a survey from Mr. Cooper for NC. He asked in his survey what are the most important issues. It was easy to feel comfortable and connected to his leadership role and give feedback: yes all the above are so important but most important, foremost, IMO, is for D leaders to be a part of coalitions to save our democracy from the trump regime corrupt authoritarian takeover. They need to lift their eyes to the “ barn burning “ issues right in front of us, not business as usual.
I wouldn’t have responded like that 2 years ago. I also find my self more focused on donating to build volunteers action groups like blue Arizona; a youth college age action group focused on voter registration in Arizona colleges. I’ve spoken twice now to Jacob the youth leader. I understand much better the importance of the role of our direct involvement in their work. I let them know how impressed I was with their achievements and how very important their work is. I even let Jacob know I had mentioned their work on Hopium. I wouldn’t have done this type of outreach before. I would have just donated and moved on. But I think we’ve learned here how important our connectedness with each other is. Simon has modeled that for us and now we can pass that on and offer it to others. I just received a note from the group, signed by many of them thanking me for financially supporting them but also reaching out to call and speak with them directly. A step I would never have taken before my education here on Hopium Chronicles. Coalitions and connectedness and the importance of acknowledging the tough work being done by so many different groups. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
My message below was intended for a response to you too. It’s endlessly amazing (and appreciated) how many political “ kindred spirits” are out there wanting to make a difference.
Jacob was so pleased and proud of his groups work being recognized from a donor. I was glad I called but kind of appalled such a simple basic courtesy hadn’t crossed my mind before. Simon/ Hopium has focused me to be a “ communication warrior” so I give full credit to our communities work to show us how important it is to constantly communicate. I’ve come to truly believe it’s our “ secret sauce” as activists. My “what can I do to make a difference ? “ moaning had to evolve and had to gear down expectations to become one-by-one. And in doing so I added a connected interest I had not provided before in donating only. I write this not to get credit but to give credit. Simon was right; that we should do so and that how we do so is important. We amplify his work and leaders like him. My drops of actions ( and everyone else’s) added to others is vastly IMPORTANT as we connect our drops to become puddles to streams and then lakes and eventually a blue tsunami wave of connections and coalitions. Then I don’t just see people, I feel them. All across our country. And just last week I exchanged thanks from someone from the UK!
In my previous work life a huge part of it was system changes and management of system change. In this solo role I needed to learn the power of walking through the doors Hopium has introduced us and use our warrior communication. People are waiting for it, want it and appreciate our combined powers and spirit. Examples like : A youth foundation that’s amazing in Washington state, native tribes in Arizona led by a group of ever so determined women. Mississippi and Missouri isolated democrats. And these are only the ones I’ve learned of. I see people reaching out wherever I turn. trump and his minions have been horrific for our country. But this growth for “ we the people” was needed prior to his takeover attempts and will be needed long after he’s ousted. We’re developing bc we have to, to survive . But IMO, it’s the most vital tool or process needed to thrive going forward. It will help us build our “ Dunkirk moments” as activists and we will be able to tap its power over and over again when our democracy is threatened. It will be needed, IMO, for our survival going forward.
Love your Grassroots Connector, Susan! At my org, Clean & Prosperous America, we are working to support grassroots organizations with our CaPA Connector interactive directory. https://cleanprosperousamerica.org
I have had a recurring contribution to the DCCC. Not having unlimited resources, is it time to shift to the Hopium recommended House candidates? If you might advise something you don't want to say to everyone, my email address is msesquire@aol.com.
Simon, so glad you will attend the DNC/State Chairs meeting in LA and can deliver the anti-Trumpism messages and strategies in person to those who can put them into practice.
Please address when you can how you interpret the National Security assessment that was released on Friday. It is alarming and frightening to see once again in writing what they intend to do. It is the Project 2026 for foreign policy. How do we nip it in the bud?
I wrote an entire piece about this on Friday; held a discussion about Trump and Russia on Monday with Stuart Stevens; have been writing about Trump selling out to Russia almost every day for the last few weeks; and it is a part of our now 5 part agenda and has been all year. Here's my Sept piece where I broached how the actions in the Caribbean are part of the strategy to give Europe and Ukraine to Putin - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/surrender-not-war-trump-rebukes-kennedy-aea?utm_source=publication-search.
I think we've been all over this for months. The NSS is merely an articulation of what they've already been doing - S
Yes, I have followed with interest what you have written about Russia and Putin and agree completely. I found the NSS to include an additional parade of horribles in discussing “spheres of influence” with US focus in Latin America, pursuing international relations in conjunction with and in pursuit of corporate interests, turning our back on Europe and NATO, giving up on Ukraine, and a summation of all the horrendous things they are already doing regarding immigration and the establishment of the white Christian Nationalist agenda.
Most of this is not new, but it’s now stated all in one place as adopted official U.S. foreign policy. Is this more than a propaganda statement? How do we reassert the rules based policies and international order that have been in place since the end of WWII?
I want to commend Eileen Higgins for having a more accessible website than Aftyn. One website I particularly commend is Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. Lt. Governor Stratton went above and beyond the call of duty in having an ADA accessible website. I sent a message to Lt. Governor Stratton's team to thank them for the ADA-friendly website.
Right now? All of my money went to Christmas gifts, including donations to 3 college tuitions so that those niblings have less college tuition debt. An oncology bill for 1 hour shouldn't cost several hundred dollars when no tests were ordered.
When I list the Trump atrocities, eg election denial, the pardons, the betrayal of the working class that delivered him victories, it is clear he RESPECTS NO ONE but the uber-rich and powerful. If there’s a way to weave this disrespect into the Democrats’ messaging I think it could be very effective.
shouldnt we try to add back into the budget all the biden green initiatives (a lot in red states)? not only saves the planet, but creates good paying jobs. also get rid of oil leases off east & west coast. did he kill the infrastructure bill too?? if so, get that back in. and the satellite that spotted the methane leaks is important to restore. so i would add the planet saving stuff. and also satan hates it!!!
Just a regular person here--former waitress, retired classroom teacher, retired elder care social worker, now active in local lndivisible group. Speaking as a "regular person" (vs. a sophisticated politico), I want to say Simon is right on target with his statement about Dems beginning, but needing to do "a better job at explaining to the public what Trumpism really represents . . . [making the admin's] threats to democracy/corruption/the selling out of the West/trampling of our rights and liberties equal in importance to affordability and health care in our narrative." YES. Also, that a bicameral Congressional team be formed to file "criminal referrals to DOJ on every act of the regime’s lawbreaking . . . documenting the crimes for future accountability," etc. This is what we in the hoi polloi want to see, believe me: clear, assertive communication by our MOCs to all constituents, and actions being taken now (and after we dominate in 2026) to hold accountable those who are collaborating in the dismantling of our democracy. I listen to and watch Hopium chronicles almost daily. Grateful for everyone's work, work that is done in so many different capacities.
I agree with Simon's lists to convey to voters, and would add.. what are the goals & changes we want to see these candidates work for when they win? When I look at the campaigns of Mamdami and Platner here in ME, this is what makes audiences excited. They are hearing their kitchen table issues on the ticket. They want to know what they will get for their vote.
I agree that the message is compelling. But I think what is more compelling about these two candidates is that they seem like fighters and they seem authentic.
Well into writing promised paper on the role of America's democratic civil society in the Resistance to Trump. I am including "markets, associations, and a sphere of public debate." (Marcos Perez Jimenez) and there is an amazing amount going on. Trying to remain agnostic about the impact against Trump, mainly because networking, which is essential, is so difficult, even in the age of the internet. However, as Hamlet told Horatio "there is more in heaven and earth, Horatio, than our dreamt of in your philosophy. "
Re: what Democrats should demand in the upcoming budget negotiations--all the above with a big ol', loud AF helping of Release The Epstein Files.
A few things come to mind. ( Thank you again, Simon for all you do).
. Supreme Court reform. There needs to be a bipartisan outside ethics board created as a watchdog, like an IG. There also needs to be an open avenue for We,
the People, to complain directly to SCOTUS .
2. No pay for members of Congress during a shutdown.
3. Majority party should not be able to use a shutdown as a hostage taking mechanism. Previous year's budget should be in effect if Congress can't pass a budget. If we had that, ACA subsidies would be intact at least for another year.
Cabinet Secretaries Should be fined for ignoring Congressional subpoenas and for disrespectful, time-wasting behavior.
Members of Congress who skip votes too often should lose their voting privileges for a period of time.
Cabinet Secretaries should not be able to exclude media outlets from regular coverage, like Hegseth has done.
If Cabinet Secretaries are abusing their perks, like Patel taking his girlfriend on a government jet and making the FBI be his Lyft drivers, deduct it from the department's budget, not taxpayers' money. Let the Secretaries deal with an internal mutiny.
Members of Congress should have to spend their first term with insurance on the ACA, not from Congress. Make them live in the real world for a few years.
That's all for now.
Sukey Pett
LOVE all of this!
These are all outstanding recommendations, and I agree with all of the statements, especially regarding the Supremes reform and the "junk drawer" cabinet secretaries. These utterly unqualified, ignorant, and profoundly unethical department heads have done immeasurable harm to the American people (see RFK Jr. as a prime example) and threatened our security (Hegseth, Noem.) I could go on and on...
Thank you, Shelley and Lisa!
Quick suggestion to take “TN-7 and” out of the first bullet in the December list
What about Trump’s national security plan? It’s disastrous for the US and the world.
M - my Friday post, which I reference above, is all about Trump, Russia and the NSS - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/both-sane-and-insane-coming-to-a.
You mean the 1 Russia actually praised?
Simon, Please begin adding Steven Miller to the list of democracy destroyers!
I'm hoping you will continue to advocate for grassroots groups to be more than just "donors to a cause". We have more than come into our own and could be incredibly useful in frontloading campaigns. I agree with you, we should be out there early and strong. Enjoy your time at the DNC. As you know, to date, the grassroots are not a spoke on the campaign wheel chart. We, however, are doing our own thing, and doing it strong. How much more powerful we could be if there was better coordination. There should be a role for Grassroots Coordinators where they are welcome. Best, Susan
Susan,
I so agree about “ coming into our own” as Hopium community members. I just took a survey from Mr. Cooper for NC. He asked in his survey what are the most important issues. It was easy to feel comfortable and connected to his leadership role and give feedback: yes all the above are so important but most important, foremost, IMO, is for D leaders to be a part of coalitions to save our democracy from the trump regime corrupt authoritarian takeover. They need to lift their eyes to the “ barn burning “ issues right in front of us, not business as usual.
I wouldn’t have responded like that 2 years ago. I also find my self more focused on donating to build volunteers action groups like blue Arizona; a youth college age action group focused on voter registration in Arizona colleges. I’ve spoken twice now to Jacob the youth leader. I understand much better the importance of the role of our direct involvement in their work. I let them know how impressed I was with their achievements and how very important their work is. I even let Jacob know I had mentioned their work on Hopium. I wouldn’t have done this type of outreach before. I would have just donated and moved on. But I think we’ve learned here how important our connectedness with each other is. Simon has modeled that for us and now we can pass that on and offer it to others. I just received a note from the group, signed by many of them thanking me for financially supporting them but also reaching out to call and speak with them directly. A step I would never have taken before my education here on Hopium Chronicles. Coalitions and connectedness and the importance of acknowledging the tough work being done by so many different groups. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Letting young people know that their work matters is so important! It tells them that they matter.
Way to reach out, Irene. Great idea of a more connective thread.
Thanks Grant.
My message below was intended for a response to you too. It’s endlessly amazing (and appreciated) how many political “ kindred spirits” are out there wanting to make a difference.
Thanks Elizabeth,
Jacob was so pleased and proud of his groups work being recognized from a donor. I was glad I called but kind of appalled such a simple basic courtesy hadn’t crossed my mind before. Simon/ Hopium has focused me to be a “ communication warrior” so I give full credit to our communities work to show us how important it is to constantly communicate. I’ve come to truly believe it’s our “ secret sauce” as activists. My “what can I do to make a difference ? “ moaning had to evolve and had to gear down expectations to become one-by-one. And in doing so I added a connected interest I had not provided before in donating only. I write this not to get credit but to give credit. Simon was right; that we should do so and that how we do so is important. We amplify his work and leaders like him. My drops of actions ( and everyone else’s) added to others is vastly IMPORTANT as we connect our drops to become puddles to streams and then lakes and eventually a blue tsunami wave of connections and coalitions. Then I don’t just see people, I feel them. All across our country. And just last week I exchanged thanks from someone from the UK!
In my previous work life a huge part of it was system changes and management of system change. In this solo role I needed to learn the power of walking through the doors Hopium has introduced us and use our warrior communication. People are waiting for it, want it and appreciate our combined powers and spirit. Examples like : A youth foundation that’s amazing in Washington state, native tribes in Arizona led by a group of ever so determined women. Mississippi and Missouri isolated democrats. And these are only the ones I’ve learned of. I see people reaching out wherever I turn. trump and his minions have been horrific for our country. But this growth for “ we the people” was needed prior to his takeover attempts and will be needed long after he’s ousted. We’re developing bc we have to, to survive . But IMO, it’s the most vital tool or process needed to thrive going forward. It will help us build our “ Dunkirk moments” as activists and we will be able to tap its power over and over again when our democracy is threatened. It will be needed, IMO, for our survival going forward.
Beautifully stated!
Love your Grassroots Connector, Susan! At my org, Clean & Prosperous America, we are working to support grassroots organizations with our CaPA Connector interactive directory. https://cleanprosperousamerica.org
I'll be in touch. Thanks.
Simon:
I have had a recurring contribution to the DCCC. Not having unlimited resources, is it time to shift to the Hopium recommended House candidates? If you might advise something you don't want to say to everyone, my email address is msesquire@aol.com.
Two of our TX Bexar County Democratic organizations sponsored an event featuring our TX Democratic Chairman, Kendall Scudder.
We had an enthusiastic crowd hear this young and passionate newly elected chair!
He mentioned how grateful he is to be part of the Hopium expanded state parties with the financial support!
He’s slowly adding staff as funding allows.
He said that there are candidates in all state and federal offices for the 2026 primary.
Great story!
🙌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸!!!!
Simon, so glad you will attend the DNC/State Chairs meeting in LA and can deliver the anti-Trumpism messages and strategies in person to those who can put them into practice.
Please address when you can how you interpret the National Security assessment that was released on Friday. It is alarming and frightening to see once again in writing what they intend to do. It is the Project 2026 for foreign policy. How do we nip it in the bud?
I wrote an entire piece about this on Friday; held a discussion about Trump and Russia on Monday with Stuart Stevens; have been writing about Trump selling out to Russia almost every day for the last few weeks; and it is a part of our now 5 part agenda and has been all year. Here's my Sept piece where I broached how the actions in the Caribbean are part of the strategy to give Europe and Ukraine to Putin - https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/surrender-not-war-trump-rebukes-kennedy-aea?utm_source=publication-search.
I think we've been all over this for months. The NSS is merely an articulation of what they've already been doing - S
Yes, I have followed with interest what you have written about Russia and Putin and agree completely. I found the NSS to include an additional parade of horribles in discussing “spheres of influence” with US focus in Latin America, pursuing international relations in conjunction with and in pursuit of corporate interests, turning our back on Europe and NATO, giving up on Ukraine, and a summation of all the horrendous things they are already doing regarding immigration and the establishment of the white Christian Nationalist agenda.
Most of this is not new, but it’s now stated all in one place as adopted official U.S. foreign policy. Is this more than a propaganda statement? How do we reassert the rules based policies and international order that have been in place since the end of WWII?
Agree, it’s on paper now
I want to commend Eileen Higgins for having a more accessible website than Aftyn. One website I particularly commend is Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. Lt. Governor Stratton went above and beyond the call of duty in having an ADA accessible website. I sent a message to Lt. Governor Stratton's team to thank them for the ADA-friendly website.
Right now? All of my money went to Christmas gifts, including donations to 3 college tuitions so that those niblings have less college tuition debt. An oncology bill for 1 hour shouldn't cost several hundred dollars when no tests were ordered.
When I list the Trump atrocities, eg election denial, the pardons, the betrayal of the working class that delivered him victories, it is clear he RESPECTS NO ONE but the uber-rich and powerful. If there’s a way to weave this disrespect into the Democrats’ messaging I think it could be very effective.
Yes. And I think some of the articulation of this vision has come from some great, wise experts like Robert Reich and Paul Krugman.
I’m thinking something pedestrian, like Rodney Dangerfield!!!
shouldnt we try to add back into the budget all the biden green initiatives (a lot in red states)? not only saves the planet, but creates good paying jobs. also get rid of oil leases off east & west coast. did he kill the infrastructure bill too?? if so, get that back in. and the satellite that spotted the methane leaks is important to restore. so i would add the planet saving stuff. and also satan hates it!!!
Just a regular person here--former waitress, retired classroom teacher, retired elder care social worker, now active in local lndivisible group. Speaking as a "regular person" (vs. a sophisticated politico), I want to say Simon is right on target with his statement about Dems beginning, but needing to do "a better job at explaining to the public what Trumpism really represents . . . [making the admin's] threats to democracy/corruption/the selling out of the West/trampling of our rights and liberties equal in importance to affordability and health care in our narrative." YES. Also, that a bicameral Congressional team be formed to file "criminal referrals to DOJ on every act of the regime’s lawbreaking . . . documenting the crimes for future accountability," etc. This is what we in the hoi polloi want to see, believe me: clear, assertive communication by our MOCs to all constituents, and actions being taken now (and after we dominate in 2026) to hold accountable those who are collaborating in the dismantling of our democracy. I listen to and watch Hopium chronicles almost daily. Grateful for everyone's work, work that is done in so many different capacities.
Yes, can we start saying “we have a Russian republican in the White House” to start every answer to a question from the media, constituent, etc.
"what else?"
RELEASE THE MRI !!!
25 47
I agree with Simon's lists to convey to voters, and would add.. what are the goals & changes we want to see these candidates work for when they win? When I look at the campaigns of Mamdami and Platner here in ME, this is what makes audiences excited. They are hearing their kitchen table issues on the ticket. They want to know what they will get for their vote.
I agree that the message is compelling. But I think what is more compelling about these two candidates is that they seem like fighters and they seem authentic.