Yes. For Trump it's just the cruelty. He loves the cruelty and having the focus on him. But the people behind him truly want to usher in an authoritarian regime. What a dangerous combination! There are several things that I believe will save us: 1) Russel Vought, Stephen Miller, etc. can't control Trump; 2) Trump has brought in true crazies like Laura Loomer and Peter Navarro, who don't necessarily do the bidding of the Project 2025 folks; 3) the sleeping giant that is the American people. I have been activated! And I know I'm not alone.
I don't want to live out my years under a Trump or any other MAGA regime, but I do take some comfort in that eventually people tire of a tyrant who repeatedly fails to meet their base needs - regardless of how inclined they are to embrace cults.
The question is: how long does disillusionment take, and what's the extent of the damage?
I often think about the fate of people like Hitler, Mussolini, and the Romanovs.
IMO, here is their goal: The power to define what is and what is NOT American. Even if you are fourth generation born here -- they can use their power to strip you of your citizenship -- which means the rights that go along with it. It is all about identity.... And a new American dream if you're a white supremacist.
This is why DEI, history, museums, and books are so vital to them.
The opposition has not been up to this challenge yet ... (I'll support that more, but "waiting for midterms" is a sure sign.)
Someone posted a comment on another substack describing getting hugs, high fives etc every time she wears a t shirt that indicates support for immigrants or resistance to Trump. I’ll do that! And I want shirts/hats that both proclaim my resistance to all things Trump but also my love for this country. (My husband’s current favorite hat says “Gulf of Mexico, established 1550”)
TeeRico is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s company. Very soft t-shirts. I’ve worn them a lot when I work with young kids. The parents and children appreciate the messages on them. IE When Children Tell Our Story, They’ll Tell the Story of Tonight, from the London, UK production of Hamilton. Another says Love Is Love is Love is Love.
I have wondered whether this administration may end up being something like Hoover—so ghastly that they inadvertently send the country into a lengthy period of Democratic leadership and governance. Things are scary but we can work and hope.
This is what I hope. It took dealing with a Dust Bowl, a Depression, and WWII for us to get to the United Nations, widespread liberal democracy, and peace (or at least no massive direct aggression) among the major powers. Republicans have been trying to undo this system since 1937, but especially since Nixon. The Reagan Revolution took us a giant step away from liberal democracy, the Supreme Court has ruled against it steadily, especially since 2000 (Bush vs Gore), and Trump is now attempting to destroy what is left. We are in an existential battle, but if we can win this, we might be able to get back on track and finish the job that FDR (and Eleanor Roosevelt) started.
If we can organize a nationwide strike and are able to remain united, we can demand that he is impeached before we return to work. I’m not sure how many people could afford to do that but we do have economic leverage we could use.
I belong to a protest group in Austin that raises banners about current issues on bridges over major roadways twice a week. We also always have a large American flag. This week, the topic of the banner was in support of those protesting the redistricting in Texas that Trump asked for because he is afraid of voters. Representative Jolanda Jones, who was among those who broke quorum, saw us while driving by and stopped to thank us and shook hands with each of us. We thanked her for what she is doing.
A picture of the protest and signs, along with a story about the redistricting, appeared on the first page of the Austin-American Statesman on Saturday. We always get a lot of support from passing cars with honks (that we ask for) and friendly waves.
Each day I look forward to your posts, interviews and our weekly gathering. Looking forward to the energy coming back strong after your well earned break! Regardless of the daily news of the damage he and his gang of criminals and incompetents is subjecting us to, I remain HOPEFUL we can ultimately prevail.
FDR and his Four Freedoms provide the Democratic Party with a North Star. FDR’s record of pivoting the country from Hoover’s Great Depression to the thriving post-war economy provides us with a roadmap. And FDR’s 1936 Madison Square Garden Address provides us with our message:
“They [big-money corporations] had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.
Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.”
As Robert Reich asserts, Democrats must demand “higher taxes on big corporations and the wealthy to pay for childcare and eldercare. Tougher antitrust laws to break up monopolies. Labor law reforms that made it easier for workers to form unions and gain bargaining power. Universal health care. Strict regulation of big banks so they couldn’t shaft average people. And an end to big money in our politics.”
I have problems with this too. And this is a BIG one. But I look at him in the aggregate, and in the aggregate, he stepped up when he certainly didn't have to, saved our country and did so from a wheelchair.
You actually think he was President? Interesting. Because it was his wife doing most of the work. She never gets the credit. And imagine being married to a cousin too. Weird.
She gets plenty of credit, and she did not do “most of the work.” She did not host cabinet meetings, plan & execute war strategy or travel to Yalta to meet w Stalin & Churchill, etc. etc.
I don’t think any of this is productive so consider the matter closed.
Glad to hear you are resting up and relaxing Simon at the end of summer recess. Sounds like you are unwinding and demonstrating self care for all of us..
Here's some hopium in these dark days. I had basically given up on overturning Citizens United by amendment, until I saw this video. Jeff Clements, founder of American Promise is doing remarkable work. If you need the cliff notes version check out the progress report at 21 minutes and the remarkable story of the 19th amendment at 32 minutes.This country has overcome alot to get to the point we are today... but sometimes it "pops". I also recommend the discussion about AI at the 38 minute mark. Keep the faith y'all and have a renew-ing Sunday.
West VIrginia and Utah on the same list as California and New York? The deep state had us fooled again. Turns out, both sides of the spectrum wants to get rid of Citizens United and blames the other side for too much money in politics. We have alot in common with the right; veterans benefits, medicaid, groceries...
Quick look only.... Went to look at their webpage -- the amendment is hard to understand -- I did look at the FAQs but seemed vague to me -- and I think leaves a lot of room to the States?? Not to be negative, but could it backfire? If I can't understand the Amendment, then I don't think the average person would understand it either -- or the average politician? Does one need to be a lawyer???? I didn't look at Jamie Raskin's talk with Simon yet... so curious to see what he says... https://americanpromise.net/
Thanks for digging down and getting back to me. You ask good questions, and I don't have the answers. The language does appear to be very general and brief.
It seems to close one loophole (SCOTUS political intereference on dark money) but it appears to be assuming that electoral initiatives, state legislatures and congress hold the power of limiting dark money, which few would assume solves the larger problem, if those entities are also corrupt.
Looks like I got a bit over my skis here. I will dig a little deeper myself and report back. I do want to highlight this response from FAQs which seems to be the crux of it.
The For Our Freedom Amendment will take the power to change a campaign finance law away from the Supreme Court, and give it back to Congress and the states. Currently, when citizens try to change campaign finance laws, it escalates to the Supreme Court where it is shut down due to a series of past rulings. This amendment takes the Supreme Court out of the picture and opens the door for action at the local, state, and federal level to change campaign finance policy.
A plan for contacting Democratic senators and congresspeople. Many of us have felt that issue messages they already support may not be strong enough. Here is a list of other options the Ds need to hear"
1. Introduce legislation to reverse devastating cuts in healthcare, etc. -even if it can't winl.
2. Hold more town halls and publicize them.
3. Protect your Secretries of State re attacks on elections
4. Organize congress re DC takeover, or join what is already happening.
5. Demand the release of Epstein files, more forefully as a group
6. Publicize congressional support for Newsome ballot initiative in California.
Great to see you in Albuquerque, Simon. Sounds like our farmer's market is more fun, though.
Outstanding article, and outstanding news! Never have I been prouder to be an alum of two Big 10 universities, and as the Kamala Harris campaign sticker said, "proud product of public schools."
Visitors to the Rockbridge Community Festival on Saturday in Lexington VA had a chance to participate in a free raffle at the Democratic booth. They were invited to select an issue of special importance to them and drop a ticket in a corresponding jar.
This was followed by a drawing from all of the 282 entries submitted.
The issues and the number of entries each received were:
Ooo this talk about chili peppers makes me think of making a few batches of dal with a wee bit of red chili pepper as well as other good Tamil recipes. Enjoy your downtime. I hope your son had a wonderful birthday.
This Jim Acosta - Heather Cox Richardson conversation is interesting and gets a little more optimistic in the last third. One comment from HCR hit me as especially sad: that it's not surprising to her that many of the protesters are older because those of us over 50 can remember when gov't worked better, that people under 50 have much less adult memory of that. That's so many people. And, yeah I can see that - the chipping away of democracy has been going on for decades.
That Jim Acosta interview with HCR was extremely interesting....I hope everyone has the opportunity to watch. I agree with her point about how some of "us" over 50 can remember when government worked better. Simon has also mentioned how the younger folks don't have that experience. And you know what we say to Stephen Miller when he complains about all of us "old hippies who are over 90!" :)
I think Simon is referring especially to people who've hit teen years when Trump was taking the stage, the under 30 crowd, so it was a sad stretch for me to think it's the under 50 folks too. That does however explain who gives us a middle finger as they drive by rallies.
I told my 91-yr-old mom's community yesterday about Steven Miller's comment - they cracked up.
I’m so happy you’re here in beautiful Santa Fe- land of regeneration ❤️
What is the end game? Total annihilation of Constitution and the American dream?
Yes. For Trump it's just the cruelty. He loves the cruelty and having the focus on him. But the people behind him truly want to usher in an authoritarian regime. What a dangerous combination! There are several things that I believe will save us: 1) Russel Vought, Stephen Miller, etc. can't control Trump; 2) Trump has brought in true crazies like Laura Loomer and Peter Navarro, who don't necessarily do the bidding of the Project 2025 folks; 3) the sleeping giant that is the American people. I have been activated! And I know I'm not alone.
I don't want to live out my years under a Trump or any other MAGA regime, but I do take some comfort in that eventually people tire of a tyrant who repeatedly fails to meet their base needs - regardless of how inclined they are to embrace cults.
The question is: how long does disillusionment take, and what's the extent of the damage?
I often think about the fate of people like Hitler, Mussolini, and the Romanovs.
I'll leave it at that this beautiful Sunday.
For the pathological terrorist? Yes, that's always been the end game-for over 40 years.
IMO, here is their goal: The power to define what is and what is NOT American. Even if you are fourth generation born here -- they can use their power to strip you of your citizenship -- which means the rights that go along with it. It is all about identity.... And a new American dream if you're a white supremacist.
This is why DEI, history, museums, and books are so vital to them.
The opposition has not been up to this challenge yet ... (I'll support that more, but "waiting for midterms" is a sure sign.)
Recharge your battery- we’re in for the fight of democracy when you get back. Enjoy your vacation!!
What if each of us put signs in from of our houses describing the benefits and necessity of working to proclaim and embody the four freedoms.
Someone posted a comment on another substack describing getting hugs, high fives etc every time she wears a t shirt that indicates support for immigrants or resistance to Trump. I’ll do that! And I want shirts/hats that both proclaim my resistance to all things Trump but also my love for this country. (My husband’s current favorite hat says “Gulf of Mexico, established 1550”)
Any graphic designers out there?
Do you follow Steve Schmidt on Substack? He has lots of cool T-shirts for sale that really call Trump out.
https://substack.com/@steveschmidt
https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/collections/four-freedoms
Thanks, Chris. There are those wonderful T-shirts!
Kate, are you familiar with TeeRico or Penzeys?
I wonder if Penzeys would ever sell them in their stores. In the meantime, check out the Penzeys spices and TeeRico merchandise.
I buy Penzeys spices frequently. Not familiar with TeeRico, will check them out. Thanks!
TeeRico is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s company. Very soft t-shirts. I’ve worn them a lot when I work with young kids. The parents and children appreciate the messages on them. IE When Children Tell Our Story, They’ll Tell the Story of Tonight, from the London, UK production of Hamilton. Another says Love Is Love is Love is Love.
I have wondered whether this administration may end up being something like Hoover—so ghastly that they inadvertently send the country into a lengthy period of Democratic leadership and governance. Things are scary but we can work and hope.
This is what I hope. It took dealing with a Dust Bowl, a Depression, and WWII for us to get to the United Nations, widespread liberal democracy, and peace (or at least no massive direct aggression) among the major powers. Republicans have been trying to undo this system since 1937, but especially since Nixon. The Reagan Revolution took us a giant step away from liberal democracy, the Supreme Court has ruled against it steadily, especially since 2000 (Bush vs Gore), and Trump is now attempting to destroy what is left. We are in an existential battle, but if we can win this, we might be able to get back on track and finish the job that FDR (and Eleanor Roosevelt) started.
If we can organize a nationwide strike and are able to remain united, we can demand that he is impeached before we return to work. I’m not sure how many people could afford to do that but we do have economic leverage we could use.
Well deserved R & R. Simon! ❤️
Thank you for our great community, Simon. When it comes to chiles, in our house, Christmas rules!
Ours too! But green is irresistible right now during chile roasting season.
I belong to a protest group in Austin that raises banners about current issues on bridges over major roadways twice a week. We also always have a large American flag. This week, the topic of the banner was in support of those protesting the redistricting in Texas that Trump asked for because he is afraid of voters. Representative Jolanda Jones, who was among those who broke quorum, saw us while driving by and stopped to thank us and shook hands with each of us. We thanked her for what she is doing.
A picture of the protest and signs, along with a story about the redistricting, appeared on the first page of the Austin-American Statesman on Saturday. We always get a lot of support from passing cars with honks (that we ask for) and friendly waves.
Oops! If you make a sign, do not use me as your spell-checker.
Each day I look forward to your posts, interviews and our weekly gathering. Looking forward to the energy coming back strong after your well earned break! Regardless of the daily news of the damage he and his gang of criminals and incompetents is subjecting us to, I remain HOPEFUL we can ultimately prevail.
FDR and his Four Freedoms provide the Democratic Party with a North Star. FDR’s record of pivoting the country from Hoover’s Great Depression to the thriving post-war economy provides us with a roadmap. And FDR’s 1936 Madison Square Garden Address provides us with our message:
“They [big-money corporations] had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.
Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.”
As Robert Reich asserts, Democrats must demand “higher taxes on big corporations and the wealthy to pay for childcare and eldercare. Tougher antitrust laws to break up monopolies. Labor law reforms that made it easier for workers to form unions and gain bargaining power. Universal health care. Strict regulation of big banks so they couldn’t shaft average people. And an end to big money in our politics.”
Please do NOT think of DDR as your Northern Star. He turned away so many who could have survived the Holocaust.
I have problems with this too. And this is a BIG one. But I look at him in the aggregate, and in the aggregate, he stepped up when he certainly didn't have to, saved our country and did so from a wheelchair.
You actually think he was President? Interesting. Because it was his wife doing most of the work. She never gets the credit. And imagine being married to a cousin too. Weird.
She gets plenty of credit, and she did not do “most of the work.” She did not host cabinet meetings, plan & execute war strategy or travel to Yalta to meet w Stalin & Churchill, etc. etc.
I don’t think any of this is productive so consider the matter closed.
ACK. FDR.
"We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob."
Seems we have forgotten that and are now re-learning it.
That quote would make a fine protest sign. Adding it to my list of sign ideas. Thanks!
Glad to hear you are resting up and relaxing Simon at the end of summer recess. Sounds like you are unwinding and demonstrating self care for all of us..
Here's some hopium in these dark days. I had basically given up on overturning Citizens United by amendment, until I saw this video. Jeff Clements, founder of American Promise is doing remarkable work. If you need the cliff notes version check out the progress report at 21 minutes and the remarkable story of the 19th amendment at 32 minutes.This country has overcome alot to get to the point we are today... but sometimes it "pops". I also recommend the discussion about AI at the 38 minute mark. Keep the faith y'all and have a renew-ing Sunday.
Michael, could you post the link? Sounds fascinating!
oops https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfpNpzq-dhk
West VIrginia and Utah on the same list as California and New York? The deep state had us fooled again. Turns out, both sides of the spectrum wants to get rid of Citizens United and blames the other side for too much money in politics. We have alot in common with the right; veterans benefits, medicaid, groceries...
p.s. ... if its good enough to inspire Jamie Raskin, it's worth a reprise.
I'd like to dedicate this song to Simon for all of his mighty fine effort, teaching, analysis and leadership...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzguf7WBIM0
Quick look only.... Went to look at their webpage -- the amendment is hard to understand -- I did look at the FAQs but seemed vague to me -- and I think leaves a lot of room to the States?? Not to be negative, but could it backfire? If I can't understand the Amendment, then I don't think the average person would understand it either -- or the average politician? Does one need to be a lawyer???? I didn't look at Jamie Raskin's talk with Simon yet... so curious to see what he says... https://americanpromise.net/
Thanks for digging down and getting back to me. You ask good questions, and I don't have the answers. The language does appear to be very general and brief.
It seems to close one loophole (SCOTUS political intereference on dark money) but it appears to be assuming that electoral initiatives, state legislatures and congress hold the power of limiting dark money, which few would assume solves the larger problem, if those entities are also corrupt.
Looks like I got a bit over my skis here. I will dig a little deeper myself and report back. I do want to highlight this response from FAQs which seems to be the crux of it.
The For Our Freedom Amendment will take the power to change a campaign finance law away from the Supreme Court, and give it back to Congress and the states. Currently, when citizens try to change campaign finance laws, it escalates to the Supreme Court where it is shut down due to a series of past rulings. This amendment takes the Supreme Court out of the picture and opens the door for action at the local, state, and federal level to change campaign finance policy.
A plan for contacting Democratic senators and congresspeople. Many of us have felt that issue messages they already support may not be strong enough. Here is a list of other options the Ds need to hear"
1. Introduce legislation to reverse devastating cuts in healthcare, etc. -even if it can't winl.
2. Hold more town halls and publicize them.
3. Protect your Secretries of State re attacks on elections
4. Organize congress re DC takeover, or join what is already happening.
5. Demand the release of Epstein files, more forefully as a group
6. Publicize congressional support for Newsome ballot initiative in California.
Great to see you in Albuquerque, Simon. Sounds like our farmer's market is more fun, though.
Julie
Jullie Fisher Melton
P.S. For all of you- best article I have read in researching my paper on our democratic civil society in America. https://newrepublic.com?article/198355/big-ten-conference-colleges-Trump-fight
That link didn't get there. Google title- The Big Ten Rises Up Against Trump.
Outstanding article, and outstanding news! Never have I been prouder to be an alum of two Big 10 universities, and as the Kamala Harris campaign sticker said, "proud product of public schools."
Go Blue and Boiler Up!
Visitors to the Rockbridge Community Festival on Saturday in Lexington VA had a chance to participate in a free raffle at the Democratic booth. They were invited to select an issue of special importance to them and drop a ticket in a corresponding jar.
This was followed by a drawing from all of the 282 entries submitted.
The issues and the number of entries each received were:
Social Security: 16
Cost of Child Care: 17
Food Costs: 22
Living Wage: 24
Public Education: 31
Rule of Law: 33
Healthcare: 39
𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝟭𝟬𝟬
Wow. Let that be our marching order!
😍Thank you for sharing this idea!!
Ooo this talk about chili peppers makes me think of making a few batches of dal with a wee bit of red chili pepper as well as other good Tamil recipes. Enjoy your downtime. I hope your son had a wonderful birthday.
This Jim Acosta - Heather Cox Richardson conversation is interesting and gets a little more optimistic in the last third. One comment from HCR hit me as especially sad: that it's not surprising to her that many of the protesters are older because those of us over 50 can remember when gov't worked better, that people under 50 have much less adult memory of that. That's so many people. And, yeah I can see that - the chipping away of democracy has been going on for decades.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZg69x9G8po
That Jim Acosta interview with HCR was extremely interesting....I hope everyone has the opportunity to watch. I agree with her point about how some of "us" over 50 can remember when government worked better. Simon has also mentioned how the younger folks don't have that experience. And you know what we say to Stephen Miller when he complains about all of us "old hippies who are over 90!" :)
I'm glad you found it really worthwhile!
I think Simon is referring especially to people who've hit teen years when Trump was taking the stage, the under 30 crowd, so it was a sad stretch for me to think it's the under 50 folks too. That does however explain who gives us a middle finger as they drive by rallies.
I told my 91-yr-old mom's community yesterday about Steven Miller's comment - they cracked up.