It’s time to embrace this concept that really can be a reality if we put our minds to it. It’s OK to be #PolarOppositePatriots working together to stop the Trump madness despite vastly different ideologies. Put #FamiliesFirst and nation over party.
I grabbed the text of the International Criminal Court's indictment of Putin the other day:
"Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinCharges
Allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation (under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute). The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes, (i) for having committed the acts directly, jointly with others and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), and (ii) for his failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts, or allowed for their commission, and who were under his effective authority and control, pursuant to superior responsibility (article 28(b) of the Rome Statute)."
I wrote to all Dem Senators, plus 2 Independents, proposing they pass/propose a resolution to arrest PUTIN when he arrives in Alaska. Even if voted down it would make Republicans go on the record and at least it would demonstrate where the Dems are.
Simon refers to all of us as family .... and calling us proud, plucky patriots is a term of endearment, in my opinion. It is also a way to encourage and support us. So many on our side complain and retell the same sad story about Trump without doing anything else. This is true about many others hosting Substacks. Simon acknowledges the nightmare (damn, I also live in the DMV Washington area and having the National Guard marching down the streets is abominable) while he offers ideas and positive activities that we can do.
For my entire adult life, I have been mildly embarrassed to fly a flag in front of my house because I was afraid it would identify me as a Republican. I'm ashamed that I felt that way and now identify as a proud patriot! For me it is a label that opposes everything Trump stands for and embraces democracy. I have used it with friends and they many of them look startled and then pleased. We need to reclaim these titles and symbols.
Ahhh..Republikkans...Who claim to be the party of Law and Order and Christian Family Values. Hypocrites who worship a draft dodging convicted sex offending felon.
Also, had the same reaction about the flag. Now it is in every window along with "NO Kings" and "Support Vets" signs. We hand them out at protests. People really want to have our symbol be the people's symbol it is... My father carried that flag in front of every "decoration day" march in our little town of 650 people. he served in the pacific theater. He hated war --- but he would be in this war now.
I'm about to watch the interview with Stuart to hopefully cleanse my palate from the excerpt of Katie Miller's podcast that I just saw; however, I had to stop and admire for a quiet moment that Simon's unruly hair today reminds me a little bit of Dr. Irwin Corey's. Just had to say.
There was never any middle ground, firmly divided since his first term...my worst nightmare that he became president again. Thank you for all you do, and thank you to your guest for being here...and for continuing to provide encouragement to us all when it can feel so overwhelming. I am very concerned about Democrats finding that higher gear...for me, rather than focusing on the Epstein files, I feel the focus has to be on rallying, a courageous, clear, bold and unapologetic stance, approach and strategy, and nothing less than victory, in the next election, and beyond. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures
Ok I need to ask a question of my American friends. Given that he who shall not be named instigated a coup that turned into a riot that some of these police officers would have been on the receiving end of or would have had colleagues who were - how do you think they are going to react to the scumbag that set a mob on them for hours without giving them any help and then pardoned the rioters? I’m genuinely interested in how any of it makes sense
That is such a good question. Just a guess that our police forces are divided like our country is. Some of them probably agree with Trump’s characterization of DC, and some think he’s a moronic dictator wannabe horning in on their territory. I can’t imagine they’ll love having Kash Patel or Pete Hegseth telling them how to do their jobs, however - it’s kind of a diss on them, no?
Michael Fanone - the DC police officer who was brutally attacked at the Capitol by rioters and had a heart attack - would be the one to answer what percentage of police support Trump. He says he was ostracized for speaking against Trump and couldn't get another job in law enforcement.
I can pretty much tell you that when I lived in DC, the Metro Police were by and large NOT right wing nut jobs, though there were some. Many had grown up in or close to the city, and they walked beats on the streets and in the neighborhoods of the Nation's Capital. As the city has become more white, I believe this has changed, not because the force itself is more white, but bc fewer of them actually live or lived there.
Great recommendation. Why dont you two charter a plane and fill it with all Dems elected officials from Fed State and local governments. Send one to Ukraine and another to Alaska
One of the ideals of this community is that we don’t attack our own side but instead focus on our opposition to far-right authoritarianism. Trump and his cronies are the problem, not the Democrats.
Simon talks about this all the time, but there are leaders standing up and showing their leadership every day in this fight. There are people speaking out every day. Simon literally had an interview last week focusing on the problems in the Supreme Court.
We’re all frustrated that things aren’t where we want them to be, but the focus should be on the heinously unethical and illegal acts of this corrupt administration.
This is not meant to be an attack. This is my opinion. Yes, the brave Dems mentioned here are doing a great job. I would also like to pay tribute to the great Democratic Governors across the country standing up. Where are the other elected officials? BTW, I am not sitting around just complaining. I am active and I support many voices, but I can only do so much as a 70 year old retired person.
I am so fired up by Stuart’s plain spoken manner that I just contacted Schiff and Padilla to demand that Democrats have Putin arrested the minute he sets foot on American soil.
In so many words. I reminded them too, that Trump is a Russian puppet.
My nerves are twanged because my local Gen Z - run county Democratic central committee is screeching about Schiff and Padilla’s ties to pro-Israel baby-starvers. Which is the worst of circular firing squad shenanigans…
This was so important, Simon. Stuart is awesome. I also think I've seen examples of strength and muscle in the last week. Newsom, Pritzer, the Texas Dems, now we need many many more examples.
I'm now approaching my Rep and Senators and even my Governor contacts differently. For those who haven't already discovered Steve Anderson's - @sanderson1581 - Reclaim the American Republic - reclaimamerica.substack.com - please start reading him as part of your overall information consumption. Extremely well written and digestible... and he includes steps on how we retake our democracy.
To distill: Defeating the Oligarchy Dissolves Fascism.
Every day, I'm sending motivators to our Reps for planning now to rebuild and then hit the ground running upon re-election:
1. Begin implementing the process of New Deal 2.0 reforms. Right now. This should be the highest priority for execution when Democrats retake the House. The Minority Leader should be strategizing NOW with all Democrats and Independents.
2. I'm stressing that we want a new model that rebalances power in favor of the public good. New Deal 2.0.
It’s time to embrace this concept that really can be a reality if we put our minds to it. It’s OK to be #PolarOppositePatriots working together to stop the Trump madness despite vastly different ideologies. Put #FamiliesFirst and nation over party.
To borrow a line from Reagan, someone who you agree with on 80% of the issues, is not your enemy 20% of the time.
Putin is a war criminal and should be arrested in Alaska. Putin is stealing and selling Ukranian children
Yes. Yes. And YES!
I grabbed the text of the International Criminal Court's indictment of Putin the other day:
"Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinCharges
Allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation (under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute). The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes, (i) for having committed the acts directly, jointly with others and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), and (ii) for his failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts, or allowed for their commission, and who were under his effective authority and control, pursuant to superior responsibility (article 28(b) of the Rome Statute)."
Just so we know. This is not vague.
thank you for posting this
I wrote to all Dem Senators, plus 2 Independents, proposing they pass/propose a resolution to arrest PUTIN when he arrives in Alaska. Even if voted down it would make Republicans go on the record and at least it would demonstrate where the Dems are.
Thank you. Unfortunately, the MAGA base stops caring for children as soon as they are born.
The U.S. is not a member of the International Criminal Court so I doubt if their agents would come to Alaska to arrest Putin....
Simon --- enough with "Proud Patriots" and plucky anything. This is not grown up. We are Opposers -- we have to oppose everything Trump.
Our opposition stems from our patriotism
I really like the alliteration.
agreed; but, it sounds like another Democratic phrase with no fight behind it to me, that is. Stuart Stevens is right -- there is no grey
Simon refers to all of us as family .... and calling us proud, plucky patriots is a term of endearment, in my opinion. It is also a way to encourage and support us. So many on our side complain and retell the same sad story about Trump without doing anything else. This is true about many others hosting Substacks. Simon acknowledges the nightmare (damn, I also live in the DMV Washington area and having the National Guard marching down the streets is abominable) while he offers ideas and positive activities that we can do.
For my entire adult life, I have been mildly embarrassed to fly a flag in front of my house because I was afraid it would identify me as a Republican. I'm ashamed that I felt that way and now identify as a proud patriot! For me it is a label that opposes everything Trump stands for and embraces democracy. I have used it with friends and they many of them look startled and then pleased. We need to reclaim these titles and symbols.
Ahhh..Republikkans...Who claim to be the party of Law and Order and Christian Family Values. Hypocrites who worship a draft dodging convicted sex offending felon.
Also, had the same reaction about the flag. Now it is in every window along with "NO Kings" and "Support Vets" signs. We hand them out at protests. People really want to have our symbol be the people's symbol it is... My father carried that flag in front of every "decoration day" march in our little town of 650 people. he served in the pacific theater. He hated war --- but he would be in this war now.
I have never heard a child or adolescent use the word “plucky.” Seems grown-up to me.
Also, what would be the appeal of an substack where no one ever played with language? Lightheartedness is good, especially in dark times.
"Opposing" gets you little. We have to fight FOR things. Simon is right on.
I'm about to watch the interview with Stuart to hopefully cleanse my palate from the excerpt of Katie Miller's podcast that I just saw; however, I had to stop and admire for a quiet moment that Simon's unruly hair today reminds me a little bit of Dr. Irwin Corey's. Just had to say.
Yes I noticed AFTER the interview that my hair was a little wild today.
Listen, we're ALL a little wild today, nu?
Hahaha. I loved your reaction to the gun safe story!
Were you wearing a hoodie?
Love the "wild" hair look, Simon. :)
hey, would love to have enough hair to look unkempt....
What do we know about how the US military will react to everything Trump wants in DC, in the American streets, against Europe, for Russia, etc?
There was never any middle ground, firmly divided since his first term...my worst nightmare that he became president again. Thank you for all you do, and thank you to your guest for being here...and for continuing to provide encouragement to us all when it can feel so overwhelming. I am very concerned about Democrats finding that higher gear...for me, rather than focusing on the Epstein files, I feel the focus has to be on rallying, a courageous, clear, bold and unapologetic stance, approach and strategy, and nothing less than victory, in the next election, and beyond. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures
Ok I need to ask a question of my American friends. Given that he who shall not be named instigated a coup that turned into a riot that some of these police officers would have been on the receiving end of or would have had colleagues who were - how do you think they are going to react to the scumbag that set a mob on them for hours without giving them any help and then pardoned the rioters? I’m genuinely interested in how any of it makes sense
That is such a good question. Just a guess that our police forces are divided like our country is. Some of them probably agree with Trump’s characterization of DC, and some think he’s a moronic dictator wannabe horning in on their territory. I can’t imagine they’ll love having Kash Patel or Pete Hegseth telling them how to do their jobs, however - it’s kind of a diss on them, no?
Michael Fanone - the DC police officer who was brutally attacked at the Capitol by rioters and had a heart attack - would be the one to answer what percentage of police support Trump. He says he was ostracized for speaking against Trump and couldn't get another job in law enforcement.
Just saw an interview with him by Jim Acosta. He was pretty disgusted.
I can pretty much tell you that when I lived in DC, the Metro Police were by and large NOT right wing nut jobs, though there were some. Many had grown up in or close to the city, and they walked beats on the streets and in the neighborhoods of the Nation's Capital. As the city has become more white, I believe this has changed, not because the force itself is more white, but bc fewer of them actually live or lived there.
Great recommendation. Why dont you two charter a plane and fill it with all Dems elected officials from Fed State and local governments. Send one to Ukraine and another to Alaska
I loved that suggestion as well. Should we call our Reps to suggest it?
This is your moment stay strong, stay focused, stay positive. You will prevail!🇨🇦🇩🇪
Great conversation with Stuart! Very intersting and thought provoking. Thank you!
I totally stand with Ukraine.
Brass knuckles baby
I’m sick of the Democrats surrendering with the excuse of still reeling from the election. I’m not donating another penny to my party until they;
1) Oust Shumer-he’s clearly not up for the job as opposition leader
2) Get on the news every single day and make noise and refute his lies
3) Point out the lawlessness of this administration
4) Start pointing out the corruption of certain Supreme Court justices.
5) Find a leader of the Democratic opposition. People want to see leadership.
6). Fight against money in politics
Completely agree
One of the ideals of this community is that we don’t attack our own side but instead focus on our opposition to far-right authoritarianism. Trump and his cronies are the problem, not the Democrats.
Simon talks about this all the time, but there are leaders standing up and showing their leadership every day in this fight. There are people speaking out every day. Simon literally had an interview last week focusing on the problems in the Supreme Court.
We’re all frustrated that things aren’t where we want them to be, but the focus should be on the heinously unethical and illegal acts of this corrupt administration.
This is not meant to be an attack. This is my opinion. Yes, the brave Dems mentioned here are doing a great job. I would also like to pay tribute to the great Democratic Governors across the country standing up. Where are the other elected officials? BTW, I am not sitting around just complaining. I am active and I support many voices, but I can only do so much as a 70 year old retired person.
The Dems have a daily live broadcast at 10 am, and Leader Jeffries has regular press conferences.
They point out the lawlessness constantly.
There are plenty of folks acting as opposition leaders: Crockett, Murphy, the TX Dems who went to IL to support the walkout....
We are not where we need to be, but we are much farther along than we were, as Simon has said many times.
I am so fired up by Stuart’s plain spoken manner that I just contacted Schiff and Padilla to demand that Democrats have Putin arrested the minute he sets foot on American soil.
In so many words. I reminded them too, that Trump is a Russian puppet.
My nerves are twanged because my local Gen Z - run county Democratic central committee is screeching about Schiff and Padilla’s ties to pro-Israel baby-starvers. Which is the worst of circular firing squad shenanigans…
I think that's an excellent idea, and am going to include it in my calls.
This was so important, Simon. Stuart is awesome. I also think I've seen examples of strength and muscle in the last week. Newsom, Pritzer, the Texas Dems, now we need many many more examples.
I'm now approaching my Rep and Senators and even my Governor contacts differently. For those who haven't already discovered Steve Anderson's - @sanderson1581 - Reclaim the American Republic - reclaimamerica.substack.com - please start reading him as part of your overall information consumption. Extremely well written and digestible... and he includes steps on how we retake our democracy.
To distill: Defeating the Oligarchy Dissolves Fascism.
Every day, I'm sending motivators to our Reps for planning now to rebuild and then hit the ground running upon re-election:
1. Begin implementing the process of New Deal 2.0 reforms. Right now. This should be the highest priority for execution when Democrats retake the House. The Minority Leader should be strategizing NOW with all Democrats and Independents.
2. I'm stressing that we want a new model that rebalances power in favor of the public good. New Deal 2.0.
Please read and share Steve Anderson.