Good morning all. Over the weekend I wrote and mailed four letters requesting a Letter to America. It’s a request I had a hard time articulating via my daily phone calls to my electeds’ offices, so I decided to write letters instead. Sent them to my rep Jason Crow, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, and AG Phil Weiser:
“I just re-read the Declaration of Independence for the first time in many years, and it struck me as timely and pertinent to our current situation.
‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’
I’ve been out in the streets for the past couple of months, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow citizens. We the People are the fourth branch of government, and we are demonstrating that we do NOT consent to this current government.
The Declaration of Independence listed grievances against Mad King George, and served as a foundational document for the colonists to rally around.
I urge you to join with your fellow legislators to create a new document, maybe called a Letter to America, that will serve the same purpose. Have it list the illegal, unconstitutional, and destructive acts being committed by this lawless regime. Have it signed by every single Democratic Senator and Representative.
The Letter to America will serve as a rallying point for We the People, who refuse to submit to this criminal government. It can be a focus for Congressional Days of Action. It can be used by those fighting Trump in the courts. It can be a battle cry for all of us proud patriots who are fighting this corrupt and unconstitutional regime.
Thank you sincerely for your consideration and your patriotism,”
I called the offices of my three members of Congress. Subject: the regime’s threat to the Constitution and the need for a Letter to America.
I also wrote an email to my State Senator Liz Lovelett. She was a co-sponsor of SB 5400, which would tax corporate social media companies and use the revenue to issue grants to independent local news sources. Such a great bill. It’s currently stuck in committee. I’m asking my State Senator to do what she can to move it out of committee. I also called the legislative hotline and registered my support of the bill.
Finally, I emailed my county Democratic organization to make sure my membership is active (it is) so that I can participate in the May endorsement vote for local candidates.
In response to the Atlantic article, american senators have to fear for their lives, too - witness Mitt Romney’s statements after Jan 6 and Lisa Murkowski’s hints in her latest statements . I wish this aspect of Trumpism - violence and death threats, including families - were brought to the fore, and forcefully condemned. The stochastic terrorism is NOT ACCEPTABLE in a democratic system, and people in power need to explicitly say so.
They serve under the same oath as our soldiers; they don't get to fear for their lives, they're members of congress. I'm tired of hearing that as an excuse because it's a poor one.
I agree. They never should have run for office if they knew their oath was less important than their fear for their lives. If anything they should speak up loudly and band together as a stronger front to trump…demand protection from his cult and denounce his vile rhetoric which inflames violence.
Yet the point remains, Trump is a thug and a mob boss, and uses threats against all his enemies and current allies AND their families. We, the People, do not hear about it. The electeds need to say it, and the media needs to amplify it. The autocratic dictator wannabe is criminal and violent... and unAmerican. Say it LOUD and say it CLEAR.
That’s true but this is where we are and these people CAN and should change their affiliation to “Independent” if nothing else and caucus with the Dems. If their own party makes them so fearful, then get out! And think of all the patriots who have stood up bravely and died from the battles of Lexington and Concord until now. Lead, follow, or get out of the way!
If they fear for their physical safety, it seems to me that they could communicate that to the public anonymously through third parties, but I haven’t seen that. No doubt some of what we’re seeing from Republicans is as Senator King says the natural human inclination not to make difficult decisions. Meanwhile, Trump is actively working to destroy America. I’m thinking maybe many of these Republican electeds know far less than we expect, and are less intelligent than we expect. It’s not all cowardice.
It's very frustrating to me that people are only covering these threats when they happen to white Republicans. Do they not understand that this has been the playbook since Gamergate? That AOC and Ilhan Omar are under constant threat? What do people think Sarah McBride's mail looks like?
I totally agree. It’s frustrating to me that we hardly hear about it about anybody, and that it has become normalized at all. And there is an army of pardoned brown-shirts waiting to spring into action.
I agree! It should be condemned by everyone who has the public’s ear. Something to declare explicitly in a Letter to America if that ever happens. Those kinds of threats to whole families are deeply traumatic whether or not it silences someone. If it were out in the open it would be less frightening and would probably foster more courage.
Heard a senator comment about the trump enforcers who are well versed in threatening senators. So it's not just the emails and calls from random red hats, its the face to face meetings with men in suits.
It was from the Lincoln Project (Rick Wilson) interview from 4/22/2025 (today) with Senator Whitehouse. The above words are my own, but the theme was Sen Whitehouse's. Found on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZilmbvaOGw.
Thanks. I’m a big fan of Sheldon Whitehouse, especially his regular climate and judiciary speeches. I would like to see a coordinated media effort (or even a grassroots viral effort like here) to bring the light of day onto the mafia tactics. Disgusting (I’m saying that a lot these days).
Btw, the US was not at the Delphi economic forum in Greece this month, but the Chinese were for the first time. Every place we retract, i.e., shut down embassies around the world, not show up at world gatherings, withdraw from NATO and the UN - others will take our space. Soft power is not just a concept, it is real. And in 100 days, we’ve lost most of it. Thank you Mad Emperor!
I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin. I discussed the need to support Senator Kaine's tariff resolution, the importance of criminal referrals against Elon Musk, and the crucial business of protecting Social Security. As usual, I got voice mail from Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and spoke with a staffer in Congressman Raskin's office. Also working on postcards for Virginia.
This morning, I called all 3 of my Congressional representatives with the messages for them to demand Pete Hegseth & Mike Waltz resign, I demanded that the Congress take control of trade policy and tariffs. trump dictating trade & tariffs is DESTROYING THE ECONOMY, and I stated to all 3 that whatever they need to do to get trump impeached for breaking the laws, not following SCOTUS decisions, and violating SEC rules, they need to do it.
Lastly, I called 4 law firms to thank them for NOT capitulating to trump, and their example is to be followed by all law firms-even the ones who DID cave.
Kate, I just followed Jess Craven’s Chop Wood, Carry Water 4/21 Substack. She’s great and another inspiring person!! Today she gave us suggestions to follow & I did!
A good defensive is only as strong as a good offense. K I S S
Our messaging is too wordy. Keep it simple
Short powerful blurbs
Supreme Court 2/0 vs Trump no deportation without due process etc etc
Wall Street Journal(you can get really really cheap subscriptions now) against tariffs
Signal Gate enuf said
Etc etc
Lastly PAY attention to NJ upcoming races. It’s ugly out here Booker is a sitting Senator n not under water. Sen Kim AIPAC got nasty nasty ads against his vote with Bernie halting sales of weapons to Israel; Ro Khana is in NJ 7 Kean Jr is MIA and the Governor’s race - Jack Ciattarelli ads are horrific. NJ R’s continue to outpace Dems on voter registration. I want to keep my State Blue we need a coordinated effort and help. This is not 2020
I am going with our Hopium message, since I paraphrased Simon.
Where are your references, what are your alternatives? How are you getting a better message out to the public, and how are they responding to it??????????
Morning fellow Hopiums. This morning my message to my three electeds is HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, and SNAP. Simon I understand your schizophenia - I have the same flip-flopping, sometimes within the same day. One thing I do look forward to is our Wednesday evening hour together, which is always upbeat and gets me through the week. Let's give them hell this week friends. Kent
Mack Trucks announces layoffs at Lehigh Valley plant, blames tariffs
BY: PETER HALL - APRIL 17, 2025 6:51 PM
Mack Trucks will lay off between 250 and 350 workers at its Lehigh Valley Operations center outside Allentown over the next three months, due to economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs, a company spokesperson said Thursday.
I participated in a 2-mile / 20+ street corner protest between the Morgan Street Junction and the Alaskan Junction here in West Seattle. Throughout, a steady flow of cars honked their horns in support. https://bit.ly/4cGD6aR
Yes. This. Thune. Johnson. Everyday, sometimes twice a day, I leave both of them a voice mail. Who knows if anyone listens, but I do it, and I am beyond asking them for anything now, I am making a statement to both: Stop pretending to be pious and do something. Stop saying Trump needs a bit more time. Start responding to the actual facts, not your MAGA "hopes." By the end of each message I am practically screaming. I realize that typing this my blood pressure is soaring. I'll take a breath. I'll begin again. Yes. Throw everything you have at Thune and Johnson.
Hey Beth. I feel your blood pressure. And I relate. Thank you for keeping on calling. I also want to beg you to take care of yourself, your heart your mind. Breathe. We need you for the long haul. I’m going to mimic your script. Good job!
You are so dear. Thank you, Kate. I never knew any body could hold such anger for such a sustained period of time, but Trump and his eager facilitators are expanding my limits. I will call again in a few hours. I will make art and go to the library in between. Because yes, we need all of us now. This is a marathon. xo
Thanks for responding. I’m never quite sure how personal messages are going to be received. I lived in pretty large community for 25 years with a common work and purpose. In addition to the work we had to learn how to support one another in relationship. I notice how hard we are all working here and how little time most of us have for being personal and/or feeling oriented with one another. And that is NOT what we’re up to here. But every now and then I can hear and feel the stress and I know I dont want to be alone with that. So from time to time I’m compelled to name it and reach out in a personal way. Thanks Beth.
It's funny, Kate. I read Simon every day, sometimes twice a day, listen to all the videos, and feel as if I have come to know so many of you because I read the comments, too. I have said to many friends that I may be marching in a Philly rally next to Hopium "friends" and not even know it. But my soul knows it. I know I march with you.
Thank you Kate and Beth for reaching out this way. For reminding us all it’s important to be careful for ourselves too as we oppose and resist forward.
My spitting anger and grief high point happened watching 14 year old boys being transported to the El Salvador prison. And then watching PBS special reporting that up to 75% of those transported to that hellhole had no criminal records in either the USA or Venezuela. What kind of hell must their families be going through with their loved ones sent to such a place known for its brutality? With ZERO protections in place for humanity or legal due process? As if taking a page out of Hitler “ work camps” and making us all complicit?! No way!!
He and his MAGA followers rejoice in placing them away like this. Making examples of them. And what will he try to do to our loved ones who oppose?
My husband is a veteran, my granddaughter happily married to her wife, my 95 y.o. mother dependent on her social security. I think we are just an every day family of American lives you find anywhere in the USA. All of us at risk now by the policy and financial actions this administration is taking. Simon mentions often how he does his work for his kids and country.
I 100% agree with that. How dare this felon be doing this to our country, family and our world? Thanks to Hopium we know where to focus our energies and resources to defy and oppose the destruction of our constitutional rights and protect our humanity towards each other.
Like Joyce Vance writes daily “ we’re all in this together “
My grateful thought for today is for the warrior attorneys of the ACLU who are fighting off this administration’s efforts 24/7. 🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
I get it! I feel fortunate that I have never experienced such genuine hate in my life until now. I've been very lucky. Some people have had to deal with people like these sociopaths in their lives since childhood.
John Lewis said something like, "Keep hammering on that rock, and listening for thunder." You are part of a long, beloved, and proud tradition of hammerers! Keep it up!
So proud to be part of this. But man, Trump and Thune and Johnson infuriate me. My next message, this afternoon, for Thune will be: Hey. You pleased with Hegseth? Glad you forced your members to vote that way?
I demanded to Thom Tillis that he immediately band together with the other senators to remove Hegseth. Tillis had promised he would vote against Hegseth, but changed his vote in the fact of death threats. And look where that's gotten us. He needs to examine his conscience.
Exactly!! He forces TT to vote against his conscience, and what does he get for the pressure vote? THIS!! A man that now must be removed. Mud on all their faces. TT probably losing his seat (yay for that, at least). What shocks me most is the utter shortsightedness of all of them.
Truly a raving of a madman this Easter weekend. Sad! If Thune and Johnson think the way Trump & his senior staff are running this country is normal we’re in big trouble. If they remain unpersuadable, we must replace them all poste haste.
Because of his father’s money, Dolos has always been in the position where he could intimidate others financially - literally from childhood. So, it must surprise him that leaders of sovereign nations are basically saying that his “s… stinks” in a diplomatic manner. I’ve mentioned how “rule of law” is basically another definition of “TRUST” that all markets require. So, with the bond market acting squirrelly (as was predicted by some folks - smile), here is a big example of a failure of trust: https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2025-04-08/germany-grows-anxious-about-their-1200-tonne-us-gold-reserve-transatlantic .
Would you trust Dolos with your gold or your stamp collection for that matter? People close to financial establishments understand what is happening as the “leader”of the nation keeps failing the markets: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/it-s-already-in-the-cards-trump-impeachment-urged-by-wsj-editorial-board-member/ar-AA1CNg8g . Therefore, this situation will not be a four-year process because people WHO ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO LOSE have been losing. Per Simon, these cracks are not political, but they will matter.
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S. : Dolos or the nation, you can only have one! The other side must choose! The madness will only subside until the next urge for “narcissistic supply” arises. This is not 4-D chess. It is most likely a form of something else. The new media must promote mental health practitioners— like the MSM has lawyers and other professionals.
From the Declaration of Independence- about King George. And this is only part of what it said.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
Good morning all. Over the weekend I wrote and mailed four letters requesting a Letter to America. It’s a request I had a hard time articulating via my daily phone calls to my electeds’ offices, so I decided to write letters instead. Sent them to my rep Jason Crow, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, and AG Phil Weiser:
“I just re-read the Declaration of Independence for the first time in many years, and it struck me as timely and pertinent to our current situation.
‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’
I’ve been out in the streets for the past couple of months, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow citizens. We the People are the fourth branch of government, and we are demonstrating that we do NOT consent to this current government.
The Declaration of Independence listed grievances against Mad King George, and served as a foundational document for the colonists to rally around.
I urge you to join with your fellow legislators to create a new document, maybe called a Letter to America, that will serve the same purpose. Have it list the illegal, unconstitutional, and destructive acts being committed by this lawless regime. Have it signed by every single Democratic Senator and Representative.
The Letter to America will serve as a rallying point for We the People, who refuse to submit to this criminal government. It can be a focus for Congressional Days of Action. It can be used by those fighting Trump in the courts. It can be a battle cry for all of us proud patriots who are fighting this corrupt and unconstitutional regime.
Thank you sincerely for your consideration and your patriotism,”
We could add the bill of particulars that the fouders included in the Declaration. Will add later.
Yes, there are four or five that are perfectly applicable in these present circumstances.
Truly excellent!
Thanks, Olav! 🙏🏻💖🇺🇸
totally stealing this, thank you!
Please do, Lisa, and feel free to improve! 😊👍🏻🇺🇸
Superb!
Please post your letter with the grievances list!! no need to reinvent the wheel. I for one will run with it!
I sent it via my Rep’s messaging system and don’t have a copy! I forgot to take a screenshot of it. Annoyed with myself!
Stock market currently down 1,031 points as of 11:42am eastern.
Way to go Trump!
So what are we dealing with here. A mentally ill narcissist, a psychopathic Mob Boss, or Kim Philby Redux. Or just egin with "Cui Bono"?
All of the above and more…..
Fascist to the core
Thank you Simon!
I called the offices of my three members of Congress. Subject: the regime’s threat to the Constitution and the need for a Letter to America.
I also wrote an email to my State Senator Liz Lovelett. She was a co-sponsor of SB 5400, which would tax corporate social media companies and use the revenue to issue grants to independent local news sources. Such a great bill. It’s currently stuck in committee. I’m asking my State Senator to do what she can to move it out of committee. I also called the legislative hotline and registered my support of the bill.
Finally, I emailed my county Democratic organization to make sure my membership is active (it is) so that I can participate in the May endorsement vote for local candidates.
In response to the Atlantic article, american senators have to fear for their lives, too - witness Mitt Romney’s statements after Jan 6 and Lisa Murkowski’s hints in her latest statements . I wish this aspect of Trumpism - violence and death threats, including families - were brought to the fore, and forcefully condemned. The stochastic terrorism is NOT ACCEPTABLE in a democratic system, and people in power need to explicitly say so.
They serve under the same oath as our soldiers; they don't get to fear for their lives, they're members of congress. I'm tired of hearing that as an excuse because it's a poor one.
I agree. They never should have run for office if they knew their oath was less important than their fear for their lives. If anything they should speak up loudly and band together as a stronger front to trump…demand protection from his cult and denounce his vile rhetoric which inflames violence.
Yet the point remains, Trump is a thug and a mob boss, and uses threats against all his enemies and current allies AND their families. We, the People, do not hear about it. The electeds need to say it, and the media needs to amplify it. The autocratic dictator wannabe is criminal and violent... and unAmerican. Say it LOUD and say it CLEAR.
Precisely! Shine the light on the cockroaches!
That’s true but this is where we are and these people CAN and should change their affiliation to “Independent” if nothing else and caucus with the Dems. If their own party makes them so fearful, then get out! And think of all the patriots who have stood up bravely and died from the battles of Lexington and Concord until now. Lead, follow, or get out of the way!
If they fear for their physical safety, it seems to me that they could communicate that to the public anonymously through third parties, but I haven’t seen that. No doubt some of what we’re seeing from Republicans is as Senator King says the natural human inclination not to make difficult decisions. Meanwhile, Trump is actively working to destroy America. I’m thinking maybe many of these Republican electeds know far less than we expect, and are less intelligent than we expect. It’s not all cowardice.
Philadelphia Inquirer
Josh Shapiro says Trump has yet to reach out following attack, reveals new details on ‘GMA’
Story by Rob Tornoe, The Philadelphia Inquirer • 3d
[Click “Expand Article”]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/josh-shapiro-says-trump-has-yet-to-reach-out-following-attack-reveals-new-details-on-gma/ar-AA1DaXzl
GOP representative: ‘Left has to look in the mirror too’ after condemning Shapiro arson attack
Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania cited Democrat’s use of “violent and hostile commentary” as a contributing factor for the attack.
By KATHERINE LONG
04/16/2025 01:49 PM EDT
Updated: 04/16/2025 06:44 PM EDT
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/dan-meuser-josh-shapiro-arson-00293467
Is it time for a PA-09 DNC town hall?
https://meuser.house.gov/contact/offices
And of course, if it were a Republican, every Democrat would have to comment on it.
Color me shocked.
It's very frustrating to me that people are only covering these threats when they happen to white Republicans. Do they not understand that this has been the playbook since Gamergate? That AOC and Ilhan Omar are under constant threat? What do people think Sarah McBride's mail looks like?
I totally agree. It’s frustrating to me that we hardly hear about it about anybody, and that it has become normalized at all. And there is an army of pardoned brown-shirts waiting to spring into action.
Excellent point!
I agree! It should be condemned by everyone who has the public’s ear. Something to declare explicitly in a Letter to America if that ever happens. Those kinds of threats to whole families are deeply traumatic whether or not it silences someone. If it were out in the open it would be less frightening and would probably foster more courage.
Heard a senator comment about the trump enforcers who are well versed in threatening senators. So it's not just the emails and calls from random red hats, its the face to face meetings with men in suits.
Why don’t we hear more about this?????
Which senator, if I may ask? Naming names is important.
It was from the Lincoln Project (Rick Wilson) interview from 4/22/2025 (today) with Senator Whitehouse. The above words are my own, but the theme was Sen Whitehouse's. Found on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZilmbvaOGw.
Thanks. I’m a big fan of Sheldon Whitehouse, especially his regular climate and judiciary speeches. I would like to see a coordinated media effort (or even a grassroots viral effort like here) to bring the light of day onto the mafia tactics. Disgusting (I’m saying that a lot these days).
Totally agree. the 'fear factor' has got to deeper than losing their jobs...when every Senator is in fear.
Btw, the US was not at the Delphi economic forum in Greece this month, but the Chinese were for the first time. Every place we retract, i.e., shut down embassies around the world, not show up at world gatherings, withdraw from NATO and the UN - others will take our space. Soft power is not just a concept, it is real. And in 100 days, we’ve lost most of it. Thank you Mad Emperor!
And now the State Dept are pretty much giving up all influence in Africa. China will be delighted.
Yep
Sad, but true.
I called Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and Congressman Raskin. I discussed the need to support Senator Kaine's tariff resolution, the importance of criminal referrals against Elon Musk, and the crucial business of protecting Social Security. As usual, I got voice mail from Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen and spoke with a staffer in Congressman Raskin's office. Also working on postcards for Virginia.
This morning, I called all 3 of my Congressional representatives with the messages for them to demand Pete Hegseth & Mike Waltz resign, I demanded that the Congress take control of trade policy and tariffs. trump dictating trade & tariffs is DESTROYING THE ECONOMY, and I stated to all 3 that whatever they need to do to get trump impeached for breaking the laws, not following SCOTUS decisions, and violating SEC rules, they need to do it.
Lastly, I called 4 law firms to thank them for NOT capitulating to trump, and their example is to be followed by all law firms-even the ones who DID cave.
Brilliant. I’m copying you.
Kate, I just followed Jess Craven’s Chop Wood, Carry Water 4/21 Substack. She’s great and another inspiring person!! Today she gave us suggestions to follow & I did!
Simon tks but…we are going about this 😑 wrong
A good defensive is only as strong as a good offense. K I S S
Our messaging is too wordy. Keep it simple
Short powerful blurbs
Supreme Court 2/0 vs Trump no deportation without due process etc etc
Wall Street Journal(you can get really really cheap subscriptions now) against tariffs
Signal Gate enuf said
Etc etc
Lastly PAY attention to NJ upcoming races. It’s ugly out here Booker is a sitting Senator n not under water. Sen Kim AIPAC got nasty nasty ads against his vote with Bernie halting sales of weapons to Israel; Ro Khana is in NJ 7 Kean Jr is MIA and the Governor’s race - Jack Ciattarelli ads are horrific. NJ R’s continue to outpace Dems on voter registration. I want to keep my State Blue we need a coordinated effort and help. This is not 2020
I am concluding all of my political messages in correspondence or social media with these words from Simon in Hopium Chronicles.
The Democratic Party brings Prosperity, Opportunity and Better Lives!
It’s not resonating.
It does when we explain our accomplishments and contrast them to maga.
Sorry nope. If this messaging was right we would never had lost in November. Still people, I do not know how, believe the economy is better under R’s
I am going with our Hopium message, since I paraphrased Simon.
Where are your references, what are your alternatives? How are you getting a better message out to the public, and how are they responding to it??????????
Morning fellow Hopiums. This morning my message to my three electeds is HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, MEDICAID, and SNAP. Simon I understand your schizophenia - I have the same flip-flopping, sometimes within the same day. One thing I do look forward to is our Wednesday evening hour together, which is always upbeat and gets me through the week. Let's give them hell this week friends. Kent
Mack Trucks announces layoffs at Lehigh Valley plant, blames tariffs
BY: PETER HALL - APRIL 17, 2025 6:51 PM
Mack Trucks will lay off between 250 and 350 workers at its Lehigh Valley Operations center outside Allentown over the next three months, due to economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs, a company spokesperson said Thursday.
https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/mack-trucks-announces-layoffs-at-lehigh-valley-plant-blames-tariffs/
I participated in a 2-mile / 20+ street corner protest between the Morgan Street Junction and the Alaskan Junction here in West Seattle. Throughout, a steady flow of cars honked their horns in support. https://bit.ly/4cGD6aR
Woohoo, go West Side!
Yes. This. Thune. Johnson. Everyday, sometimes twice a day, I leave both of them a voice mail. Who knows if anyone listens, but I do it, and I am beyond asking them for anything now, I am making a statement to both: Stop pretending to be pious and do something. Stop saying Trump needs a bit more time. Start responding to the actual facts, not your MAGA "hopes." By the end of each message I am practically screaming. I realize that typing this my blood pressure is soaring. I'll take a breath. I'll begin again. Yes. Throw everything you have at Thune and Johnson.
Hey Beth. I feel your blood pressure. And I relate. Thank you for keeping on calling. I also want to beg you to take care of yourself, your heart your mind. Breathe. We need you for the long haul. I’m going to mimic your script. Good job!
You are so dear. Thank you, Kate. I never knew any body could hold such anger for such a sustained period of time, but Trump and his eager facilitators are expanding my limits. I will call again in a few hours. I will make art and go to the library in between. Because yes, we need all of us now. This is a marathon. xo
Thanks for responding. I’m never quite sure how personal messages are going to be received. I lived in pretty large community for 25 years with a common work and purpose. In addition to the work we had to learn how to support one another in relationship. I notice how hard we are all working here and how little time most of us have for being personal and/or feeling oriented with one another. And that is NOT what we’re up to here. But every now and then I can hear and feel the stress and I know I dont want to be alone with that. So from time to time I’m compelled to name it and reach out in a personal way. Thanks Beth.
It's funny, Kate. I read Simon every day, sometimes twice a day, listen to all the videos, and feel as if I have come to know so many of you because I read the comments, too. I have said to many friends that I may be marching in a Philly rally next to Hopium "friends" and not even know it. But my soul knows it. I know I march with you.
Thank you Kate and Beth for reaching out this way. For reminding us all it’s important to be careful for ourselves too as we oppose and resist forward.
My spitting anger and grief high point happened watching 14 year old boys being transported to the El Salvador prison. And then watching PBS special reporting that up to 75% of those transported to that hellhole had no criminal records in either the USA or Venezuela. What kind of hell must their families be going through with their loved ones sent to such a place known for its brutality? With ZERO protections in place for humanity or legal due process? As if taking a page out of Hitler “ work camps” and making us all complicit?! No way!!
He and his MAGA followers rejoice in placing them away like this. Making examples of them. And what will he try to do to our loved ones who oppose?
My husband is a veteran, my granddaughter happily married to her wife, my 95 y.o. mother dependent on her social security. I think we are just an every day family of American lives you find anywhere in the USA. All of us at risk now by the policy and financial actions this administration is taking. Simon mentions often how he does his work for his kids and country.
I 100% agree with that. How dare this felon be doing this to our country, family and our world? Thanks to Hopium we know where to focus our energies and resources to defy and oppose the destruction of our constitutional rights and protect our humanity towards each other.
Like Joyce Vance writes daily “ we’re all in this together “
My grateful thought for today is for the warrior attorneys of the ACLU who are fighting off this administration’s efforts 24/7. 🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸
I get it! I feel fortunate that I have never experienced such genuine hate in my life until now. I've been very lucky. Some people have had to deal with people like these sociopaths in their lives since childhood.
John Lewis said something like, "Keep hammering on that rock, and listening for thunder." You are part of a long, beloved, and proud tradition of hammerers! Keep it up!
So proud to be part of this. But man, Trump and Thune and Johnson infuriate me. My next message, this afternoon, for Thune will be: Hey. You pleased with Hegseth? Glad you forced your members to vote that way?
I demanded to Thom Tillis that he immediately band together with the other senators to remove Hegseth. Tillis had promised he would vote against Hegseth, but changed his vote in the fact of death threats. And look where that's gotten us. He needs to examine his conscience.
Exactly!! He forces TT to vote against his conscience, and what does he get for the pressure vote? THIS!! A man that now must be removed. Mud on all their faces. TT probably losing his seat (yay for that, at least). What shocks me most is the utter shortsightedness of all of them.
🙌🏻🙌🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Truly a raving of a madman this Easter weekend. Sad! If Thune and Johnson think the way Trump & his senior staff are running this country is normal we’re in big trouble. If they remain unpersuadable, we must replace them all poste haste.
The NETWORK STATE - For the best synopsis of the objectives of the “Tech Lords”, please listen to this 45-minute podcast and share widely (these folks are going to leave a huge blast radius - if we let them): https://www.thenerdreich.com/the-nerd-reich-podcast-episode-1-the-network-state-2/.
Project 2025 Trackers:
https://www.project2025.observer .
https://substack.com/@project2025progress .
https://substack.com/@ahmedbaba/p-158109308 .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPElaGebGPc (timestamps 13:10 and 55:07).
Simon et al.:
Because of his father’s money, Dolos has always been in the position where he could intimidate others financially - literally from childhood. So, it must surprise him that leaders of sovereign nations are basically saying that his “s… stinks” in a diplomatic manner. I’ve mentioned how “rule of law” is basically another definition of “TRUST” that all markets require. So, with the bond market acting squirrelly (as was predicted by some folks - smile), here is a big example of a failure of trust: https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2025-04-08/germany-grows-anxious-about-their-1200-tonne-us-gold-reserve-transatlantic .
Would you trust Dolos with your gold or your stamp collection for that matter? People close to financial establishments understand what is happening as the “leader”of the nation keeps failing the markets: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/it-s-already-in-the-cards-trump-impeachment-urged-by-wsj-editorial-board-member/ar-AA1CNg8g . Therefore, this situation will not be a four-year process because people WHO ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO LOSE have been losing. Per Simon, these cracks are not political, but they will matter.
As the accounts of the Wall Street establishment get smaller, there are only so many excuses and so many inside deals that can be made to keep their loyalty to the regime: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/zuckerberg-dimon-among-top-sellers-071636160.html. Yes, some trading desks have done well with the Dolos chaos, but they are not the majority of the “smart” and institutional money. Certainly, these “trading desks” do not represent the majority of the millions of 401(k) account holders: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/retirees-stunned-market-turmoil-tariffs-shrinks-401ks-rcna199753 . For supporters of Dolos, there is a saying about the second kick of a mule…
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S. : Dolos or the nation, you can only have one! The other side must choose! The madness will only subside until the next urge for “narcissistic supply” arises. This is not 4-D chess. It is most likely a form of something else. The new media must promote mental health practitioners— like the MSM has lawyers and other professionals.
From the Declaration of Independence- about King George. And this is only part of what it said.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.