I'd like to sign up for another phone bank with the campaign, but I'm having trouble with the dialer they're using, plus, they're on Google Meet. I'm signed up for a Behn phone bank with Indivisible this afternoon, where they're using Zoom and probably a dialer that I'm familiar with.
Donated $20 to Aftyn Behn through Hopium fundraiser.
Calling senators to pass HR 6019 stat.
—
Sent letter to my reps in my state legislature (who are team red) (copy/paste):
This letter is in regard to the increasing frequency of US citizens being arrested by ICE or Border Patrol here in Oregon.
It appears that at least four US citizens have been detained by ICE (or Border Patrol) in the past week. One of them was a high school kid who was on his lunch break. They smashed his dad’s car window, which apparently caused him injury. They told him they did not care that he said he was a citizen. This apparently occurred because –no surprise—he is Latino or appears to be Latino.
We cannot be a free country, defined by individual liberty, if any US citizen who appears Latino is subject to random violent arrest simply for appearing Latino.
At least some of the other citizens who were detained by ICE recently were detained because they were filming ICE activity in public.
It is protected by law to film events occurring in public. It is illegal for ICE to arrest US citizens who are engaging in lawful behavior while existing in public.
We cannot be a free country, defined by individual liberty, if US citizens cannot engage in perfectly lawful activity in public for fear of being illegally arrested by federal officers who would simply prefer to be able to arrest anyone who irritates them.
What is occurring is an attempt by rogue federal police forces to usurp the basic police power, which under the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution belongs to the states.
The State of Oregon, which you represent, needs to speak up for its people and for the constitutional sovereignty of the State of Oregon.
This is great. I really like the structure with the "We cannot be a free country if" line and the reference to usurping police powers belonging to states. It should be the kind of sentiment that would reach "team red," if they can find their spines.
This continues to break my heart. THere is a family detained from Durango CO... a dad and 2 kids; their mom is still here in Durango. They are in a TX detention facility. Evidently the news is they are so exhausted from this process they have voluntarily signed self deportation papers... Even the CO AG hasn't been able to do anything. Almost nothing else is so awful
Yep, and the point is to demoralize us and make us think it's hopeless. It's a timeworn authoritarian tactic. Let's be guided by our outrage, not our despair.
I'm copying this for sure, great letter! I live in Yamhill County and this hits hard. I'm in agriculture and ICE has been a gut punch to the whole state, the whole valley. The fear all of this is causing is primal and palpable.
And Vance continues to show why he’ll get nothing accomplished if he has to finish T’s term.
Do you know that scene in Airplane! where a woman is in hysterics and there’s just a massive line up of people waiting to slap her out of it in increasingly violent ways? That’s what I picture a Vance presidency would be like.
Traveling today but excited to hear from Behn later. Whatever happens on Tuesday, she makes me feel hopeful.
Simon, thank you for the good information. I donated a bit to Aftyn Behn yesterday and called my representatives today to urge them to rebuke Trump on "his" plan for Ukraine.
Hope those traveling for the holiday have safe trips.
I hope people do jump in to support Aftyn at the last minute here. I don't think she would be a Democrat who would record an embarrassing "yes" vote on a resolution condemning "the horrors of socialism," like Gillen & Suozzi did. She is the kind of fighter we need in Congress.
I looked up who voted for that stupid thing and was glad my rep is not on the list. I figured she wouldn’t be; she’s no-nonsense. Can our legislature behave like educated adults please?
crazy times! think we might get ACA saved with repub support, extended for 2 years. and more repubs vowing to quit so they will be free agents til jan. they can join dems in saving health care. and maybe even enuf quit to hand the house to dems way before elections. this is the easiest, safest and quickest path to block trumpism. brilliant whoever thought of it. and thx to MTG for starting it, even tho. feel like this is a dream come true. let's see if we get lucky!! they are in a rout now.
Good morning all -- I attended a vigil for Ukraine at the Sacramento Capitol building last night. An organization called the Sunflower Society has been holding these vigils on the 24th of every month pretty much since the war began almost three years ago. It was very moving. People stood solemnly with signs in front of the Capitol, with many others taking pictures. I eventually realized that many of the pictures were going back to Ukraine, to show those fighting and suffering that they weren't forgotten. The US national anthem was played, followed by the Ukrainian anthem and speeches from several people, all of which were translated into Ukrainian.
The end of the rally was amazing and I believe should be copied. The last person spoke about the importance of calling your member of Congress, and then demonstrated by actually calling a member of Congress over the sound system and leaving a message -- at the end of the message the entire crowd loudly repeated "Thank you for supporting Ukraine" four times. This was repeated by others three times, so that all four US representative in the Sacramento area (Matsui, Bera, Kiley, Thompson) were called in this way. Just a great way to model how it's done.
I donated to Behn just now. Maybe she can catch a wave.
Simon... what is happening with the Ukraine "deal" today? I always trust your reporting. Any new news? I'm loathe to even check in on the Guardian. Never know what's true anymore. Do you know?
Since my sister is SO busy with her career and has no time, I have also decided to start calling her reps... I used to live here after all. That will make me feel good. Hickenlooper and Bennet are good guys but they don't make enough noise. Meanwhile... here comes Thanksgiving. Grateful for all of you at Hopium and wishing you equanimity during these crazy times, not to mention love, sweet family connections, and good health. Glad to have several communities on line and off line who take care of each other.
I didn't really report on it for the die is cast - Trump is with Russia. I don't know if anything else matters. It is why we have to fight as hard as we can and make this very painful for him. Congressional Rs are very angry. 85 Senators cosponsored the sanctions bill. What has happened here could lead to a legit, structural break and a new pro-democracy opposition could form. The reason he has been bullshitting us is that he worried about a Congressional rebellion. And we are here, now.
The very lovely Kurt Andersen and Joanna Coles (The Daily Beast) discuss hot topics -- it's great Thanksgiving kitchen prep company.
In case you didn't know, RFK Jr was Kurt Andersen's coke dealer in college.
Trigger warning: RFK Jr.'s erotic poetry might make you throw up in your own mouth, so be careful what you are doing in the kitchen when you reach that part.
I’m phone banking for her!! Here’s how to help in Tennessee-sign up and Send this link to friends to invite: https://mobilize.us/s/qeOPeY/r
I'd like to sign up for another phone bank with the campaign, but I'm having trouble with the dialer they're using, plus, they're on Google Meet. I'm signed up for a Behn phone bank with Indivisible this afternoon, where they're using Zoom and probably a dialer that I'm familiar with.
Donated $20 to Aftyn Behn through Hopium fundraiser.
Calling senators to pass HR 6019 stat.
—
Sent letter to my reps in my state legislature (who are team red) (copy/paste):
This letter is in regard to the increasing frequency of US citizens being arrested by ICE or Border Patrol here in Oregon.
It appears that at least four US citizens have been detained by ICE (or Border Patrol) in the past week. One of them was a high school kid who was on his lunch break. They smashed his dad’s car window, which apparently caused him injury. They told him they did not care that he said he was a citizen. This apparently occurred because –no surprise—he is Latino or appears to be Latino.
We cannot be a free country, defined by individual liberty, if any US citizen who appears Latino is subject to random violent arrest simply for appearing Latino.
At least some of the other citizens who were detained by ICE recently were detained because they were filming ICE activity in public.
It is protected by law to film events occurring in public. It is illegal for ICE to arrest US citizens who are engaging in lawful behavior while existing in public.
We cannot be a free country, defined by individual liberty, if US citizens cannot engage in perfectly lawful activity in public for fear of being illegally arrested by federal officers who would simply prefer to be able to arrest anyone who irritates them.
What is occurring is an attempt by rogue federal police forces to usurp the basic police power, which under the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution belongs to the states.
The State of Oregon, which you represent, needs to speak up for its people and for the constitutional sovereignty of the State of Oregon.
Thank you.
This is great. I really like the structure with the "We cannot be a free country if" line and the reference to usurping police powers belonging to states. It should be the kind of sentiment that would reach "team red," if they can find their spines.
This continues to break my heart. THere is a family detained from Durango CO... a dad and 2 kids; their mom is still here in Durango. They are in a TX detention facility. Evidently the news is they are so exhausted from this process they have voluntarily signed self deportation papers... Even the CO AG hasn't been able to do anything. Almost nothing else is so awful
Yep, and the point is to demoralize us and make us think it's hopeless. It's a timeworn authoritarian tactic. Let's be guided by our outrage, not our despair.
I'm copying this for sure, great letter! I live in Yamhill County and this hits hard. I'm in agriculture and ICE has been a gut punch to the whole state, the whole valley. The fear all of this is causing is primal and palpable.
It feels so good to donate to Aftyn B. Just pressed the buttons. WOOT D's. WOOT decline of the Biggest Ugly. WOOT WOOT WOOT.
Brookline, MA’s resolution, in case this hasn’t been posted yet: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2025/11/24/brookline-town-meeting-declares-trump-unfit-for-office/?p1=hp_featurestack
Here is the text: https://www.brooklinema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/60094/ARTICLE-19---Reso-25th-Amend
amazing!
Sarah, it is posted in the resolutions chat, including links to video and audio. https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/hopium-resolutions-project-discussion/comment/179339956
My favorite part was the testimony by proponent Jon Margolis. Here's an edited (for brevity) audioclip that I made. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mBmb2GxjSNdc-NQm3U8UrkUS5Fn2rVlF/view?usp=sharing
Way to go Sarah!!!
Kudos to Hopium's Deborah Good !
I had nothing to do with it!
Congratulations Brookline, MA 💙
well done, Brookline!
And Vance continues to show why he’ll get nothing accomplished if he has to finish T’s term.
Do you know that scene in Airplane! where a woman is in hysterics and there’s just a massive line up of people waiting to slap her out of it in increasingly violent ways? That’s what I picture a Vance presidency would be like.
Traveling today but excited to hear from Behn later. Whatever happens on Tuesday, she makes me feel hopeful.
Surely she has a chance.
Don't call me ......
We have clearance, Clarence...
What’s our vector, Victor?
Flying a plane is no different than riding a bicycle, just a lot harder to put baseball cards in the spokes.
Simon, thank you for the good information. I donated a bit to Aftyn Behn yesterday and called my representatives today to urge them to rebuke Trump on "his" plan for Ukraine.
Hope those traveling for the holiday have safe trips.
I hope people do jump in to support Aftyn at the last minute here. I don't think she would be a Democrat who would record an embarrassing "yes" vote on a resolution condemning "the horrors of socialism," like Gillen & Suozzi did. She is the kind of fighter we need in Congress.
I looked up who voted for that stupid thing and was glad my rep is not on the list. I figured she wouldn’t be; she’s no-nonsense. Can our legislature behave like educated adults please?
It’s so embarrassing. It’s simple to seize the narrative, but we let ourselves get played, every time.
Donated to Aftyn today.
crazy times! think we might get ACA saved with repub support, extended for 2 years. and more repubs vowing to quit so they will be free agents til jan. they can join dems in saving health care. and maybe even enuf quit to hand the house to dems way before elections. this is the easiest, safest and quickest path to block trumpism. brilliant whoever thought of it. and thx to MTG for starting it, even tho. feel like this is a dream come true. let's see if we get lucky!! they are in a rout now.
Well, I figured when the bottom fell out, it would be quick. Is this the moment? Perhaps...
I sent postcards to voters on Aftyn Behn’s behalf.
So did I.
Thank you Simon for all your hard work!
Good morning all -- I attended a vigil for Ukraine at the Sacramento Capitol building last night. An organization called the Sunflower Society has been holding these vigils on the 24th of every month pretty much since the war began almost three years ago. It was very moving. People stood solemnly with signs in front of the Capitol, with many others taking pictures. I eventually realized that many of the pictures were going back to Ukraine, to show those fighting and suffering that they weren't forgotten. The US national anthem was played, followed by the Ukrainian anthem and speeches from several people, all of which were translated into Ukrainian.
This is one of the war crimes trump wants to give Putin amnesty for. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/explosions-shake-western-ukraine-after-russias-missile-drone-attacks-2025-11-19/. A social media post from one of the survivors was read at the rally.
The end of the rally was amazing and I believe should be copied. The last person spoke about the importance of calling your member of Congress, and then demonstrated by actually calling a member of Congress over the sound system and leaving a message -- at the end of the message the entire crowd loudly repeated "Thank you for supporting Ukraine" four times. This was repeated by others three times, so that all four US representative in the Sacramento area (Matsui, Bera, Kiley, Thompson) were called in this way. Just a great way to model how it's done.
I donated to Behn just now. Maybe she can catch a wave.
Great report John, Thank You!
thank you! Good stuff!
Oh, that's a great rally design. So moving!
Simon... what is happening with the Ukraine "deal" today? I always trust your reporting. Any new news? I'm loathe to even check in on the Guardian. Never know what's true anymore. Do you know?
Since my sister is SO busy with her career and has no time, I have also decided to start calling her reps... I used to live here after all. That will make me feel good. Hickenlooper and Bennet are good guys but they don't make enough noise. Meanwhile... here comes Thanksgiving. Grateful for all of you at Hopium and wishing you equanimity during these crazy times, not to mention love, sweet family connections, and good health. Glad to have several communities on line and off line who take care of each other.
In the meantime, here is what WaPo has to say today. https://wapo.st/3XkN8ro
I didn't really report on it for the die is cast - Trump is with Russia. I don't know if anything else matters. It is why we have to fight as hard as we can and make this very painful for him. Congressional Rs are very angry. 85 Senators cosponsored the sanctions bill. What has happened here could lead to a legit, structural break and a new pro-democracy opposition could form. The reason he has been bullshitting us is that he worried about a Congressional rebellion. And we are here, now.
85 Senators?! Trump is collapsing day by day. We have 'em on the run.
Keep going!
I made Ukraine and Venezuela the focus of my calls to Tillis and Budd today.
me too.
Signed up for 2 phone banks for Aftyn
Called both Illinois senators and my congressman to support Ukraine by opposing Trump's pro-Russia peace plan
The very lovely Kurt Andersen and Joanna Coles (The Daily Beast) discuss hot topics -- it's great Thanksgiving kitchen prep company.
In case you didn't know, RFK Jr was Kurt Andersen's coke dealer in college.
Trigger warning: RFK Jr.'s erotic poetry might make you throw up in your own mouth, so be careful what you are doing in the kitchen when you reach that part.
https://youtu.be/e8Cxhr16dBY?si=OoMWLe8iuUP6aNbF