Thank you Simon and happy Sunday! This morning I'm wondering if the Epstein Files is the issue that takes Trump down finally, and thinking back to the Watergate coverup that eventually ended Nixon's presidency. Watergate was, of course, nothing as ugly and evil as child sex trafficking, but still, over some lengthy time of Nixon believing he could lie and obfuscate and cover up and ride it out, he eventually had to be told it was over - he would be impeached and removed from office or he could resign. I wonder if this is Trump's demise. In the meantime, we must keep fighting and opposing and making our voices heard.
I'm getting Watergate vibes from it, too. Guess it's my age showing, but it took about 18 months or so for that to come to fruition. With our accelerated news cycle, hopefully it's less this time.
I also vaguely remember Watergate and the ending of Nixon's presidency. One difference is that I don't think Trump will resign. He will need to be removed some other way.
He has his 34 felonies that he was convicted of and all they need to do is sentence him. I don't think those felonies are eligible for a pardon. But I'm ignorant of how all of that works.
It is a different type of Congress back then. The Republicans had men of character and bravery. The current crop are quislings. This should be the end, but sadly he will skate once again.
Thank you, Simon. It is so steamy here in Washington today. We tried cleaning out the garage and doing a little gardening, and now I'm a sweaty mess! Very much enjoyed your interview with Katie Phang. She breaks legal matters down so clearly and I love seeing her "unchained." She was on with Jim Acosta that same day and mentioned that she had spoken with you earlier so I'm glad she gave you the plug on Acosta's substack.
SO, HERE IS A SEVEN YEAR OLD DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DOLOS AND THE “YOUNG”COMMISSIONED BY THE BBC THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE - ON THE BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB0IpYuYzk0 . One can come to his or her own conclusions as to why the video is only accessible via a third-party source on YouTube (defamation?). It is all so curious.
Have Squeaker Johnson and Ghislaine Maxwell just become a great deal more influential at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? So, do a YouTube search on “Katie Johnson interview 2016”. Her interview as a recollection of her former 13-year-old self might be unsettling for some Republicans outside of MAGA. You can judge for yourself if she reads as credible. As some people may know, pimps and their recruiters definitely run operations at major city bus stations looking for “strays”.
Folks:
Epstein, Epstein, Epstein is the correct focus. However, the pro-democracy cohort needs to multitask. So, this report on a DOJ whistleblower on The Daily by the NY Times is an inflection point for a functional society (please listen in its entirety, but here is the key timestamp - 29:35): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9dZk9YwguE . Without the RULE OF LAW, all the components of a successful nation that every citizen (including MAGA and members of the Theonomy movement) takes for granted go away.
According to Michael Wolff, the well-sourced Dolos biographer, lawyers for Dolos are berated and broken. Therefore, they do what they are told (timestamps - 13:10 and 17:48): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqArvv6nG9I. Yesterday, I ended my Hopium note with the following paragraph:
“Thus, one would hope that the legal profession will realize that they become instantly redundant in a country under “God’s Law.” This prospect might sound improbable to those who have not read Project 2025 (or the Reader’s Digest version) or even the documents behind The Dark Enlightenment. Rule of law is not a big objective for those around Dolos. So, the financial markets (and everything else) will have a difficult way forward.”
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S. : DEMOCRATIC officials keep mentioning (and showing) Jan. 6 and the PARDONS relative to the current “law and order” push by Dolos and his associates. This is a simple but strong contrast. Use social media to promote testimonies by former “January 6 Commission” members and witnesses. YES, re-litigate Jan. 6 - again and again and again. Dolos needs to realize that he lives in a GLASS HOUSE. Go on Faux News Channel because it is just like an “unrepresented” Republican district - i.e. plenty of visuals devoid of facts. The VISUAL EVIDENCE IS NOW ON YOUR SIDE. GO ON ESPN (a male-leaning channel) and express concern about the viability of the pending World Cup with actors like Dolos and Miller in the mix. With measles rampant and anti-vax officials influencing policy, will tourists want to visit the USA (weak ticket sales?): https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/heres-what-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-said-about-ice-cbp-agents-at-club-world-cup/ar-AA1GwUkA ?
P.P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.P.S.: Every local office of the Democratic Party and of the elected officials (including state representatives on up) must become a site for civic teach-ins and a clearing house for needed services (with Federal departments being sabotaged). The fact is that Democrats believe in the value of government and of government service, and the other side (i.e. the MAGAts and the illiberals) simply doesn’t. This engagement process will make registering partisan voters and teaching civics much easier.
Is there anything that can be done to stop Democrat-adjacent organizations from flooding us with fundraising emails that are often fraudulent?
I received one this morning, that read:
STUNNER!! Stephen Colbert back on the air. Rush $10 to help us continue the fight for Democrats.
And many are worse, predicting imminent defeats of Democrats unless we rush contributions. These are demoralizing and they train us to skip or delete legitimate solicitation.
I have just contacted Senator McCormick for the 4’th time asking him to vote no on Emil Bove’s confirmation to the 3’rd Circuit Court of Appeals. He was a defense attorney for Trump who as Justice Department appointee fired the January 6’th prosecutors and told immigration prosecutors to tell the courts “f… you” and suggested they could ignore court orders an$ lie to the courts. He should be disbarred, not elevated. Please contact your Senators if you have time. The vote is this week.
Have you seen any improvement in coverage ny legacy media in the past couple of weeks? By that I mean not passing over stories that should be covered, improved accuracy, etc.
I agree with the commentators on the Ali Velshi show today. Right now, we are splintered and colleges, institutions and businesses are being picked off one by one. There are too many groups and we don’t have a leader to corral all of us into one movement. We are like the little fish in Swimmy who keep getting eaten by the bigger fish. Finally, they have an idea to swim together to make a big fish and save each other by working together. We need a clearly stated vision, a leader and all the groups need to get behind that one leader. Indivisible, NEA, NAACP, AFL-CIO, Science, universities, Move On, the Media and others need to coalesce into one giant movement to overcome trump and Project 2025 before it is too late. Democrats, where are you?
The Democrats' job is to win elections and then use their power to legislate for the good. Not every problem is the fault of the Democrats and I don't want to see them dilute their power by trying to be all things to all people.
There's a coalition (including some of the orgs you listed) trying to teach a million people this summer how to reverse democratic backsliding, who will in turn teach ten million more. That's the biggest organizing effort I've ever heard of and the first step of it was really well done. Are you aware of it and involved? If not, check Indivisible or MoveOn; look up One Million Rising.
As far as I can tell, leaders of several of the organizations you list are in sync with each other even if they can't structurally combine. Several refer to the same strategies and principles.
That's partly to say there's more unified organizing happening than you or Velshi and his guests may know, and it won't be behind one leader. That just isn't how it happens despite wishing for a savior. We're not trying to replace an evil autocrat with a good one. History shows government of/by/for the people gets saved by the people. Besides, one leader could be targeted by right-wing media/police. A million local leaders cannot.
Hopium is also contributing to mass organizing esp. through endorsements/donations, keeping us focused, and giving us language, data, and frames to use in our local organizing.
Your last question - is that about the DNC, Democratic leaders generally, or Democrats like all of us? If it's the DNC, they're over-performing in races all over the country and overhauling their entire ground operation. That's their role. I know that nothing feels like enough right now, so we all just keep working.
Thanks Simon. I’ve spent time in DC and remember that feeling of almost being underwater walking around outside.
Looking forward to a quiet day here in Sacramento - we have had unseasonably “cool” (mid 80s) weather here lately and it’s a good day for a long walk in the park with Sandy the shepherd mix.
sent to me from Father Pat, OFM (Franciscan Priest from High School)
"On July 19, The United Church of Christ passed a resolution at its General Synod denouncing what it calls 'domestic terrorism' by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the U.S. Constitution."
Whereas in 2011 there was a strong statement from Southern Baptist Convention as a whole, so far this year we seem to have only this: "Leaders of 13 Southern Baptist ethnic groups have approved a joint statement on immigration…"
We all knew this administration would fail to execute a lot its own horrible agenda for reasons like this - you can’t manage in constant crisis. It’s sad, however, that so many people need to experience the failure firsthand before they understand.
Several of Lincoln's words I took to heart, especially these: "As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew."
The case "we" have before us is that so many in Congress have disregarded their oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This has never happened before.
Thinking anew means affirming that we the people [of a district] have a RIGHT to faithful representation. In the event of a clearly unfaithful representative, "acting anew" can possibly take different paths. A peaceful way would be for citizens affirming their right to gather to petition the governor of the state to honor the petition and "mark" the seat as vacant -- devoid of a true representative ... and a new special election ordered. This would be a shot heard around the world.
We need your help to FIGHT BACK with the power of our emails.
** TIME SENSITIVE CAMPAIGN **
Here’s the deal: The federal administration has weaponized the Department of Education and is attacking higher education. It’s slashing research funding, dismantling DEI initiatives aimed at equity and inclusion, and banning words it associates with DEI—terms like women, Black, and biased—in a sweeping act of censorship. Now, they’re targeting college presidents.
In Virginia, the attacks have escalated. In February, the contract of Ret. Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins—the first Black superintendent of Virginia Military Institute—was not renewed. Last month, University of Virginia President James Ryan resigned under pressure, reportedly to protect the school’s federal funding. Now, the focus has turned to the first Black president of George Mason University, Gregory Washington—widely respected and highly successful.
Enough. We’re flooding the GMU Board of Visitors (BOV), the university’s governing body, with emails of support for President Washington.
Below are 3 templates. Use any, mix and match, or write your own. The more we send, the stronger our message.
As we know, what starts in Virginia doesn’t stay in Virginia. If this regime can remove any university president at will, no higher ed institution is safe.
TIME-SENSITIVE CAMPAIGN
The GMU Board of Visitors (BOV) meets Thursday, July 31.
Send emails anytime up to noon on Wednesday, July 30
I am writing to support GMU President Washington. His many accomplishments from increasing enrollment and record breaking fundraising to elevating the stature of the university and attracting top students is unmatched.
GMU and Virginia are fortunate to have President Washington at the helm guiding tomorrow’s workforce and empowering the economic engine of our Commonwealth into the future.
[Full Name], Virginia tax payer and proud American [NOTE: If you’re not from Virginia, just write proud American]
Email Script #2: Cyber Security
Dear BOV,
I write in support of President Gregory Washington and the students of GMU, both past and present. Under President Washington’s leadership, the university has solidified itself as a national leader in cybersecurity, information technology and data systems. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have elevated GMU’s academic profile while expanding influence in critical areas of a rapidly evolving workforce. Over the past five years, President Washington has demonstrated steady, thoughtful, and future-focused leadership. I urge the BOV to continue to support his vision and to support the Commonwealth of Virginia, by allowing President Washington to continue his work on behalf of students, alumni, faculty, and the residents of Virginia.
—[Full Name], Virginia taxpayer and proud American
Email Script #3: Access and Affordability
Dear BOV,
I write to express my strong support for President Washington. Under his leadership, Mason is emerging as a national leader in academic and research excellence while maintaining access and affordability for Virginians. This powerful combination ensures an exceptional return on investment for graduates and strengthens the Commonwealth’s workforce and economy.
President Washington’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and opportunity is exactly what Virginia needs in higher education today. I urge you to continue supporting his leadership and vision.
—[Full Name], Virginia taxpayer and proud American
My suggestion is that you write less, with more focused posts:
Every day you post Actions and Fundraising. I suggest making a Fundraising Friday report, and Action Monday report, for example, where you go into more depth Friday into how the funds are being used. why they are important, and the people/states receiving them. and on Mondays taking action for the week (instead of the day). The repetitiveness of the fundraising and action text is mind numbing and cancels out their potential effectiveness, especially since they are the same thing every day. There's no focus. It's like a hammer and I'm getting pounded. I'm simply not going to take action every day or donate every day. I've already donated to everyone. Also, it's hard to take action on seven things. Could we focus on a couple per week? Perhaps each daily post could end with:
Check out our current Hopium fundraising here: (link)
Check out our weekly Action items here: (link)
and then link to the latest Friday and Monday pages.
Thoughtful Tuesdays/Thursdays: posting videos and news links on these days? Also, news links should be gift links so that we can all read them. I cancelled my WaPo subscription after Jennifer Rubin left and cancelled the NYT subscription due to their erratic coverage of Trump. Apple News has been an OK substitute.
I don't have an alliteration for Wednesdays. Wonderful Wednesday where you highlight successes? Wisdom Wednesdays? Survey Wednesdays? You'll have to workshop Wednesdays. Maybe Workshop Wednedsays (ha!) where you work on ideas/brainstorming. I don't have a solid idea, but that is also the meeting night. Could recap surveys on Wednesdays?
Take Saturdays and Sundays off. Or at least make Sunday only a weekly highlight recap where you don't post anything new, just links to the week's important videos and posts. Then the Sunday post could be done on Friday and you could use the weekend for relaxation or traveling. Again, the focus theme.
You talked last week about not us getting sucked into the news cycle and the Trump Tornado, but I feel like your daily posting sometimes contributes to that. If they were more structured and focused, I believe everyone would benefit. Anything that happens on the weekend can wait until Monday.
Your job should be to provide Focus, Clarity, and Direction because that's what gives us our "Hopium". Highlight what's important. For example: I only donate to people that you tell me to. Any other fundraising texts I get are deleted and marked as junk, since you are providing fundraising focus, clarity and direction to us.
Thank you Simon and happy Sunday! This morning I'm wondering if the Epstein Files is the issue that takes Trump down finally, and thinking back to the Watergate coverup that eventually ended Nixon's presidency. Watergate was, of course, nothing as ugly and evil as child sex trafficking, but still, over some lengthy time of Nixon believing he could lie and obfuscate and cover up and ride it out, he eventually had to be told it was over - he would be impeached and removed from office or he could resign. I wonder if this is Trump's demise. In the meantime, we must keep fighting and opposing and making our voices heard.
I'm getting Watergate vibes from it, too. Guess it's my age showing, but it took about 18 months or so for that to come to fruition. With our accelerated news cycle, hopefully it's less this time.
I also vaguely remember Watergate and the ending of Nixon's presidency. One difference is that I don't think Trump will resign. He will need to be removed some other way.
He has his 34 felonies that he was convicted of and all they need to do is sentence him. I don't think those felonies are eligible for a pardon. But I'm ignorant of how all of that works.
It is a different type of Congress back then. The Republicans had men of character and bravery. The current crop are quislings. This should be the end, but sadly he will skate once again.
Thank you, Simon. It is so steamy here in Washington today. We tried cleaning out the garage and doing a little gardening, and now I'm a sweaty mess! Very much enjoyed your interview with Katie Phang. She breaks legal matters down so clearly and I love seeing her "unchained." She was on with Jim Acosta that same day and mentioned that she had spoken with you earlier so I'm glad she gave you the plug on Acosta's substack.
Right on time with the Lincoln message. Thank you, Simon!
Where is Jill Stein?
“You come at the king, you best not miss”.
- The Wire
SO, HERE IS A SEVEN YEAR OLD DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DOLOS AND THE “YOUNG”COMMISSIONED BY THE BBC THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE - ON THE BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB0IpYuYzk0 . One can come to his or her own conclusions as to why the video is only accessible via a third-party source on YouTube (defamation?). It is all so curious.
Have Squeaker Johnson and Ghislaine Maxwell just become a great deal more influential at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? So, do a YouTube search on “Katie Johnson interview 2016”. Her interview as a recollection of her former 13-year-old self might be unsettling for some Republicans outside of MAGA. You can judge for yourself if she reads as credible. As some people may know, pimps and their recruiters definitely run operations at major city bus stations looking for “strays”.
Folks:
Epstein, Epstein, Epstein is the correct focus. However, the pro-democracy cohort needs to multitask. So, this report on a DOJ whistleblower on The Daily by the NY Times is an inflection point for a functional society (please listen in its entirety, but here is the key timestamp - 29:35): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9dZk9YwguE . Without the RULE OF LAW, all the components of a successful nation that every citizen (including MAGA and members of the Theonomy movement) takes for granted go away.
According to Michael Wolff, the well-sourced Dolos biographer, lawyers for Dolos are berated and broken. Therefore, they do what they are told (timestamps - 13:10 and 17:48): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqArvv6nG9I. Yesterday, I ended my Hopium note with the following paragraph:
“Thus, one would hope that the legal profession will realize that they become instantly redundant in a country under “God’s Law.” This prospect might sound improbable to those who have not read Project 2025 (or the Reader’s Digest version) or even the documents behind The Dark Enlightenment. Rule of law is not a big objective for those around Dolos. So, the financial markets (and everything else) will have a difficult way forward.”
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S. : DEMOCRATIC officials keep mentioning (and showing) Jan. 6 and the PARDONS relative to the current “law and order” push by Dolos and his associates. This is a simple but strong contrast. Use social media to promote testimonies by former “January 6 Commission” members and witnesses. YES, re-litigate Jan. 6 - again and again and again. Dolos needs to realize that he lives in a GLASS HOUSE. Go on Faux News Channel because it is just like an “unrepresented” Republican district - i.e. plenty of visuals devoid of facts. The VISUAL EVIDENCE IS NOW ON YOUR SIDE. GO ON ESPN (a male-leaning channel) and express concern about the viability of the pending World Cup with actors like Dolos and Miller in the mix. With measles rampant and anti-vax officials influencing policy, will tourists want to visit the USA (weak ticket sales?): https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/heres-what-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-said-about-ice-cbp-agents-at-club-world-cup/ar-AA1GwUkA ?
P.P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.P.S.: Every local office of the Democratic Party and of the elected officials (including state representatives on up) must become a site for civic teach-ins and a clearing house for needed services (with Federal departments being sabotaged). The fact is that Democrats believe in the value of government and of government service, and the other side (i.e. the MAGAts and the illiberals) simply doesn’t. This engagement process will make registering partisan voters and teaching civics much easier.
Is there anything that can be done to stop Democrat-adjacent organizations from flooding us with fundraising emails that are often fraudulent?
I received one this morning, that read:
STUNNER!! Stephen Colbert back on the air. Rush $10 to help us continue the fight for Democrats.
And many are worse, predicting imminent defeats of Democrats unless we rush contributions. These are demoralizing and they train us to skip or delete legitimate solicitation.
Don't you mean "Democratic"-adjacent? No reason to adopt their slur.
I'm no fan of constant emails/texts, but the complaining about Democrats gets really old. Block and delete.
Ok. That works too.
I have just contacted Senator McCormick for the 4’th time asking him to vote no on Emil Bove’s confirmation to the 3’rd Circuit Court of Appeals. He was a defense attorney for Trump who as Justice Department appointee fired the January 6’th prosecutors and told immigration prosecutors to tell the courts “f… you” and suggested they could ignore court orders an$ lie to the courts. He should be disbarred, not elevated. Please contact your Senators if you have time. The vote is this week.
Have you seen any improvement in coverage ny legacy media in the past couple of weeks? By that I mean not passing over stories that should be covered, improved accuracy, etc.
I agree with the commentators on the Ali Velshi show today. Right now, we are splintered and colleges, institutions and businesses are being picked off one by one. There are too many groups and we don’t have a leader to corral all of us into one movement. We are like the little fish in Swimmy who keep getting eaten by the bigger fish. Finally, they have an idea to swim together to make a big fish and save each other by working together. We need a clearly stated vision, a leader and all the groups need to get behind that one leader. Indivisible, NEA, NAACP, AFL-CIO, Science, universities, Move On, the Media and others need to coalesce into one giant movement to overcome trump and Project 2025 before it is too late. Democrats, where are you?
The Democrats' job is to win elections and then use their power to legislate for the good. Not every problem is the fault of the Democrats and I don't want to see them dilute their power by trying to be all things to all people.
These are really different kinds of groups, some, like NAACP, non-partisan. Public universities would not be permitted to be organized by Democrats.
There's a coalition (including some of the orgs you listed) trying to teach a million people this summer how to reverse democratic backsliding, who will in turn teach ten million more. That's the biggest organizing effort I've ever heard of and the first step of it was really well done. Are you aware of it and involved? If not, check Indivisible or MoveOn; look up One Million Rising.
As far as I can tell, leaders of several of the organizations you list are in sync with each other even if they can't structurally combine. Several refer to the same strategies and principles.
That's partly to say there's more unified organizing happening than you or Velshi and his guests may know, and it won't be behind one leader. That just isn't how it happens despite wishing for a savior. We're not trying to replace an evil autocrat with a good one. History shows government of/by/for the people gets saved by the people. Besides, one leader could be targeted by right-wing media/police. A million local leaders cannot.
Hopium is also contributing to mass organizing esp. through endorsements/donations, keeping us focused, and giving us language, data, and frames to use in our local organizing.
Your last question - is that about the DNC, Democratic leaders generally, or Democrats like all of us? If it's the DNC, they're over-performing in races all over the country and overhauling their entire ground operation. That's their role. I know that nothing feels like enough right now, so we all just keep working.
WE are here and WE are the power
I deeply consider each of us a drop surging together with other drops toward a potential tsunami.
We voted with 75 million pro-democracy voters and we’re getting larger every day. We need to each keep up our forward actions and momentum 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks Simon. I’ve spent time in DC and remember that feeling of almost being underwater walking around outside.
Looking forward to a quiet day here in Sacramento - we have had unseasonably “cool” (mid 80s) weather here lately and it’s a good day for a long walk in the park with Sandy the shepherd mix.
A’s rookie Nick Kurtz went 6-6 with FOUR homers Friday against Houston. https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-kurtz-hits-4-home-runs-against-astros
sent to me from Father Pat, OFM (Franciscan Priest from High School)
"On July 19, The United Church of Christ passed a resolution at its General Synod denouncing what it calls 'domestic terrorism' by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the U.S. Constitution."
https://www.ncronline.org/news/united-church-christ-synod-denounces-ice-raids-domestic-terrorism
Update: and six elements of Catholic Social Teaching re. immigration
https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/churchteachingonimmigrationreform
Wow, that is great! By a vote of 627-8! I was hoping faith institutions would pass resolutions, along with veterans orgs, lawyers associations...
If only the Southern Baptists would follow that great example!
Looks like there have been some weaker immigration resolutions.
amnesty resolution (2011) https://cis.org/Edwards/Baptists-Call-Amnesty
2019 resolution https://www.sbc.net/resource-library/resolutions/on-immigration/
and this statement in 2025 https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/diverse-ethnic-sbc-fellowships-issue-joint-statement-on-immigration/
Whereas in 2011 there was a strong statement from Southern Baptist Convention as a whole, so far this year we seem to have only this: "Leaders of 13 Southern Baptist ethnic groups have approved a joint statement on immigration…"
Thanks, Simon! We just got a downpour here in near-by Maryland which is helping a bit with the heat, but not much with the steam.
I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Yes, it is pouring here now and I am grateful. We needed the rain!
Blindsided and annoyed': Pam Bondi insiders tell of fury at Tulsi Gabbard
Adam Nichols
July 25, 2025 6:45AM ET
https://www.rawstory.com/gabbard-bondi-obama/
Thanks for sharing this.
We all knew this administration would fail to execute a lot its own horrible agenda for reasons like this - you can’t manage in constant crisis. It’s sad, however, that so many people need to experience the failure firsthand before they understand.
John Bolton slams Tulsi Gabbard over ‘treasonous’ Obama report: ‘She’s imagined evidence that doesn’t exist’
Frequent Trump critic John Bolton described Tulsi Gabbard’s report as ‘exaggerated’
Kelly Rissman
in New York
Saturday 26 July 2025 19:05 BST
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/john-bolton-tulsi-gabbard-obama-treason-b2796591.html
Several of Lincoln's words I took to heart, especially these: "As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew."
The case "we" have before us is that so many in Congress have disregarded their oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This has never happened before.
Thinking anew means affirming that we the people [of a district] have a RIGHT to faithful representation. In the event of a clearly unfaithful representative, "acting anew" can possibly take different paths. A peaceful way would be for citizens affirming their right to gather to petition the governor of the state to honor the petition and "mark" the seat as vacant -- devoid of a true representative ... and a new special election ordered. This would be a shot heard around the world.
We need your help to FIGHT BACK with the power of our emails.
** TIME SENSITIVE CAMPAIGN **
Here’s the deal: The federal administration has weaponized the Department of Education and is attacking higher education. It’s slashing research funding, dismantling DEI initiatives aimed at equity and inclusion, and banning words it associates with DEI—terms like women, Black, and biased—in a sweeping act of censorship. Now, they’re targeting college presidents.
In Virginia, the attacks have escalated. In February, the contract of Ret. Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins—the first Black superintendent of Virginia Military Institute—was not renewed. Last month, University of Virginia President James Ryan resigned under pressure, reportedly to protect the school’s federal funding. Now, the focus has turned to the first Black president of George Mason University, Gregory Washington—widely respected and highly successful.
Enough. We’re flooding the GMU Board of Visitors (BOV), the university’s governing body, with emails of support for President Washington.
Below are 3 templates. Use any, mix and match, or write your own. The more we send, the stronger our message.
As we know, what starts in Virginia doesn’t stay in Virginia. If this regime can remove any university president at will, no higher ed institution is safe.
TIME-SENSITIVE CAMPAIGN
The GMU Board of Visitors (BOV) meets Thursday, July 31.
Send emails anytime up to noon on Wednesday, July 30
Where to Send:
Board of Visitors
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MSN 3A1
Fairfax, VA 22030
Email: BOV@gmu.edu
Compliments of Network NOVA & the Virginia Grassroots - When We Vote We Win
Email Script #1:Education and Fundraising
Dear BOV,
I am writing to support GMU President Washington. His many accomplishments from increasing enrollment and record breaking fundraising to elevating the stature of the university and attracting top students is unmatched.
GMU and Virginia are fortunate to have President Washington at the helm guiding tomorrow’s workforce and empowering the economic engine of our Commonwealth into the future.
[Full Name], Virginia tax payer and proud American [NOTE: If you’re not from Virginia, just write proud American]
Email Script #2: Cyber Security
Dear BOV,
I write in support of President Gregory Washington and the students of GMU, both past and present. Under President Washington’s leadership, the university has solidified itself as a national leader in cybersecurity, information technology and data systems. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have elevated GMU’s academic profile while expanding influence in critical areas of a rapidly evolving workforce. Over the past five years, President Washington has demonstrated steady, thoughtful, and future-focused leadership. I urge the BOV to continue to support his vision and to support the Commonwealth of Virginia, by allowing President Washington to continue his work on behalf of students, alumni, faculty, and the residents of Virginia.
—[Full Name], Virginia taxpayer and proud American
Email Script #3: Access and Affordability
Dear BOV,
I write to express my strong support for President Washington. Under his leadership, Mason is emerging as a national leader in academic and research excellence while maintaining access and affordability for Virginians. This powerful combination ensures an exceptional return on investment for graduates and strengthens the Commonwealth’s workforce and economy.
President Washington’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and opportunity is exactly what Virginia needs in higher education today. I urge you to continue supporting his leadership and vision.
—[Full Name], Virginia taxpayer and proud American
Download this email as a PDF https://shorturl.at/CTrQ9 or view it as a Google Doc https://shorturl.at/4iVzW
Yesterday we hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail in Harriman State Park, the Lemon Squeezer to be precise. Not bad for somewhat old folks.
This morning was yoga and off to make banana bread.
Spouse and I gearing up to volunteer for Mikie and Dr. Dale.
Ciattarelli doesn’t know jack about Jersey!!!
WORD
My suggestion is that you write less, with more focused posts:
Every day you post Actions and Fundraising. I suggest making a Fundraising Friday report, and Action Monday report, for example, where you go into more depth Friday into how the funds are being used. why they are important, and the people/states receiving them. and on Mondays taking action for the week (instead of the day). The repetitiveness of the fundraising and action text is mind numbing and cancels out their potential effectiveness, especially since they are the same thing every day. There's no focus. It's like a hammer and I'm getting pounded. I'm simply not going to take action every day or donate every day. I've already donated to everyone. Also, it's hard to take action on seven things. Could we focus on a couple per week? Perhaps each daily post could end with:
Check out our current Hopium fundraising here: (link)
Check out our weekly Action items here: (link)
and then link to the latest Friday and Monday pages.
Thoughtful Tuesdays/Thursdays: posting videos and news links on these days? Also, news links should be gift links so that we can all read them. I cancelled my WaPo subscription after Jennifer Rubin left and cancelled the NYT subscription due to their erratic coverage of Trump. Apple News has been an OK substitute.
I don't have an alliteration for Wednesdays. Wonderful Wednesday where you highlight successes? Wisdom Wednesdays? Survey Wednesdays? You'll have to workshop Wednesdays. Maybe Workshop Wednedsays (ha!) where you work on ideas/brainstorming. I don't have a solid idea, but that is also the meeting night. Could recap surveys on Wednesdays?
Take Saturdays and Sundays off. Or at least make Sunday only a weekly highlight recap where you don't post anything new, just links to the week's important videos and posts. Then the Sunday post could be done on Friday and you could use the weekend for relaxation or traveling. Again, the focus theme.
You talked last week about not us getting sucked into the news cycle and the Trump Tornado, but I feel like your daily posting sometimes contributes to that. If they were more structured and focused, I believe everyone would benefit. Anything that happens on the weekend can wait until Monday.
Your job should be to provide Focus, Clarity, and Direction because that's what gives us our "Hopium". Highlight what's important. For example: I only donate to people that you tell me to. Any other fundraising texts I get are deleted and marked as junk, since you are providing fundraising focus, clarity and direction to us.
Thanks!