This an amazing resource! I joined up and highly recommend others check it out. A great way to stop or slow down concentration camp spread!!! Thanks for posting it Kate.
Such encouraging developments on many fronts. Intelligent resistance is really making a difference! for this reason, I am so grateful to be part of the Hopium community!
Crazy times. On top of everything else, we have to worry about Trump going to war with Iran. Without conferring with Congress, Trump has moved massive military assets to the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and to countries in the region. Trump hasn’t even bothered presenting his case to the American public!
I hold no love for the Grand Ayatollah’s continuing "Holy Fascism" (as Garry Trudeau famously referred to it in a Doonesbury strip). But as political analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and others have pointed out, any attack from the outside will more likely strengthen than weaken the Ayatollah/IRGC regime.
Haviv does offer concrete suggestions for how to weaken the Iranian regime – but they require a degree of patience, intelligence and statesmanship that Trump lacks. Here is Haviv’s analysis:
Speaking from my memory that’s what Rob Shapiro said yesterday during his interview with Simon. Especially if it affects traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
This is a fabulous piece. Thanks so much for posting it. As much as it illustrates what is going on inside Iran and how to "break" the regime, it has uncanny echoes for our own situation against the Orange Menace's regime! Let's all take lessons from what he says about how to break "righteous" regimes. One lesson which I take very seriously these days is the ability to stay connected via the internet. We as a movement are completely exposed in that way and need to come together to plan for a type of blackout which the Iranians have to deal with. How would we stay together? And as he finishes the discussion ~ time for that conversation to begin!
During Trump's State of the Union address, all the Democrats should sit perfectly still and stair into space. Record which Republicans stand-up and cheer.
I wish they weren't going and maybe would hold another event. I wish they would do things outside the "norm" box. Respectfully, Leadership keeps doing things as if Trump's presidency is normal. It's not.
"A substantial number of Democrats are planning to boycott President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday and attend an alternative event, a rally called the 'People’s State of the Union' which will take place on the National Mall near the Capitol." Sponsors are Meidas Touch & Move On.
According to The Hill, "House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called on Democrats to either attend Trump’s address with 'silent defiance' or take part in 'different alternate programming that is going to take place in and around the Capitol complex.' ” The current estimate is that ~21 Democrats members of Congress plan to skip it.
Politico named some Dems who will be at the People's State of the Union.
"Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) are expected to join the rally, organizers said Wednesday."
Rep. Melanie Stansbury(D-N.M.) will be there too and will have a special guest with her for the day.
Featured speakers include Robert De Niro; Sen. Ron Wyden; Stacey Abrams; Mark Ruffalo; Jim Acosta; Marianne Williamson; George Conway; Joyce Vance; Glenn Kirschner; Mehdi Hasan; Rep. Eric Swalwell; former Gov. Steve Bullock; LaTosha Brown; Rep. Seth Moulton; Rep. Dan Goldman; Stephanie Grisham; Miles Taylor; Tara McGowan; former Rep. Joe Walsh; Baratunde Thurston; Sue Gordon; Rep. Eugene Vindman; Wajahat Ali; Norm Eisen; Steve Schmidt; Charlie Sykes; Rashad Robinson; Olivia Troye; Asha Rangappa; Brian Karem; Robby Roadsteamer; Lisandra Vazquez, and MORE, including surprise guests.
The evening will also feature satire, visuals, and direct calls to action. Attendees are encouraged to wear green or frog attire — a symbol of peaceful defiance and civic participation.
I have heard and seen enough of DT for several lifetimes. Every time he puts up another poster of himself or a monument to himself, all I think of is that old saying, "Fools names and fools faces always appear on public places."
pasted from site: Featured speakers include Robert De Niro; Sen. Ron Wyden; Stacey Abrams; Mark Ruffalo; Jim Acosta; Marianne Williamson; George Conway; Joyce Vance; Glenn Kirschner; Mehdi Hasan; Rep. Eric Swalwell; former Gov. Steve Bullock; LaTosha Brown; Rep. Seth Moulton; Rep. Dan Goldman; Stephanie Grisham; Miles Taylor; Tara McGowan; former Rep. Joe Walsh; Baratunde Thurston; Sue Gordon; Rep. Eugene Vindman; Wajahat Ali; Norm Eisen; Steve Schmidt; Charlie Sykes; Rashad Robinson; Olivia Troye; Asha Rangappa; Brian Karem; Robby Roadsteamer; Lisandra Vazquez, and MORE, including surprise guests.
The evening will also feature satire, visuals, and direct calls to action. Attendees are encouraged to wear green or frog attire — a symbol of peaceful defiance and civic participation.
I still like the idea of laughing uproariously and slapping their knees. T**** would hate that. (And call for their executions of course.) It would be the only thing the mainstream media talked about.
Hi all – unfortunately it looks like ICE has completed the purchase of a warehouse in Roxbury New Jersey per an email received yesterday afternoon from Rep. Rob Menendez. The Dem House members of New Jersey have formed a coalition and are going to fight this as hard as they possibly can. I am immensely grateful for warriors like Reps. McIver, Menendez, and Pallone in particular.
Another big snowstorm is set to hit this region and once again we are preparing to be trapped indoors for a couple of days. Fortunately, we are used to doing things for ourselves since it doesn’t look like FEMA has it shit together in any sense whatsoever.
Going to make my calls as per usual. Stay safe everyone in the path of the storm and keep going!
Your true colors are showing, Simon. You’re so honest and candid when you’re excited AND upset. Or depressed, frightened or frustrated! AND you never blame shame or diss anyone. (Except Trump in such irreverent refreshing ways!). Let’s model this all over the place.
Whatever it takes to remove this so called President must happen quickly before this administration totally destroys the nation and kills millions…..Americans and Iranians
Will be interesting to see how Tim Cook and Apple and other companies behave going forward now that the massive tariff leverage is gone. Just sayin. We could see things start to change there too.
Simon--I'm saving this masterful summation of American resistance and call to pursue the WH criminal enterprise to the cliff of accountability. This is your turning point essay. And Bruce Springsteen begins his anti-Trump, freedom-and-justice Land of Hope and Dreams tour in a few days!! First stop, Minneapolis.
My favorite part was this: “For it’s become clear, to a majority of the country, that he is a malevolent, corrupt, sundowning rich asshole who couldn’t care less about any of us or the country.”
Unfortunately I don’t think it will fit on a bumper sticker. Maybe a tee shirt…?
Best week in a long time. To see Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on the cover of The Sun like that was unbelievable. The Supreme Court ruling, I believe, will be a similar blow to his ego as the row with Elon last spring. This is what happens when we dare to hope and dream. Thank you, Simon.
Add to things that must be done—clearing out detention facilities of everyone but actual serious criminals! The report on children in detention was heart-breaking.
I’ll add some specificity to the court victories: TACO backed down and the appropriated funds for the Gateway Tunnel (NJ/NYC connector) are flowing again. The only things his temper tantrum caused were to increase the cost of this necessary infrastructure project and the margin of Sherrill’s victory.
JB Pritzker sent the Orange lard-ass an invoice for $8.6 billion to repay Illinoisans for the illegal tariffs. The mockery, though performative, is outstanding.
Pritzker’s letter is magnificent. “Performative” has to be a part of our messaging, eg Newsom’s trolling, because it gets attention in this information environment.
Totally agree. Performative messaging is extremely powerful and attention getting. Because some of our best politicians are skillful at this, I hope to see more. Thinking Hilary Clinton in a hearing setting is gonna be a master class. James Comer is gonna get more than he bargained for.
Dear Hopium Community! I have to share this very encouraging piece about what is happening in the Rural Organizing world. There is lots of opposition to the ice detention camps in rural areas and these folks are on it and activating it…. https://open.substack.com/pub/ruralorganizing/p/the-growing-rural-resistance-to-ice?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
So grateful to learn this organization exists! Thank you for sharing it!
I also shared it!
This an amazing resource! I joined up and highly recommend others check it out. A great way to stop or slow down concentration camp spread!!! Thanks for posting it Kate.
Such encouraging developments on many fronts. Intelligent resistance is really making a difference! for this reason, I am so grateful to be part of the Hopium community!
Crazy times. On top of everything else, we have to worry about Trump going to war with Iran. Without conferring with Congress, Trump has moved massive military assets to the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and to countries in the region. Trump hasn’t even bothered presenting his case to the American public!
I hold no love for the Grand Ayatollah’s continuing "Holy Fascism" (as Garry Trudeau famously referred to it in a Doonesbury strip). But as political analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and others have pointed out, any attack from the outside will more likely strengthen than weaken the Ayatollah/IRGC regime.
Haviv does offer concrete suggestions for how to weaken the Iranian regime – but they require a degree of patience, intelligence and statesmanship that Trump lacks. Here is Haviv’s analysis:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-79-breaking-irans-machinery-of-oppression/id1794590850?i=1000745201645
Isn't it possible that an attack on Iran will drive up oil prices, thus fueling (as it were) inflation?
Thought I saw a headline that this was already happening.
Speaking from my memory that’s what Rob Shapiro said yesterday during his interview with Simon. Especially if it affects traffic through the Strait of Hormuz
Most likely. Trump screws up everything he touches. He is a dangerous global embarrassment.
Higher oil prices could benefit Putin, whose economy is really hurting from the war and low crude oil prices.
Maybe the Orange Menace is under orders from his Vladdy Daddy to stir up trouble in the Mideast?
Rob Shapiro and Simon talked about that yesterday in their fascinating conversation - link in missive.
This is a fabulous piece. Thanks so much for posting it. As much as it illustrates what is going on inside Iran and how to "break" the regime, it has uncanny echoes for our own situation against the Orange Menace's regime! Let's all take lessons from what he says about how to break "righteous" regimes. One lesson which I take very seriously these days is the ability to stay connected via the internet. We as a movement are completely exposed in that way and need to come together to plan for a type of blackout which the Iranians have to deal with. How would we stay together? And as he finishes the discussion ~ time for that conversation to begin!
I haven’t even read this yet - FANTASTIC title
During Trump's State of the Union address, all the Democrats should sit perfectly still and stair into space. Record which Republicans stand-up and cheer.
...or boycott the event.
What's the point of listening to this a**hole rant, rave and denigrate? Tradition? Really?
F*ck Trump !!!
Boycott
a frog costume might be appropriate for anyone attending
Apparently, some of the frogs from Portland are planning on being there.
I wish they weren't going and maybe would hold another event. I wish they would do things outside the "norm" box. Respectfully, Leadership keeps doing things as if Trump's presidency is normal. It's not.
"A substantial number of Democrats are planning to boycott President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday and attend an alternative event, a rally called the 'People’s State of the Union' which will take place on the National Mall near the Capitol." Sponsors are Meidas Touch & Move On.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/18/us/politics/democrats-trump-congress.html?unlocked_article_code=1.N1A.2n1H.37E0Mevb_FtI&smid=url-share
https://bsky.app/profile/nytimes.com/post/3mf57dowj2k2u
Oh I heard about this but I didn't now it was being held at the same time as the State of the Union address. Thank you!
According to The Hill, "House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called on Democrats to either attend Trump’s address with 'silent defiance' or take part in 'different alternate programming that is going to take place in and around the Capitol complex.' ” The current estimate is that ~21 Democrats members of Congress plan to skip it.
Politico named some Dems who will be at the People's State of the Union.
"Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) are expected to join the rally, organizers said Wednesday."
Rep. Melanie Stansbury(D-N.M.) will be there too and will have a special guest with her for the day.
21 attendees is less than 10%, but perhaps it will grow.
I'm glad that Jeffries publicly gave them the option.
see my link above to State of the Swamp
Featured speakers include Robert De Niro; Sen. Ron Wyden; Stacey Abrams; Mark Ruffalo; Jim Acosta; Marianne Williamson; George Conway; Joyce Vance; Glenn Kirschner; Mehdi Hasan; Rep. Eric Swalwell; former Gov. Steve Bullock; LaTosha Brown; Rep. Seth Moulton; Rep. Dan Goldman; Stephanie Grisham; Miles Taylor; Tara McGowan; former Rep. Joe Walsh; Baratunde Thurston; Sue Gordon; Rep. Eugene Vindman; Wajahat Ali; Norm Eisen; Steve Schmidt; Charlie Sykes; Rashad Robinson; Olivia Troye; Asha Rangappa; Brian Karem; Robby Roadsteamer; Lisandra Vazquez, and MORE, including surprise guests.
The evening will also feature satire, visuals, and direct calls to action. Attendees are encouraged to wear green or frog attire — a symbol of peaceful defiance and civic participation.
https://www.defiance.org/sotu-press-release
picture of frog brigade
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/portland-frog-brigade-headed-to-state-of-the-swamp-event-in-dc.html
Wow! I like most of these speakers. Some I don't know but I will look them up. Thank you!
I signed up for the free livestream. I'm not sure I can make it, but I will try.
I think it lasts hours, starts at 7 iirc, so perhaps catch part of it
That's my plan (and I will mute one of them 😬). Thanks!
I have heard and seen enough of DT for several lifetimes. Every time he puts up another poster of himself or a monument to himself, all I think of is that old saying, "Fools names and fools faces always appear on public places."
There is an alternatve event called State of the Swamp - co hosted by Portland frog brigade !!
https://www.defiance.org/sotu-press-release
pasted from site: Featured speakers include Robert De Niro; Sen. Ron Wyden; Stacey Abrams; Mark Ruffalo; Jim Acosta; Marianne Williamson; George Conway; Joyce Vance; Glenn Kirschner; Mehdi Hasan; Rep. Eric Swalwell; former Gov. Steve Bullock; LaTosha Brown; Rep. Seth Moulton; Rep. Dan Goldman; Stephanie Grisham; Miles Taylor; Tara McGowan; former Rep. Joe Walsh; Baratunde Thurston; Sue Gordon; Rep. Eugene Vindman; Wajahat Ali; Norm Eisen; Steve Schmidt; Charlie Sykes; Rashad Robinson; Olivia Troye; Asha Rangappa; Brian Karem; Robby Roadsteamer; Lisandra Vazquez, and MORE, including surprise guests.
The evening will also feature satire, visuals, and direct calls to action. Attendees are encouraged to wear green or frog attire — a symbol of peaceful defiance and civic participation.
picture of frog brigade
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/portland-frog-brigade-headed-to-state-of-the-swamp-event-in-dc.html
This looks great, I am sending it around to my network.
I think someone needs to record and show every congressional Republican face when T----p says bizarre things. They are all complicit.
I still like the idea of laughing uproariously and slapping their knees. T**** would hate that. (And call for their executions of course.) It would be the only thing the mainstream media talked about.
Couldn't they just hold up signs that say "Lie" after every lie Trump states? Everyone remembers Nancy ripping up his speech. Loved that.
Okay, yeah, I like real-time fact checking better.
Yes! Excellent idea. He is going to be lying non stop.
Hi all – unfortunately it looks like ICE has completed the purchase of a warehouse in Roxbury New Jersey per an email received yesterday afternoon from Rep. Rob Menendez. The Dem House members of New Jersey have formed a coalition and are going to fight this as hard as they possibly can. I am immensely grateful for warriors like Reps. McIver, Menendez, and Pallone in particular.
Another big snowstorm is set to hit this region and once again we are preparing to be trapped indoors for a couple of days. Fortunately, we are used to doing things for ourselves since it doesn’t look like FEMA has it shit together in any sense whatsoever.
Going to make my calls as per usual. Stay safe everyone in the path of the storm and keep going!
Thx for the heads up about Roxbury. I’ll do my part to stop it.
Thx. There have been a lot of twists and turns to this story for sure.
Stay warm!
Let the lawsuits fall like rain! Re Roxbury.
Be safe in the nor'easter!
Your true colors are showing, Simon. You’re so honest and candid when you’re excited AND upset. Or depressed, frightened or frustrated! AND you never blame shame or diss anyone. (Except Trump in such irreverent refreshing ways!). Let’s model this all over the place.
I’m heartened.
Whatever it takes to remove this so called President must happen quickly before this administration totally destroys the nation and kills millions…..Americans and Iranians
NO WAR
Will be interesting to see how Tim Cook and Apple and other companies behave going forward now that the massive tariff leverage is gone. Just sayin. We could see things start to change there too.
Simon--I'm saving this masterful summation of American resistance and call to pursue the WH criminal enterprise to the cliff of accountability. This is your turning point essay. And Bruce Springsteen begins his anti-Trump, freedom-and-justice Land of Hope and Dreams tour in a few days!! First stop, Minneapolis.
My favorite part was this: “For it’s become clear, to a majority of the country, that he is a malevolent, corrupt, sundowning rich asshole who couldn’t care less about any of us or the country.”
Unfortunately I don’t think it will fit on a bumper sticker. Maybe a tee shirt…?
As a writer, I can say that sentence is a beauty of craft. I'm gonna design a t-shirt!
"Let the LIAR beware"
I think some people are shortening it to ‘Fuck Trump’
More like; “The LIES of the Union”…. P.S. “I just want to be a good boy.” 🤪🙄
Best week in a long time. To see Andrew Mountbatten Windsor on the cover of The Sun like that was unbelievable. The Supreme Court ruling, I believe, will be a similar blow to his ego as the row with Elon last spring. This is what happens when we dare to hope and dream. Thank you, Simon.
“The play’s the thing” is part of a fight strategy articulated in HAMLET, so it’s entirely appropriate!
Washington Post
Bruce Springsteen brings his political message to Nationals Park in May
Fritz Hahn, Ethan Beck
Tue, February 17, 2026 at 1:46 PM EST
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/bruce-springsteen-brings-political-message-184627581.html
Just bought tickets for the Nationals Park concert in May. Planning on celebrating more Trumpian defeats by then with the BOSS!
I’m in for Philly. The City of Brotherly Love always rocks the hardest. Can’t wait! 🔔🔔🔔
Add to things that must be done—clearing out detention facilities of everyone but actual serious criminals! The report on children in detention was heart-breaking.
As one of my favorite politicians said when we fight we win!
I’ll add some specificity to the court victories: TACO backed down and the appropriated funds for the Gateway Tunnel (NJ/NYC connector) are flowing again. The only things his temper tantrum caused were to increase the cost of this necessary infrastructure project and the margin of Sherrill’s victory.
JB Pritzker sent the Orange lard-ass an invoice for $8.6 billion to repay Illinoisans for the illegal tariffs. The mockery, though performative, is outstanding.
Enjoying the wins today!!!!! ❤️☮️
Pritzker’s letter is magnificent. “Performative” has to be a part of our messaging, eg Newsom’s trolling, because it gets attention in this information environment.
Totally agree. Performative messaging is extremely powerful and attention getting. Because some of our best politicians are skillful at this, I hope to see more. Thinking Hilary Clinton in a hearing setting is gonna be a master class. James Comer is gonna get more than he bargained for.
I totally agree!!