Ken Martin is the new DNC Chair, and Simon has a great interview with him. However, some here have expressed not just disappointment that Ben Wikler didn’t win, but attacks on the DNC that I think frankly are uncalled for.
I encourage everyone to watch this terrific interview that Brian Tyler Cohen did with Ken Martin. It’s a really great conversation. I believe you will find the ideas delineated by the new DNC Chair to be both reassuring and inspiring.
The DNC received "$66 million in contributions and transfers from the Harris campaign and its affiliated committees, mostly on Election Day or in the weeks after. The DNC's cash position was on par with its rival, the Republican National Committee, which had $42 million banked away as of Nov. 25."
Thank you, Arctic. What I love and support about Simon's work and Hopium is it is about what we can do, what am I doing and I very much appreciate the self-reporters in the comments [I am involved in several local orgs in addition to the telephoning], i.e. it's not about what dems should do, etc, in case I'm not fully transparent here. do more worry less, as it were, is a way to remain calm and focused in this chaos
Thanks for sharing - it was reassuring. I do have one comment - while I agree we have good policies and messages to run and focusing on the working class is the right idea we also need to focus on the messenger part of this problem. Working class people don’t believe our leaders care about them because they (our party’s leaders) are not working class and so appear to be trying to relate to voters in a paternalistic manner. I know Ken Martin grew up working class but he does not come across as working class today. Our consultants still seem to think projecting empathy and concern about someone’s plight is enough and focus on the right message, not the right message for the messenger. If this is disconnected - voters think the expressed concern is phony.. The best example are Latino men. They don’t think Trump cares about them but they think he’s honest about who he is (he’s not of course) and how what he will do will help them (even though he’s not expressing empathy). They don’t value the “concern” expressed by the Democratic party about their rights.. Voters - particularly young voters - want authenticity (and are very suspicious) . So, we need to start with how voters perceive our leaders and party and rebuild the brand from that starting point. We are now a very elite brand. We need to lean into this and expand it (by highlighting new leadership but starting with where we are). We can’t just offer messages that voters like and win (for candidates). We have to offer messages that seem credible based on who the messengers/Democrats actually are and perceived as and start from there if we want to change things.
Republicans aren't running working class candidates, either. I agree we need to work on branding, but I also know a good 25-30% of them are voting for the hatred and the tribalism. We're not going to change them. We can do more at registering voters and bringing along sane Republicans and Independents.
Just a thought: I believe Ken Martin’s primary job at the DNC is to be an enabler, an organizer and fund raiser. In short: a CATALYST for much-needed change. He does not himself need to be a prominent voice – but as head of the DNC Ken Martin will work to amplify our good Democratic voices.
Lojo, I agree with your main point. We need credible voices – multiple voices that resonate with working class people and the many varied groups and demographics that make up our country. Such as for instance the young David Hogg, newly elected Vice-Chair of the DNC.
I think a 50-state strategy will identify and elevate people who will be working class and will appeal to those voters. We need a bottom-up strategy long term, and it seems to me that Ken Martin understands that and is doing the necessary work to get us there. In the short term, of course, we all need to do our part. WE are the messengers, so let's elevate our voices!
I listened to HoosLeft this morning. My assessment/synopsis: City council dems bonding to get rid of democratic socialist to get along with/benefit from republican state control?
I am fully getting on board with Simon's direction to not attack our own. What resonates with me? Why should I do MAGA's or really any Republican's 'work' for them. I will be continuing to make this point on social media. We have to push the negative narrative of MAGA/Republicanism
It seems that LEON IS POSSIBLY MOVING WITH SUPER BOWL (TODAY) LEVEL PSYOPS AGAINST USAID. Please take a look at this information (including the short video) from former FBI agent and now law professor, Asha Rangappa: https://asharangappa.substack.com/p/prebunking-elon-musks-super-bowl . We probably need to share her offering - widely. Yes?
Thanks.
P.S.: Do the following now! First, teach civics. Second, register voters. Third, teach civics. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
What happened to GOTV in 2024? There were all these expensive rallies with the Obama’s and various celebrities telling us to GOTV. The rallies were filled to capacity, probably for the entertainment value. Did the people who attended these rallies actually go home and get people to the polls? No.
Now, we have an advantage. Our brains are wired to magnify the value of loss over gain. The majority of Federal transfer payments go to Red districts. Their absence will be hard for Republicans not named DOLOS (my name for #47) to explain - or to replace. So, the "nameless and unaccountable" bureaucrats of the formerly "invisible and wasteful" Federal Government suddenly becomes truly IMPORTANT - and IRREPLACEABLE.
Simon - Thank you for being here for us 7 days a week. Should we make our calls tomorrow on the issue of cabinet nominees? Does this make sense?
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii placed a hold on further appointments within the State Department. Per Senator Schatz: ““Dismantling USAID is illegal and makes us less safe. USAID was created by federal law and is funded by Congress. Donald Trump and Elon Musk can’t just wish it away with a stroke of a pen — they need to pass a law.”
What is the procedure for placing a hold on a nomination? This explanation from the Congressional Research Service is not in plain English, but it seems any Senator can place a hold on nominations for Director of the FBI, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Director of National Intelligence, other nominees?
Then there would be something called “Cloture.” I believe this now is voted on by roll call. So, placing a hold, then having to invoke cloture just delays the process.
What can we do about this? Should we call our Democratic Senators on Monday and request a “blanket hold” on the further nominations within the DOJ, such as that of Kash Patel to be FBI Director? Then would it be possible to place a “blanket hold” on further nominations within Health and Human Services, such as that of RFK, Jr, and Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence? All of these nominees are completely unqualified and an utter danger to our national security both domestically and with attacks from abroad. Of course RFK,Jr is a disgrace and would destroy our public health system.
WIRED Magazine, the New York Times (quoted above and linked to by Simon), and numerous other media outlets have published exposés on what Musk’s DOGE is doing to the federal government – and how this blatantly-illegal Musk-led demolition is being resisted in Congress, by the courts, and by other means.
Here is a gift link to another article, in The Washington Post.
The US Treasury Claimed DOGE Technologist Didn’t Have ‘Write Access’ When He Actually Did
Sources tell WIRED that the ability of DOGE’s Marko Elez to alter code controlling trillions in federal spending was rescinded days after US Treasury and White House officials said it didn’t exist.
Overnight, Wired reported that, contrary to published reports that DOGE operatives at the Treasury Department are limited to “read only” access to department payment systems, this is not true. A 25-year-old DOGE operative named Marko Elez in fact has admin privileges on these critical systems, which directly control and pay out roughly 95% of payments made by the U.S. government, including Social Security checks, tax refunds and virtually all contract payments. I can independently confirm these details based on conversations going back to the weekend. I can further report that Elez not only has full access to these systems, he has already made extensive changes to the code base for these critical payment system.
The hacking of the US Treasury by a sophisticated group of hired "plumbers" [hackers] reminds me of Watergate is a criminal breach with the authorization of the President.
Another #3: CRIMINAL INCURSION (US Treasury) authorized by Trump, from #1: January 6 Insurrection and #2 Pardons of all felons. Mind you FELONS are now considering runs for office . . . Each state has its rules on what constitutes a felony as related to holding public office and candidates can appeal to be "exonerated" and cleared for candidacy
A question that I ask myself (and have asked on other fora) is this:
Do we know to what extent Musk’s DOGE team has passed sensitive government data on to Palantir? And, if so, what sort of data analytics Peter Thiel’s Palantir have been doing with the data of government employees, recipients, etc.?
Apologies if you have seen this before, but one way to fight back was promoted on Timothy Snyder (On Tyranny) substack. The Democrats must get louder to respond forcefully to the administration blitz. They can form form a Democratic People's Cabinet, our best folks fighting, calling out illegalities, and presenting an alternative vision. Please >repost< and sign this petition! Over 6K signers so far!
I want to comment on this as it comes up a lot. 1) We already have Senators and House members who believe they have these jobs, and are unlikely to give them to others. 2) this is a very small part of the broader comms overhaul that needs to happen and is not in anyway a silver bullet.
Completely agree, this is just one idea of many. The point behind it is that: 1) We need a real comms overhaul to actually happen, asap, within the whole party; i.e. bigger than the usual DNC purview, and this is one idea to foster that. 2) The folks who believe they have these jobs already need to start speaking out strongly and as a team asap, or let colleagues do those jobs. Folks are signing the petition because they are frustrated and want to see some organized action already.
Of course the DNC election happened not that long ago and we should support their efforts. Hopefully they will aim big and work fast, and the petition might help that to happen.
I love hopium because it helps my frustration with the world (not with Hopium) by channeling it into positive actions- including inspiring me to start a petition. Apologies for being divisive.
PS Please check out Robert Hubbell’s substack this AM
The Democrats need to be running ads on all the popular programs: sports, late night shows, CNN, MSNBC, whatever people watch. I wonder if they will have ads on the Super Bowl. My son will let me know. (Full disclosure - I really do not watch TV at all. I like to read my news here on Substack and from Democracy Docket and a few other sources that are reliable.
Kamala, Pete Buttigieg and Tim Walz went on Fox. We should go for it. How are those viewers feeling now with inflation up, consumer confidence down, and their financial information stolen by DOGE? Health care threatened.
I recommend billboards-seriously. Media is self-selecting, but routes tend not to be. Want to get through NE PA, you’re driving on PA-33, Interstate 80, Interstate 78.
My profile pic is a billboard by our NM Secretary of State when trump was here running up bills that never got paid. YOU is highlighted in a different color.
I am all for legal suits against Elon but in the. meantime he needs to be arrested now, now, as the damage is being done. I wish I were an elected official and would do a citizen arrest, militia or not.
Professor Galloway did a podcast on this and I saw he was just of the same mind as my little self, lol
I believe that all a judge has ordered unfrozen has not been. If those reports are true,wouldn't that be cause for an arrest? You or I would be, I have to assume.
Why would it be "unlawful"? These little brats are NOT employees of the USG - for that matter, neither is the Muskrat. At the very least they should be evicted, now, their equipment impounded until all court actions have been settled. The Supreme Court "get out of jail free" decision should be challenged in court as a preemptive decision that is now being used to destroy the country. This is no fantasy solution, this is a concrete idea. Again, why is it "unlawful."? Why would it end badly? Worse than the unlawful invasion of treasury files? I think not.
Of course not! How dare you assume that's what I am talking about. That is movie land stuff. To the best of my knowledge there were no actual orders issued. They are not under contract. There were no papers giving them the right of entrance. If there had been the employees would not have refused them entrance; or did you miss that? Again, Muskrat is NOT an employee of the USG but is "volunteering his "talents". By the way where are you getting you knowledge? Judge Judy? "citizen's arrest" in deed. Oh, please.
It is unlawful because they are breaking right to privacy laws, breaking the Administrative Procedures Act and separation of powers. They have to appear Friday and show that they destroyed what information they took to the judge. If that is not shown he can hold the Secretary of Treasury in contempt and even sit him in the cooler until they obey. This lawsuit is the stronger and the judge did bar anyone that is a part of Doge including musk near the data. On Friday there will probably be an extention on that freeze. There has also been a freeze put on the firing of the employees at US Aid.
I am responding to a question that has been deleted. If you read ALL of what I wrote - you will see you are preaching to the choir. But you would have to read the entire thread. I know everything you are telling me.
In addition to these great causes, please support the public interest NGOs at the heart of the urgent lawsuits to halt the Musk coup - which need resources to fight for the survival of democratic government and law and order in America: CREW, Public Citizen, PEER, Democracy Forward and several others. I am already donating to some of them.
I've also learned that musk and DOGE plan to dramatically cut funding to NIH (Dr. Fauci retired after many years with NIH.) Do we need to call the American Medical Association to request a lawsuit against this DOGE plan. Then we need to contact our state directors of public health plus our state Attorney Generals to request a lawsuit. Tomorrow will be busy when their offices open.
What I did yesterday: Here in St. Louis County, MO, the local Democratic Party is organized according to an arcane "Township" system which is confusing to everyone. To make a long story short, I created a Facebook group that corresponds to the place name of the suburb I live in rather than a "Township" system. This should make the local Democratic Party easier to find.
Great news! And we can safely say that very few of those 1600 calls per minute were from MAGA voters applauding Musk & Trump’s treasonous destruction of our government.
Another thing to consider: Calling out news organizations that refer to DOGE as if it's legitimate. Either through a comment on the story, a letter to the editor, what have you. In my opinion, the word "DOGE" should never appear in print unless it's preceded by "the so-called".
Thank you Simon! I really appreciate the focus on states pushing criminal charges. I really think this needs to be done.
I also hope you urge the Democrats to start media campaigns about "Where are the Republicans?" Like this needs to be a massive endless drumbeat, on social media (crafted memes), pods, townhalls, news interviews.... all of it constant and endless. People need to be thinking about that constantly.
Also... I have noticed that the medias are polling E. Why? He wasn't elected. (Sidenote what is up with the sketchy ass cbs poll cause there is no way that was real.)
I feel the polling is to separate T from what E is doing, eventually. You will notice they are attempting and to reflect Es approval is lower than the arsonist with the sharpie.
We REALLY NEED to make sure the public does not disconnect them all.
I would really like to see reps and senators ensuring this messaging, including the "where are the Republicans?" We have to keep them all anchored together.
One last thing Maya Wiley corrected someone in a pod the other day who said the term DEI. She said that we need to start using the actual words, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I think she was spot on.
I think congress and influencers need to start being more conscious of this in their interviews.
People hear the word DEI and tune everything being said afterwards out. Their rebuttles are not resonating because people are turning this discussion out with these buzzwords.
Whittling their protections down to 3 letters is not showing the minorities and handicapped that you are really understanding them. This large group of people need to know that they are seen by this party.
I agree. I think a great many women don't realize that includes them no matter their race or national origin.
I don't know about other states, but Connecticut can't receive their transportation funding until marriages and birthrates are higher than the national average. Both are lower. I hope Tong brings that bit of rubbish to the courts as well.
Thank you for adding women. I was trying to post that post and had to rewrite it 3x. I kept getting an error telling me to sign back in. Had to even go to a different device to get it to post for some reason.
Given his penchant for procreation, and for using his own kids as photo-op props (at least his non-trans kids), I think we can safely assume that Elon Musk will be receiving lots of government funding.
Someone in the past few weeks (but it could have been months as each week feels 10 years long - will have to find the piece if I can) suggested not using DEI and instead using "civil rights" - under the premise that DEI has been 'poisoned', so to speak. Certainly seems to have been weaponized. It may have been Maya Wiley.
I know that here (my house) one of those frank discussions had to take place before the election as DEI was being used dismissively, disparagingly.
I may have left this question here before, but it would be great if anyone who sees it and has any ideas about it could answer…I was thrilled to see the decision come down from the judge early yesterday demanding a stop to Musk’s intrusions into Treasury AND that his team destroy any files/info they have already downloaded. That was terrific. The problem, as I see it, is that Musk doesn’t really care what judges say, and neither does Trump, and Mike Johnson actually said that Musk is just doing what Repubs have wanted for years, so it’s all good with him! So how on earth can anyone ensure that this judgment is actually being followed? Our court system can only work if people actually feel compelled to abide by judges’ decisions.
I want to repeat something that I wrote yesterday in the comments. We must resist the inclination to turn wins into losses, to from glass half full to half empty, to live in negative and not positive space. We take the wins when they come and yes we will soon, perhaps already, have fights about their compliance. But so far they have been complying with every court order and the courts are ruling repeatedly in our favor.
So have they destroyed everything they have downloaded? I was hacked just before Christmas and I have finally got all the accounts, etc. changed. What a nightmare, fortunately I caught it right after it happened and was able to retrieve the money stolen. Really can't stand it. Taking most of whatever I can in cash and putting it into a fireproof safe. Sounds extreme but so are the risks.
Just watched the movie Winner, about Reality Winner. She did almost 5 years. Can someone tell me what she did that was different than trump, removing classified documents? I had seen the earlier film with Sydney Sweeney and I kept thinking, kid, why didn't you clam up and call a lawyer?
I called my two senators about the NIH funding because, even if you're a Republican and don't care about medical research or people's health, cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to institutions in your state hurts your state's economy.
Ken Martin is the new DNC Chair, and Simon has a great interview with him. However, some here have expressed not just disappointment that Ben Wikler didn’t win, but attacks on the DNC that I think frankly are uncalled for.
I encourage everyone to watch this terrific interview that Brian Tyler Cohen did with Ken Martin. It’s a really great conversation. I believe you will find the ideas delineated by the new DNC Chair to be both reassuring and inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwBqk8aKB18
Does Kamala Harris have any money left over from her campaign that could be donated to the DNC?
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/kamala-harris-campaign-spent-277-million-final-weeks-rcna182923
The DNC received "$66 million in contributions and transfers from the Harris campaign and its affiliated committees, mostly on Election Day or in the weeks after. The DNC's cash position was on par with its rival, the Republican National Committee, which had $42 million banked away as of Nov. 25."
Great. Thank you.
Thank you, Arctic. What I love and support about Simon's work and Hopium is it is about what we can do, what am I doing and I very much appreciate the self-reporters in the comments [I am involved in several local orgs in addition to the telephoning], i.e. it's not about what dems should do, etc, in case I'm not fully transparent here. do more worry less, as it were, is a way to remain calm and focused in this chaos
Thanks for sharing - it was reassuring. I do have one comment - while I agree we have good policies and messages to run and focusing on the working class is the right idea we also need to focus on the messenger part of this problem. Working class people don’t believe our leaders care about them because they (our party’s leaders) are not working class and so appear to be trying to relate to voters in a paternalistic manner. I know Ken Martin grew up working class but he does not come across as working class today. Our consultants still seem to think projecting empathy and concern about someone’s plight is enough and focus on the right message, not the right message for the messenger. If this is disconnected - voters think the expressed concern is phony.. The best example are Latino men. They don’t think Trump cares about them but they think he’s honest about who he is (he’s not of course) and how what he will do will help them (even though he’s not expressing empathy). They don’t value the “concern” expressed by the Democratic party about their rights.. Voters - particularly young voters - want authenticity (and are very suspicious) . So, we need to start with how voters perceive our leaders and party and rebuild the brand from that starting point. We are now a very elite brand. We need to lean into this and expand it (by highlighting new leadership but starting with where we are). We can’t just offer messages that voters like and win (for candidates). We have to offer messages that seem credible based on who the messengers/Democrats actually are and perceived as and start from there if we want to change things.
Republicans aren't running working class candidates, either. I agree we need to work on branding, but I also know a good 25-30% of them are voting for the hatred and the tribalism. We're not going to change them. We can do more at registering voters and bringing along sane Republicans and Independents.
...and recruit/activate people from the Sofasitter Party.
Just a thought: I believe Ken Martin’s primary job at the DNC is to be an enabler, an organizer and fund raiser. In short: a CATALYST for much-needed change. He does not himself need to be a prominent voice – but as head of the DNC Ken Martin will work to amplify our good Democratic voices.
Lojo, I agree with your main point. We need credible voices – multiple voices that resonate with working class people and the many varied groups and demographics that make up our country. Such as for instance the young David Hogg, newly elected Vice-Chair of the DNC.
I think a 50-state strategy will identify and elevate people who will be working class and will appeal to those voters. We need a bottom-up strategy long term, and it seems to me that Ken Martin understands that and is doing the necessary work to get us there. In the short term, of course, we all need to do our part. WE are the messengers, so let's elevate our voices!
Agreed. And amplify David Hogg
I listened to HoosLeft this morning. My assessment/synopsis: City council dems bonding to get rid of democratic socialist to get along with/benefit from republican state control?
I loved watching the video and took notes. I also shared the video with others. Thank you.
I am fully getting on board with Simon's direction to not attack our own. What resonates with me? Why should I do MAGA's or really any Republican's 'work' for them. I will be continuing to make this point on social media. We have to push the negative narrative of MAGA/Republicanism
Also saw Meidas Touch mention they interviewed him on their podcast.
Simon et al.:
It seems that LEON IS POSSIBLY MOVING WITH SUPER BOWL (TODAY) LEVEL PSYOPS AGAINST USAID. Please take a look at this information (including the short video) from former FBI agent and now law professor, Asha Rangappa: https://asharangappa.substack.com/p/prebunking-elon-musks-super-bowl . We probably need to share her offering - widely. Yes?
Thanks.
P.S.: Do the following now! First, teach civics. Second, register voters. Third, teach civics. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
What happened to GOTV in 2024? There were all these expensive rallies with the Obama’s and various celebrities telling us to GOTV. The rallies were filled to capacity, probably for the entertainment value. Did the people who attended these rallies actually go home and get people to the polls? No.
Linda:
The other side has an advantage. They do not need to be truthful. So, I've been pushing the need for civics education. Those who followed LEGITIMATE political news voted for VP Harris:https://www.dataforprogress.org/insights/2024/11/14/what-political-news-engagement-tells-us-about-donald-trumps-victory.
Now, we have an advantage. Our brains are wired to magnify the value of loss over gain. The majority of Federal transfer payments go to Red districts. Their absence will be hard for Republicans not named DOLOS (my name for #47) to explain - or to replace. So, the "nameless and unaccountable" bureaucrats of the formerly "invisible and wasteful" Federal Government suddenly becomes truly IMPORTANT - and IRREPLACEABLE.
Thanks for your comments and for your efforts.
Simon - Thank you for being here for us 7 days a week. Should we make our calls tomorrow on the issue of cabinet nominees? Does this make sense?
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii placed a hold on further appointments within the State Department. Per Senator Schatz: ““Dismantling USAID is illegal and makes us less safe. USAID was created by federal law and is funded by Congress. Donald Trump and Elon Musk can’t just wish it away with a stroke of a pen — they need to pass a law.”
What is the procedure for placing a hold on a nomination? This explanation from the Congressional Research Service is not in plain English, but it seems any Senator can place a hold on nominations for Director of the FBI, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Director of National Intelligence, other nominees?
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12200
Then there would be something called “Cloture.” I believe this now is voted on by roll call. So, placing a hold, then having to invoke cloture just delays the process.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL31980#_Toc127952707
What can we do about this? Should we call our Democratic Senators on Monday and request a “blanket hold” on the further nominations within the DOJ, such as that of Kash Patel to be FBI Director? Then would it be possible to place a “blanket hold” on further nominations within Health and Human Services, such as that of RFK, Jr, and Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence? All of these nominees are completely unqualified and an utter danger to our national security both domestically and with attacks from abroad. Of course RFK,Jr is a disgrace and would destroy our public health system.
WIRED Magazine, the New York Times (quoted above and linked to by Simon), and numerous other media outlets have published exposés on what Musk’s DOGE is doing to the federal government – and how this blatantly-illegal Musk-led demolition is being resisted in Congress, by the courts, and by other means.
Here is a gift link to another article, in The Washington Post.
https://wapo.st/4jNQEo9
WIRED Magazine – Two excellent articles on Musk’s DOGE:
. The US Government Is Not a Startup
"Elon Musk is moving fast and breaking things that can’t afford to be broken."
https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-government-is-not-a-startup/
. The Young, Inexperienced Engineers Aiding Elon Musk’s Government Takeover
https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-government-young-engineers/
(Unless you are a subscriber, you can see just a few Wired articles for free each mo.)
THE GUARDIAN:
. Who is helping Elon Musk gut the US government?
"The billionaire’s cost-cutting ‘Doge’ staff includes wealthy executives, far-right ideologues and young engineers"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/08/elon-musk-doge-team-staff
Vittoria Elliott | Leah Feiger | Tim Marchman
Politics
Feb 6, 2025 6:55 PM
The US Treasury Claimed DOGE Technologist Didn’t Have ‘Write Access’ When He Actually Did
Sources tell WIRED that the ability of DOGE’s Marko Elez to alter code controlling trillions in federal spending was rescinded days after US Treasury and White House officials said it didn’t exist.
https://www.wired.com/story/treasury-department-doge-marko-elez-access/
Rescinded. Was his work undone / reversed?
Talking Points Memo
February 4, 2025 9:48 a.m.
Overnight, Wired reported that, contrary to published reports that DOGE operatives at the Treasury Department are limited to “read only” access to department payment systems, this is not true. A 25-year-old DOGE operative named Marko Elez in fact has admin privileges on these critical systems, which directly control and pay out roughly 95% of payments made by the U.S. government, including Social Security checks, tax refunds and virtually all contract payments. I can independently confirm these details based on conversations going back to the weekend. I can further report that Elez not only has full access to these systems, he has already made extensive changes to the code base for these critical payment system.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/musk-cronies-dive-into-treasury-dept-payments-code-base
The hacking of the US Treasury by a sophisticated group of hired "plumbers" [hackers] reminds me of Watergate is a criminal breach with the authorization of the President.
Another #3: CRIMINAL INCURSION (US Treasury) authorized by Trump, from #1: January 6 Insurrection and #2 Pardons of all felons. Mind you FELONS are now considering runs for office . . . Each state has its rules on what constitutes a felony as related to holding public office and candidates can appeal to be "exonerated" and cleared for candidacy
All good articles. Thank you.
Musk must be stopped/tripped up/beaten at his own game.
And what's with the new support for "racially discriminated" white, rich Afrikaaners? Tell-tale MUSK fingerprints all over this one.
Is Peter Thiel also getting a seat at the table?
A question that I ask myself (and have asked on other fora) is this:
Do we know to what extent Musk’s DOGE team has passed sensitive government data on to Palantir? And, if so, what sort of data analytics Peter Thiel’s Palantir have been doing with the data of government employees, recipients, etc.?
Apologies if you have seen this before, but one way to fight back was promoted on Timothy Snyder (On Tyranny) substack. The Democrats must get louder to respond forcefully to the administration blitz. They can form form a Democratic People's Cabinet, our best folks fighting, calling out illegalities, and presenting an alternative vision. Please >repost< and sign this petition! Over 6K signers so far!
change.org/shadowcabinet
(see change.org/shadowcabinet)
I want to comment on this as it comes up a lot. 1) We already have Senators and House members who believe they have these jobs, and are unlikely to give them to others. 2) this is a very small part of the broader comms overhaul that needs to happen and is not in anyway a silver bullet.
Completely agree, this is just one idea of many. The point behind it is that: 1) We need a real comms overhaul to actually happen, asap, within the whole party; i.e. bigger than the usual DNC purview, and this is one idea to foster that. 2) The folks who believe they have these jobs already need to start speaking out strongly and as a team asap, or let colleagues do those jobs. Folks are signing the petition because they are frustrated and want to see some organized action already.
Of course the DNC election happened not that long ago and we should support their efforts. Hopefully they will aim big and work fast, and the petition might help that to happen.
I would agree with Simon and also think this is a potentially divisive strategy.
Check frustration at the door.
I love hopium because it helps my frustration with the world (not with Hopium) by channeling it into positive actions- including inspiring me to start a petition. Apologies for being divisive.
PS Please check out Robert Hubbell’s substack this AM
https://substack.com/home/post/p-156838794
The Democrats need to be running ads on all the popular programs: sports, late night shows, CNN, MSNBC, whatever people watch. I wonder if they will have ads on the Super Bowl. My son will let me know. (Full disclosure - I really do not watch TV at all. I like to read my news here on Substack and from Democracy Docket and a few other sources that are reliable.
People watch Fox. MSNBC is preaching to the choir.
Kamala, Pete Buttigieg and Tim Walz went on Fox. We should go for it. How are those viewers feeling now with inflation up, consumer confidence down, and their financial information stolen by DOGE? Health care threatened.
I was a regular guest on Fox for 18 years. They basically don't allow Dems on any more.
I recommend billboards-seriously. Media is self-selecting, but routes tend not to be. Want to get through NE PA, you’re driving on PA-33, Interstate 80, Interstate 78.
My profile pic is a billboard by our NM Secretary of State when trump was here running up bills that never got paid. YOU is highlighted in a different color.
– PRESIDENT TRUMP –
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM
I like it.
LETS GET LOUD
I am all for legal suits against Elon but in the. meantime he needs to be arrested now, now, as the damage is being done. I wish I were an elected official and would do a citizen arrest, militia or not.
Professor Galloway did a podcast on this and I saw he was just of the same mind as my little self, lol
I believe that all a judge has ordered unfrozen has not been. If those reports are true,wouldn't that be cause for an arrest? You or I would be, I have to assume.
Why would it be "unlawful"? These little brats are NOT employees of the USG - for that matter, neither is the Muskrat. At the very least they should be evicted, now, their equipment impounded until all court actions have been settled. The Supreme Court "get out of jail free" decision should be challenged in court as a preemptive decision that is now being used to destroy the country. This is no fantasy solution, this is a concrete idea. Again, why is it "unlawful."? Why would it end badly? Worse than the unlawful invasion of treasury files? I think not.
Of course not! How dare you assume that's what I am talking about. That is movie land stuff. To the best of my knowledge there were no actual orders issued. They are not under contract. There were no papers giving them the right of entrance. If there had been the employees would not have refused them entrance; or did you miss that? Again, Muskrat is NOT an employee of the USG but is "volunteering his "talents". By the way where are you getting you knowledge? Judge Judy? "citizen's arrest" in deed. Oh, please.
It is unlawful because they are breaking right to privacy laws, breaking the Administrative Procedures Act and separation of powers. They have to appear Friday and show that they destroyed what information they took to the judge. If that is not shown he can hold the Secretary of Treasury in contempt and even sit him in the cooler until they obey. This lawsuit is the stronger and the judge did bar anyone that is a part of Doge including musk near the data. On Friday there will probably be an extention on that freeze. There has also been a freeze put on the firing of the employees at US Aid.
I am responding to a question that has been deleted. If you read ALL of what I wrote - you will see you are preaching to the choir. But you would have to read the entire thread. I know everything you are telling me.
In addition to these great causes, please support the public interest NGOs at the heart of the urgent lawsuits to halt the Musk coup - which need resources to fight for the survival of democratic government and law and order in America: CREW, Public Citizen, PEER, Democracy Forward and several others. I am already donating to some of them.
I've also learned that musk and DOGE plan to dramatically cut funding to NIH (Dr. Fauci retired after many years with NIH.) Do we need to call the American Medical Association to request a lawsuit against this DOGE plan. Then we need to contact our state directors of public health plus our state Attorney Generals to request a lawsuit. Tomorrow will be busy when their offices open.
https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/aamc-statement-drastic-cuts-nih-funded-research
I wouldn't hold my breath on the AMA. Calling AGs and Electeds about NIH scandal makes more sense.
What I did yesterday: Here in St. Louis County, MO, the local Democratic Party is organized according to an arcane "Township" system which is confusing to everyone. To make a long story short, I created a Facebook group that corresponds to the place name of the suburb I live in rather than a "Township" system. This should make the local Democratic Party easier to find.
Yes, States must keep enforcing the law. That is how trump became a felon x 34 !!!
According to Heather Cox Richardson, the Senate phone system usually gets about 40 calls a minute. Last week it was up to 1,600.
Great news! And we can safely say that very few of those 1600 calls per minute were from MAGA voters applauding Musk & Trump’s treasonous destruction of our government.
Another thing to consider: Calling out news organizations that refer to DOGE as if it's legitimate. Either through a comment on the story, a letter to the editor, what have you. In my opinion, the word "DOGE" should never appear in print unless it's preceded by "the so-called".
Thank you Simon! I really appreciate the focus on states pushing criminal charges. I really think this needs to be done.
I also hope you urge the Democrats to start media campaigns about "Where are the Republicans?" Like this needs to be a massive endless drumbeat, on social media (crafted memes), pods, townhalls, news interviews.... all of it constant and endless. People need to be thinking about that constantly.
Also... I have noticed that the medias are polling E. Why? He wasn't elected. (Sidenote what is up with the sketchy ass cbs poll cause there is no way that was real.)
I feel the polling is to separate T from what E is doing, eventually. You will notice they are attempting and to reflect Es approval is lower than the arsonist with the sharpie.
We REALLY NEED to make sure the public does not disconnect them all.
I would really like to see reps and senators ensuring this messaging, including the "where are the Republicans?" We have to keep them all anchored together.
One last thing Maya Wiley corrected someone in a pod the other day who said the term DEI. She said that we need to start using the actual words, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I think she was spot on.
I think congress and influencers need to start being more conscious of this in their interviews.
People hear the word DEI and tune everything being said afterwards out. Their rebuttles are not resonating because people are turning this discussion out with these buzzwords.
Whittling their protections down to 3 letters is not showing the minorities and handicapped that you are really understanding them. This large group of people need to know that they are seen by this party.
Also Includes women.
Another correction we might consider replacing the frequency of the word "people" with "humans".
I agree. I think a great many women don't realize that includes them no matter their race or national origin.
I don't know about other states, but Connecticut can't receive their transportation funding until marriages and birthrates are higher than the national average. Both are lower. I hope Tong brings that bit of rubbish to the courts as well.
Thank you for adding women. I was trying to post that post and had to rewrite it 3x. I kept getting an error telling me to sign back in. Had to even go to a different device to get it to post for some reason.
Given his penchant for procreation, and for using his own kids as photo-op props (at least his non-trans kids), I think we can safely assume that Elon Musk will be receiving lots of government funding.
/s
Someone in the past few weeks (but it could have been months as each week feels 10 years long - will have to find the piece if I can) suggested not using DEI and instead using "civil rights" - under the premise that DEI has been 'poisoned', so to speak. Certainly seems to have been weaponized. It may have been Maya Wiley.
I know that here (my house) one of those frank discussions had to take place before the election as DEI was being used dismissively, disparagingly.
Fortunately, that behavior stopped here.
Yes, people do need to know that they are seen.
And heard.
And that the changes coming up affect all of us.
I may have left this question here before, but it would be great if anyone who sees it and has any ideas about it could answer…I was thrilled to see the decision come down from the judge early yesterday demanding a stop to Musk’s intrusions into Treasury AND that his team destroy any files/info they have already downloaded. That was terrific. The problem, as I see it, is that Musk doesn’t really care what judges say, and neither does Trump, and Mike Johnson actually said that Musk is just doing what Repubs have wanted for years, so it’s all good with him! So how on earth can anyone ensure that this judgment is actually being followed? Our court system can only work if people actually feel compelled to abide by judges’ decisions.
I want to repeat something that I wrote yesterday in the comments. We must resist the inclination to turn wins into losses, to from glass half full to half empty, to live in negative and not positive space. We take the wins when they come and yes we will soon, perhaps already, have fights about their compliance. But so far they have been complying with every court order and the courts are ruling repeatedly in our favor.
Every day is a new day and we just have to keep grabbing as much democratic real estate as we can. It is a fight, and every day is a new day.
So have they destroyed everything they have downloaded? I was hacked just before Christmas and I have finally got all the accounts, etc. changed. What a nightmare, fortunately I caught it right after it happened and was able to retrieve the money stolen. Really can't stand it. Taking most of whatever I can in cash and putting it into a fireproof safe. Sounds extreme but so are the risks.
Just watched the movie Winner, about Reality Winner. She did almost 5 years. Can someone tell me what she did that was different than trump, removing classified documents? I had seen the earlier film with Sydney Sweeney and I kept thinking, kid, why didn't you clam up and call a lawyer?
I called my two senators about the NIH funding because, even if you're a Republican and don't care about medical research or people's health, cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to institutions in your state hurts your state's economy.
Thank you Simon!
Musk isn’t for We The People.
I’m donating what I can, when I can. Congrats to Martin and Hogg. #LFG!