I just listened to an interview with a number of “Christians” (italics intended) who were pushing the narrative that whatever Trump does is not a problem “because no one is perfect…everyone can grow.” First, I am an ordained minister, and I call bullshit. This isn’t about imperfection, this is about a man who boldly and intentionally engages in criminal behavior, believing he is above the law. The message of Jesus regarding our imperfections is to be self-reflective, to repent, to work diligently toward better upholding the teachings of Jesus. Second, as a psychologist, I can say with certainty that his pathology makes him incapable of change. He does not believe he’s ever done anything wrong, he does not care who he harms, and his only goal is to seek more power and wealth. I think we all need to push back on this deeply flawed narrative; a narrative his supporters have used for over a decade, while the rest of us have watched him become more degenerate, cruel and self-serving.
Thanks for sharing, Martha. As I've rattled on before: He is so unwell, it's not really about him anymore. I believe, and perhaps you do as well, that he's in a stage where he cannot be counted on to take any voluntary action that keeps America safe because that usually conflicts with his reptilian self-interests and self-centered concerns.
It's up to his enablers now.
As I was walking this morning, I mentally composed a letter to Little Mikey Johnson (not my representative), urging him to do the right thing while there's still time to redeem himself in the eyes of history. Herd the cats to have Trump removed for his own well-being and for ours.
Nothing perks me up like seeing/hearing this repeatedly, for it is sober and sound thinking. That's normalcy to me.
Interested to know from Hopiates whether they've heard anything more about the 2024 DEM report being withheld, in part, to protect Harris if she runs in 2028?
Whats obvious is they are hiding something from somebody and it leads to all sorts of speculation as to why. I heard it was to protect the status quo consultants who bear the brunt of a $2Billion + campaign disaster.
Release the report! Demonstrate transparency, or it will bite you in the butt.
First of all, Postcards to Voters has three postcarding opportunities before Christmas. There are two open seats in Virginia, due to occupants going to higher office, and one in Georgia. Turnout is key in all three elections. I am writing for the Georgia Democrat.
Second, I believe that *rump won in 2024 because people were hurting and *rump promised to make things better. Of course, he lied like a flatfish, and his bad ratings are due to people waking up. *rump is now trying to fix his image, without actually changing course. Friday, he announced "lower drug prices." Of course, the reality will not not fit the hype, but what matters for the current maladministration is the hype. Expect further efforts in the coming months.
We need to be prepared for this show of concern for the average person. Democrats must forcefully announce a program that will actually fix things for the average person and as forcefully denounce the hype and showbiz.
Simon, Enjoy the last night of Hanukkah and the time with all your children.
We went to Kennedy Center last night to hear Handel's Messiah. Our dear friend's daughter (whom I have known since she was born) was singing on stage with her U. of Maryland choir. I managed to avoid seeing any signage of the big, blubbery baby man. We came in the back way off Rock Creek Parkway and zipped into the parking garage, and then right up into the theater.
Interesting that before the concert began, the symphony played the National Anthem. I've been going to KC for 45+ years and don't ever recall hearing that played before any performance. I noted several promotions for The Museum of the Bible (ugh) in the program.
I have cancelled tickets for future performance at the KC. I held on this year to support the artists, employees, and volunteers, but the KC bending the knee and allowing him to deface the building and JFK's memory is a bridge too far. BTW, not a unanimous vote by the board-- see Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH - D) who claims she was muted and not allowed to vote on the call from a home in Palm Beach.
A note of thanks to you, Simon, for your continued leadership and guidance as we navigate our way through these troubled waters. Onto 2026 where we will have much work to do ...and we will rise to the occasion.
i am impressed! been busy with two adult kids both suffering persistent sore throats the last few weeks; it's been back and forth to specialists the whole time, finally seeing some progress; get a flu and covid shot, and if you can, rsv too!
Thanks for the reminder, we need to get our flu shots this week. Last night, 6 of the choir members were wearing masks -- college students who were or had been sick -- including our friend's daughter who was on Day 8 of the flu
Claire, I was a professional symphony cellist for fifteen years, 1973 through 1988. My orchestras always began each series of each season with the National anthem. The Modesto CA Symphony, for which I hold season tickets, brought out the Modesto Symphony Choral Society and began the 2025-26 season with our national anthem.
I’m a cautious person but it’s definitely time for the F-word. I’ve also seen posts to the effect that the generic Congressional Ballot (average) is tightening a little, so yes, I think it’s possible for a Trumpian comeback. We can’t take anything for granted. That said, whatever your holiday, rest up, enjoy family, and do whatever it takes to prepare for next year’s epic battle.
I’m reading My Dearest Friend, a compilation of letters between John and Abigail Adams. I’m now well into 1776. The two letters that John Adams wrote on July 3, 1776, reminded me of the importance of the coming 250th anniversary of the Declaration.
I don’t doubt that the regime will attempt to usurp the meaning of the Declaration and pervert it to serve its own nefarious purposes. I agree with the bottom-up approach of having local jurisdictions pass their own resolutions. I would hope that our Congressional leaders will continue to build on their momentum and issue their own Declaration in the form of something like a Letter to America. I believe it would be a colossal mistake not to. However, we can’t wait for them to act. We must do our part.
I feel confident that Indivisible national and local Indivisible chapters will be keen to make big public shows in the spirit of ’76. I don’t think they will miss the moment.
Meanwhile, I find it illuminating to think about how John Adams took the Resolution of Independence (adopted July 2) and the Declaration (adopted July 4). He traced the Revolutionary movement back to the Writs of Assistance of 1761. These were the search warrants that allowed customs officials to search for contraband in anyone’s home, without cause. It took fifteen years of abuses and usurpations to get to the point of declaring independence from Great Britain. John Adams envisioned that the Resolution of Independence would be celebrated thereafter:
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
So far, I've seen two posts on Bluesky showing how photos in the Epstein files as released were modified or deleted. One was a side-by-side with the unaltered photo of MJ + Diana Ross + Bill Clinton at a fundraiser (not an Epstein event) and an AI/photoshopped pic as noted by MeidasTouch. https://bsky.app/profile/meidastouch.com/post/3mag7myutmc2d
AP reported "At least 16 files disappear from DOJ site for Epstein documents, including Trump photo" So, there may be more criminal deceit going on as well.
P.S. Self report. I donated to the Audacious Expansion Fund and wrote a letter in favor of state legislation to address the "Freedom to Read and Fight Against Censorship in New Mexico." There are three bills against book-banning/censorship that need to move forward in the upcoming legislative session. My reasons for support were that reading books is essential to develop critical thinking; and unfettered access to books of all kinds helps us to build our dreams, get informed, and become better citizens.
Just wanted to bring this article to your attention again: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/a-white-male-school-shooter-a-homeless. Largely because I am a proud lifelong Providence, Rhode Islander and some of the recent news surrounding the capture of the shooter who terrorized our community has what I think are some important lessons for the Trump Admin in particular.
Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.
What worries most is that a wounded predator is a dangerous predator. A rabid dog is more dangerous than an angry dog. We need to be prepared for the worst from Trump, his cabinet of greedy sycophants and the conservative monsters on the Supreme Court. The Republicans in Congress will whimper and cower while these evil people run wild.
I agree that the weaker Trump gets the more dangerous he is.
Bu, there are signs of life and pushback in the GOP Congress. They will be further emboldened if we can get Trump's favorable down another 5 or 10 points...
The 12 Days
of Epstein
https://open.substack.com/pub/ojaiohana/p/video-the-12-days-of-epstein?r=5chxge&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Enjoy the holidays and prepare to kick Repube ass in 2026!
The Epstein Files “unredacted”
https://ojaiohana.substack.com/p/videos-macgruber-epstein-files-3?r=5chxge
Two more Republican women head for the exits: Elise Stefanik and Senator Lummis of Wyoming add to the exodus. More to come...
Take the wins, and Happy Holidays all!
Oh yeah, and Khanna and Massie are drafting articles of impeachment against AG Bondi, for her handling of Epstein files release.
Bring it !!!!!
I just listened to an interview with a number of “Christians” (italics intended) who were pushing the narrative that whatever Trump does is not a problem “because no one is perfect…everyone can grow.” First, I am an ordained minister, and I call bullshit. This isn’t about imperfection, this is about a man who boldly and intentionally engages in criminal behavior, believing he is above the law. The message of Jesus regarding our imperfections is to be self-reflective, to repent, to work diligently toward better upholding the teachings of Jesus. Second, as a psychologist, I can say with certainty that his pathology makes him incapable of change. He does not believe he’s ever done anything wrong, he does not care who he harms, and his only goal is to seek more power and wealth. I think we all need to push back on this deeply flawed narrative; a narrative his supporters have used for over a decade, while the rest of us have watched him become more degenerate, cruel and self-serving.
Amen
Thanks for sharing, Martha. As I've rattled on before: He is so unwell, it's not really about him anymore. I believe, and perhaps you do as well, that he's in a stage where he cannot be counted on to take any voluntary action that keeps America safe because that usually conflicts with his reptilian self-interests and self-centered concerns.
It's up to his enablers now.
As I was walking this morning, I mentally composed a letter to Little Mikey Johnson (not my representative), urging him to do the right thing while there's still time to redeem himself in the eyes of history. Herd the cats to have Trump removed for his own well-being and for ours.
25 47
I do believe you are correct. Trump’s sense of agency is now lost in a fog of dementia.
Amen. What a fascinating background you have.
Double Amen. Thanks for this post, Martha. I agree with you 100%.
I agree 100%!
Plus they never extend the “no one is perfect” excuse to democrats
THIS--100 percent. 👍🏼
Happy Holidays, Simon and everyone! Thank you for a great year with Hopium!
"Either warrants his resignation or removal."
Nothing perks me up like seeing/hearing this repeatedly, for it is sober and sound thinking. That's normalcy to me.
Interested to know from Hopiates whether they've heard anything more about the 2024 DEM report being withheld, in part, to protect Harris if she runs in 2028?
Whats obvious is they are hiding something from somebody and it leads to all sorts of speculation as to why. I heard it was to protect the status quo consultants who bear the brunt of a $2Billion + campaign disaster.
Release the report! Demonstrate transparency, or it will bite you in the butt.
First of all, Postcards to Voters has three postcarding opportunities before Christmas. There are two open seats in Virginia, due to occupants going to higher office, and one in Georgia. Turnout is key in all three elections. I am writing for the Georgia Democrat.
Second, I believe that *rump won in 2024 because people were hurting and *rump promised to make things better. Of course, he lied like a flatfish, and his bad ratings are due to people waking up. *rump is now trying to fix his image, without actually changing course. Friday, he announced "lower drug prices." Of course, the reality will not not fit the hype, but what matters for the current maladministration is the hype. Expect further efforts in the coming months.
We need to be prepared for this show of concern for the average person. Democrats must forcefully announce a program that will actually fix things for the average person and as forcefully denounce the hype and showbiz.
Writing my postcards now. Hope they win! 🇺🇸
What are those postcarding opportunities? Please let me know. I'm writing 100 postcards for Georgia voters as part of Informed Voters of America.
Simon, Enjoy the last night of Hanukkah and the time with all your children.
We went to Kennedy Center last night to hear Handel's Messiah. Our dear friend's daughter (whom I have known since she was born) was singing on stage with her U. of Maryland choir. I managed to avoid seeing any signage of the big, blubbery baby man. We came in the back way off Rock Creek Parkway and zipped into the parking garage, and then right up into the theater.
Interesting that before the concert began, the symphony played the National Anthem. I've been going to KC for 45+ years and don't ever recall hearing that played before any performance. I noted several promotions for The Museum of the Bible (ugh) in the program.
I have cancelled tickets for future performance at the KC. I held on this year to support the artists, employees, and volunteers, but the KC bending the knee and allowing him to deface the building and JFK's memory is a bridge too far. BTW, not a unanimous vote by the board-- see Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH - D) who claims she was muted and not allowed to vote on the call from a home in Palm Beach.
A note of thanks to you, Simon, for your continued leadership and guidance as we navigate our way through these troubled waters. Onto 2026 where we will have much work to do ...and we will rise to the occasion.
i am impressed! been busy with two adult kids both suffering persistent sore throats the last few weeks; it's been back and forth to specialists the whole time, finally seeing some progress; get a flu and covid shot, and if you can, rsv too!
My acupuncturist commented yesterday that she was seeing more people mask up because of the surging rates of COVID-19 than the horrible norovirus.
Thanks for the reminder, we need to get our flu shots this week. Last night, 6 of the choir members were wearing masks -- college students who were or had been sick -- including our friend's daughter who was on Day 8 of the flu
As a musician, I have a fantasy of sitting on that stage and playing the National anthem a half step lower than everyone else. IYKYK
Claire, I was a professional symphony cellist for fifteen years, 1973 through 1988. My orchestras always began each series of each season with the National anthem. The Modesto CA Symphony, for which I hold season tickets, brought out the Modesto Symphony Choral Society and began the 2025-26 season with our national anthem.
I’m a cautious person but it’s definitely time for the F-word. I’ve also seen posts to the effect that the generic Congressional Ballot (average) is tightening a little, so yes, I think it’s possible for a Trumpian comeback. We can’t take anything for granted. That said, whatever your holiday, rest up, enjoy family, and do whatever it takes to prepare for next year’s epic battle.
I was trying to share a link for an article. Let’s see if this works. I want to vote for these people.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/they-quit-government-protest-trump-now-they-are-running-congress-stop-him-2025-12-18/
Simon, enjoy having your kids home. May everyone stay HEALTHY!!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and meaningful holiday season.
I’m reading My Dearest Friend, a compilation of letters between John and Abigail Adams. I’m now well into 1776. The two letters that John Adams wrote on July 3, 1776, reminded me of the importance of the coming 250th anniversary of the Declaration.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-02-02-0015
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-02-02-0016
I don’t doubt that the regime will attempt to usurp the meaning of the Declaration and pervert it to serve its own nefarious purposes. I agree with the bottom-up approach of having local jurisdictions pass their own resolutions. I would hope that our Congressional leaders will continue to build on their momentum and issue their own Declaration in the form of something like a Letter to America. I believe it would be a colossal mistake not to. However, we can’t wait for them to act. We must do our part.
I feel confident that Indivisible national and local Indivisible chapters will be keen to make big public shows in the spirit of ’76. I don’t think they will miss the moment.
Meanwhile, I find it illuminating to think about how John Adams took the Resolution of Independence (adopted July 2) and the Declaration (adopted July 4). He traced the Revolutionary movement back to the Writs of Assistance of 1761. These were the search warrants that allowed customs officials to search for contraband in anyone’s home, without cause. It took fifteen years of abuses and usurpations to get to the point of declaring independence from Great Britain. John Adams envisioned that the Resolution of Independence would be celebrated thereafter:
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
So far, I've seen two posts on Bluesky showing how photos in the Epstein files as released were modified or deleted. One was a side-by-side with the unaltered photo of MJ + Diana Ross + Bill Clinton at a fundraiser (not an Epstein event) and an AI/photoshopped pic as noted by MeidasTouch. https://bsky.app/profile/meidastouch.com/post/3mag7myutmc2d
The other was the removal of a trump photo after it had already been posted on the DOJ website, as shown on Bluesky by Oversight Dems. https://bsky.app/profile/oversightdemocrats.house.gov/post/3magqb3l3kc2s
AP reported "At least 16 files disappear from DOJ site for Epstein documents, including Trump photo" So, there may be more criminal deceit going on as well.
P.S. Self report. I donated to the Audacious Expansion Fund and wrote a letter in favor of state legislation to address the "Freedom to Read and Fight Against Censorship in New Mexico." There are three bills against book-banning/censorship that need to move forward in the upcoming legislative session. My reasons for support were that reading books is essential to develop critical thinking; and unfettered access to books of all kinds helps us to build our dreams, get informed, and become better citizens.
Donated to the expansion fund. Only 4k left to meet the goal. Let's put this o e to bed and pick off the next closest one to being done.
Hello everyone,
Just wanted to bring this article to your attention again: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/a-white-male-school-shooter-a-homeless. Largely because I am a proud lifelong Providence, Rhode Islander and some of the recent news surrounding the capture of the shooter who terrorized our community has what I think are some important lessons for the Trump Admin in particular.
Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.
What worries most is that a wounded predator is a dangerous predator. A rabid dog is more dangerous than an angry dog. We need to be prepared for the worst from Trump, his cabinet of greedy sycophants and the conservative monsters on the Supreme Court. The Republicans in Congress will whimper and cower while these evil people run wild.
I agree that the weaker Trump gets the more dangerous he is.
Bu, there are signs of life and pushback in the GOP Congress. They will be further emboldened if we can get Trump's favorable down another 5 or 10 points...
Keep pushing...