I hear you. I think the answer is to stay focussed on the present. As Simon wrote, we have no idea what will happen next. What we do today is what we can do today. I hope my husband's and my Social Security checks show up monthly because I like to eat and to sleep under a roof. But we shall see, won't we?
Yes, repeat calls help. My understanding is that the staffers who answer the phones and see emails tally the number received on a given topic/day. You want that tic mark of your call to be recorded each day. You don't have to be lengthy or eloquent, and it's fine to repeat what you said before. Thank you for calling!!!
I heard a staffer suggest calling the DC office and then the state office - and try to meet with your rep at their office - you will meet with a staffer not your rep - but showing up and requesting a meeting shows serious commitment.
“It was natural and perhaps human that the privileged princes of these new economic dynasties, thirsting for power, reached out for control over Government itself. They created a new despotism and wrapped it in the robes of legal sanction. In its service new mercenaries sought to regiment the people, their labor, and their property. And as a result the average man once more confronts the problem that faced the Minute Man.”
FDR spoke those words in 1936 when he accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for President for his second term. He was describing what led to the Great Depression. It would be awesome if Democrats could once again rally the people against monopolistic corporations and plutocrats -- the "economic royalists" as FDR referred to them. They've been afraid of the morbidly rich for too damned long.
Time's a wastin', Hopium. I think we need a spokesperson, soon, with the stature of FDR for democracy defenders to rally around. A smart AND charismatic leader with a singular message. Kamala-, Michelle-, Navalny- Zelenskyy-like figure. Otherwise I fear we will be entering territory where we haven't been since the Depression and WWII.
Somebody actually willing to forcefully oppose the GOP, unlike Senator Slotkin of Michigan who sent me this milquetoast message yesterday about Elon Musk. The Democrats are so afraid of pissing off anyone who might donate some big bucks to them.
John,
In my 15 years of service to the federal government, I was focused on protecting the country from terrorist threats — always with America's safety top of mind.
Recently, we've seen our federal government targeted in a way that makes America less safe. I have no problems with trimming excess spending in our government, but this approach is way too broad.
It's affecting everyone from law enforcement, to flight safety inspectors, to the people who test our drinking water, and even doctors conducting clinical trials for children with cancer. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater. These are professions that Michiganders and Americans rely on — whether we know it or not.
I'm especially concerned about the role that Elon Musk is playing, a billionaire who voters didn't elect -- but who now has access to our citizens' most sensitive data, including tax documents. That access raises all kinds of questions. Could that information be used for legal or financial gain? For the targeting of citizens?
We know that Musk's personal interests are out of step with the average Michigander — he's got investments in Communist China, and a clear business opposition to the Big Three automakers.
I'll have more thoughts very soon, not just on this topic but also some suggestions of what we all can do in this moment. Keep an eye on your inbox.
Question for our community: I’m curious what people might be hearing from any Trump-voting friends, acquaintances or relatives. Are they expressing any buyer’s remorse? Do they seem aware of the ongoing shit show, illegal power grabs, purges and attacks on government agencies and workers? I have no insight because the only GOP voters I know are some relatives and in-laws with whom politics talk is best avoided.
I only know from acquaintances on our local facebook groups. They are defending him at every turn so far and spew nonsense and seem more hostile than ever. I hope that isn’t true with all of his voters.
My neighbor said a member of her bible study group, which is usually nonpolitical, spoke approvingly of RFK. She is a nurse so she spoke up for science and commented that he was dangerous. The discussion quickly went back to the bible under discussion.
She is reading HCR and knows and is frightened about the coup underway. We both have neighbors and relatives who voted for Trump.
I am writing postcards for the WI race April 1st, my therapy.
Responding to Joanne and Barbara's comments: those I am still in touch with who are his supporters continue to spew his nonsense (my personal take is that they've consumed the Kool-Aide, committed to the cult). I have less contact with them all of the time - for the sake of my own sanity, peace of mind. The ever less thinly disguised racism, misogyny, proud ignorance are appalling.
Barbara, we have a number of neighbors who work in medicine who have expressed support for RFK Jr and think (made statements to the effect) that "things will be just fine".
Bluntly, I find these folks terrifying. A few are very vocal anti-vaxxers.
The cognitive dissonance on display is jaw-dropping (as one response).
Our Bible study group, which I lead, is probably around 50/50 in political leanings, although we don’t generally discuss politics for obvious reasons. Right after the inauguration, I was asked to pray for “President Trump,” that he would lead “righteously and justly.” This was probably our Trumpiest member, and all I can say is - there is seemingly a complete denial of reality going on with these people. Needless to say, I made the prayer pro-righteous and just “leadership” and skipped mentioning the grotesque mockery of all of that in the White House.
Adam Kinzinger has an outstanding Substack newsletter with weekly videos and a Country First website. He was the other Republican with Liz Cheney on the Jan. 6 committee, a Never-Trumper, and spoke at the Dem Convention just before Harris. He interviewed two newspeople yesterday and asked what Trump voters who they know or have interviewed are saying now. The response from these "affluent, educated" Trump voters? That they "don't pay that much attention to the news." God help us! I do highly recommend subscribing to Kinzinger, he's impressive!
God help us, indeed! A continuation of the problem that got us here in the first place. They may start paying attention when their investments tank and they don't get their Social Security checks or their Medicare benefits are delayed.
My congressman is all red. Ny cd 1. LaLota. I call every day and tell his people my complaint, worry, fear, and ask what is his position on…firing FBI. Musk access to our SS info etc. the young staffers never has his comment. Sometimes I ask for him to send me a letter on his position. We shall see. Then I can use it when I write letters to the editor.
I'm glad you are doing this. One thing to keep in mind is that most legislators, whether state or federal have very little idea of the details of how government programs work or what changing them means for people. That's especially true of programs like Medicaid (and USAID), where people think they know the purpose and they're missing important pieces.
People think Medicaid is "for poor people", but actually Medicaid covers a large proportion of the nation's children (including 50% of births), people with complex medical needs, and long term care for the elderly (so your family can keep Grandma's house when she gets old), in addition to some low income people. In most states it's 40-50% of the state budget, and is critical in keeping hospitals open, workers working, etc. Most legislators simply do not understand this.
Likewise, people see USAID as giving out money abroad, and have no idea of its role in helping prevent disease from spreading, keeping social stability and avoiding war, etc.
Sadly it takes time to educate legislators, but many of them are responsive to at least some of these things.
A MAGAt family member -- kept at a healthy distance -- recently reached out to try to discuss some issues, after the election -- on immigration and two or three others. I responded with a link to Dietrich Bonhoeffer (below) -- saying that we have to achieve a common foundation to stand on -- or risk talking past each other.
Bonhoeffer was a German Christian who tried to understand how his country became so morally depraved. This family member is a Christian too -- who several years ago cut me off on social media for expressing my views against Christian nationalism.
I’m in a blue dot in a red state but there are still plenty of MAGA here.
What I’m hearing/reading locally is that Trump supporters are thrilled with everything he’s doing. They want the government burned down. As an example: they’re tired of the U.S. being the world’s caretaker and benefactor. They think abolishing USAid is perfect. Why should millions of taxpayer dollars go to providing food, medicine and condoms for people they don’t know in countries they’ll never visit. They want that money to stay HERE.
They have no concept of what that will mean geopolitically. That US aid pulling out will leave a vacuum that China will most certainly fill. That the realignment of loyalties will affect US interests and security for decades to come.
I’m making as much noise as I can but think our Democratic leadership has been pretty feeble. I’ve read dozens of articles and listened to dozens of podcasts where everyone is saying: “Trump can’t do that! He can’t legally circumvent Congress! Congress is in charge of appropriations! Congress has already allocated spending!” And yet Trump is doing it anyway. Shutting down servers, firing or putting on leave federal workers and heads of agencies, allowing (supporting, encouraging) Musk to take over the U.S. Treasury. And nothing has happened to stop him.
I can (and do) make calls to my decidedly MAGA senators and representatives but I feel like I’m spitting in the wind. Yes. I believe public opinion matters but none of us have the power to arrest these people and litigate the injustice.
People I talk to are tuning out. I cut off a friend yesterday because he made a remark about immigrants and I did not like it, then he refused to discuss and walked away. I told him to keep walking; he was adamant that he did not give a shit anymore. I said I cannot be like that. Maybe all I did was call Pallone and Booker but it was something. And I am not going to shut up because someone wants to talk about drywall or pipefitting or duck hunting or anything other than the crisis at hand. They can kiss mine, in the window at Macy's on Christmas Eve!
perhaps you do not understand the depth of what is now being taken away from you through access to your Financial and personal information. I hope you continue to receive the funds and services (safe air travel, bank protection and reliable stock market, health care, education funding, if you don’t receive Social Security yet - you won’t have to worry about that - now or later) and there may not be anyone around to cut your grass or build your patio, or repair your car. oh, and 1 more thing - if your personal information should somehow become corrupt, you might find yourself in a pickle trying to explain who you are the sweeping police and military. Otherwise, everything will be just what you have been used to.
I have at least one pro-Trump relative who continues to support him. However, this is just an impression for me - I think a lot of the current Trump support is weak. When Trump wanted big crowds outside the courts when he was being prosecuted, no one showed up. I think his rallies (the few that he had) during the campaign were very poorly attended and the people that did attend walked out cause they were bored. I'm not sure that the support goes beyond getting off the couch and away from your phone. Is he getting letters from his supporters telling him that he's such a great guy, or is it just 'likes' and re-posts, things that take very little effort. However probably some of these people vote... so that's something to consider. All of us pay taxes including Republicans (well except for the extremely wealthy) so one message I think we should try to convey is that Trump via Elon is taking our tax dollars that our Congress budgeted as a bipartisan group and passed together (and provided transparency to) and he is basically stealing that money (under the guise of efficiency) with the intent of giving it to rich fat-cat billionaires (like himself, Elon and those tech-bros that sat in front at the inauguration). Get the focus turned on where the real steal is planned/occurring.
Thanks for the anecdotes, everyone. They weren't what I was hoping to hear, but I guess it's too early yet. My guess is that his voters and other MAGA supporters won't withdraw their support until they are personally harmed by the damage he does to our government services, the economy and national security. I'll ask again in a couple weeks.
Two points. This is going to take a while, and whether we can move these negative stories into people's minds is in part up to us and what we do. Trump's job approval is already hovering at historically low levels, in the 40s, already. A majority of the country is already not on board. Our goal is to keep moving that number a point or two each month.
Why do approval levels matter when he already has the keys to the kingdom and is above the law? We are playing by the rules, but there are no rules anymore. Approval doesn't matter. Legality doesn't matter. Tallied phone calls don't matter. They are playing a different game and we aren't even at the table.
A very large portion of the country also appear unaware/tuned-out/deliberately disengaged regarding what is going on and has gone on in the past few days and weeks. News coverage is abysmal.
All of that said, my take is that getting information out, asking people to take any action is a huge part of what like-minded folks need to be doing. Finding one's tribe, having members of the group willing to do work to make calls, talk to others.
Some of us ((waving here from my house)) feel a bit too on-line - I feel an obligation on many levels to try to stay on top of what's going on.
Overwhelming - especially since last week - and it will take awhile to move needles, change minds (pick a phrase).
Grateful that those with larger platforms, bigger audiences and circles are speaking up. The engagement on this piece today has been encouraging.
CatChex, I found this excellent video with Ezra Klein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8QLgLfqh6s&t=13s. He talks about "flooding the zone" because that's exactly what the thing is doing: trying to overwhelm us all at once and make us believe that he has all that power when, in fact, he's actually weak. The video is called "Don't Believe Him." And we shouldn't.
Thank you, Veronica. I'd seen that piece and heard Bannon's "flood the zone" comments years ago.
I've seen this group in action since the '80's on the east coast, believe nothing he says for a variety of reasons, but he manages to get many to both buy in and do terrible things in his name.
Veronica - I heard from friends with whom I'd shared the Ezra Klein video last night and their response was positive - and they're also sharing the video, too, and figuring what they can do in terms of groups to support, continuing to make calls. Klein did a great job with that video and it's resonating.
I know that it helped me to watch it again this morning.
I broke my "no politics on Facebook" rule yesterday and posted that I was sickened that the world's poorest will die because the world's richest man unilaterally decided to shut down US AID. I was surprised at the responses -- one from a high school friend whom I thought was completely MAGA said it showed the march to a dictatorship! But another friend from college spewed the Fox line:
"I do not believe that will ultimately happen. Secretary of State Rubio essentially confirmed that….but there is a tremendous amount of fraud and waste that is showing up.  I don’t want see anyone in the world suffer, but the enormous debt were building up in our country will ultimately mean a grim future for the younger generations. Cuts must be made somewhere. We have a debt disaster in the making."
My personal opinion is that US AID is a test case to see if they can get away with cutting whole government agencies. They figure no one cares about the poor, so they chose this agency first. My new line to Tillis and Budd (after I urge them to vote against the Unacceptable Four), is that Must is making a mockery of them and of Congress. I figure a blow to their egos can't hurt! (And also, it's true!)
The Senate functions heavily on the principle of *unanimous consent*. Without such consent, everything takes too long and the chamber is barely functional.
Take just one tiny example: The Senate regularly has to switch back and forth between Legislative Session and Executive Session. Any single Democrat can DENY unanimous consent and DEMAND a *roll call vote* for this back and forth – and thus slow things down to a dysfunctional crawl.
IT ONLY TAKES ONE SENATOR to announce: "We are shutting down and slow-walking the confirmation process until the Trump regime ceases its blatantly illegal activities. DOGE and Elon Musk is NOT authorized to do what they are doing. Neither the President nor Elon Musk are empowered to shut down USAID or other government agencies; that can only be done by an Act of Congress, and after a proper legislative process. President Trump must continue disbursing those funds that have been approved by Congress. Moreover, the firing of federal employees without due process must cease."
Can a single senator shut down the whole confirmation process or must it be done one nomination/specific committee at a time? Thanks for your post, as always.
A single senator can slow down the Senate to a crawl so that confirmation of Trump’s nominees take a loooong time. While they cannot formally shut down the process, they can functionally come pretty close.
Senator Rand Paul has pulled these sorts of stunts repeatedly.
And Senator Tuberville placed a "hold" (denied unanimous consent) on hundreds of military promotions. Why? Because he objected to the military’s policy with regards to abortion.
Slowing down….but then Trump has the ability to appoint temp people with no fbi report, no transparency at all. At least w the hearings the whole nation can see how unqualified they are, and how subservient the Rs are to T, not the welfare of the country…..
Trump can do that anyways. I’m sure we remember the various acting/temporary appointees from his first term.
The point is, Democrats need to squeeze where they can. Remember: 1200 appointments require Senate confirmation. His deeply-unqualified Cabinet nominees are only the tip of the iceberg. Or, should I say, "the tip of the shit pile".
Thanks. I remembered Tuberville and Paul but didn’t know the details of the process. (ex. Would the denial of unanimous consent be required to come from a senator on the related committee? You answered my question. Thanks.)
As I understand it, Republicans might be able to push through Cabinet-level nominations – if they have the votes. But Democrats could place hold on all other appointments within whatever department or agency they want.
NB. Roughly 1200 government positions require Senate confirmation. If Democrats deny unanimous consent, then each of these need to be debated, have cloture votes and confirmation votes. That is simply not doable!
UPDATE: And it looks like Senate Democrats – together! – are getting ready to slow-walk and obstruct Trump’s nominees.
Senate Democrats are privately eyeing delays on all Trump nominees as retaliation for his restructuring of USAID. This would go beyond the "blanket hold" that Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has already placed on State Department nominees. Democrats are furious at Trump's actions, and want to signal a strong response.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Axios on Tuesday that he's willing to place holds on Trump nominees on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
We need a new comms structure. We need KamalaHQ back to help online. The Senators need to stop voting to Trump's nominees -- this is past "oh, maybe we could get them to our side"
The internet-based people want to see things they can share immediately and let folks know. Meidas can't be the entire DNC comms structure. There needs to be an attack team, and posting about the price of pizza isn't working.
I appreciate everything they did yesterday. But there has to be an IMMEDIATE response. And by golly, get folks to work in lanes. I'm focusing on constitutional order and law. Others can focus on immigation, on tarriffs, etc.
"RFK Jr's anti-vaccination group has paid nearly $1 million to a woman who accused him of sexual harassment. Senators will vote on his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services today."
Representative Jasmine Crocket [@JasmineForUS] on the repeal of DEI: "If you are competent, you are not concerned. The only people crying are mediocre white boys"
while we are in a constitutional crisis with our hands tied behind our backs, the senate confirmed fotus new energy secretary yesterday and 8 dem senators voted for him. a fracking guy. until the dems are totally united against this plundering of our govt and democracy, we will not win. we all have to be on the same page. the senate and house need to gum up the works to get us some time. i agree with simon this is a critical emergency. all hands on deck.
One is PA Sen Fetterman. I’m furious with him. It’s very hard to call his office and be civil, though I know I must. I feel like screaming at the voicemail!
My guess as to why some DEMS have voted for some of these pics is that some of them are up for re-election in 2026 in swing states and need to appeal to INDPS.
I would like from here on out for every DEM to vote no on every single remaining cabinet post until TFG fires Musk. Agree with everyone on here that DEMS need to send a clear, powerful message.
well, if they stand up and vote with the integrity if their people in mind, they might be around to run again. If not, there won’t be any real elections. Gotta play the looooong game here.
Yep, kitkatmia, tying our own hands behind our backs! Or, put another way, bringing a knife to a gunfight. While I don't believe a priori that Republican candidates are all unqualified just b/c they are in the R party, the bar is so low right now that some Dems don't even seem to notice. Do they think they get credit for acting 'reasonable'? If so, very naive.
It was a pleasure to hear your reasoned approach at the USC Conference last week. On another note, I agree that protesting may be counterproductive if not well organized and strategic. Here on the Eatside of LA there are many grassroots organizations forming spontaneously. I have been contacted by 2 of them. Is there a seasoned organization on the Eastside of LA that you or are fellow readers would recommend?
It appears that the “concessions” that Canada & Mexico made were actually already in place. These tariff threats are a game that Trump is playing to look like a tough guy. Really he’s a bully and a thug. What’s gonna happen in 30 days? The media will chase the story yet again and miss what’s really happening in terms of DOGE shutting down as much of government as possible and taking away benefits to everyday people
I have made my daily calls this morning to both of my senators (Klobuchar and Smith). We have to all keep doing this. Working in finance for 28 years, I have seen some businesses fail. When that happens, no one ever says "I wish I had waited longer to act with urgency". It's the same thing now with our constituional crisis. If elected D's would act with more urgency, they won't be left wondering what happened.
If we don't know if we live in a democracy any longer, and I agree with Simon that it is not clear at all, then we need our elected officials to use every tool that they have to obstruct and oppose. At the same time, we all need to use all of our tools and call and encourage and cajole them to do the right thing. The time is now and the hour is late.
The only thing that eliminates darkness is light. We are the light. We have to be the light. The only thing that matters is the next thing we are all going to do to fight this. Don't complain, don't wish that things were better. We can only control what we do now.
In all likelihood, far more fentanyl is passing the other direction-INTO Canada- rather than FROM Canada. That information, of course, would be censored by the new Bosses.
Called both my senator this morning. Neither Thom Tillis's nor Ted Budd's offices were answering the phone. Which is typical for both of them. It's why I call them Black Hole 1 and Black Hole 2. Doubt it will do any good, but I tried. I also emailed Senator Susan Collins after she said she'll vote to confirm Russian asset Tulsi Gabbard.
I wish I had a modicum of hope that the republican senate will do the right thing, but......
A friend of mine sent a letter to Tillis. He lives in NC. He got a form letter back stating basically nothing. A lot of crap about the American people have spoken by electing the traitor to move the county in a new direction.
I think phone calls are best way to reach them and yes trying is better than doing nothing.
Yep. I've had the same experience with Tillis. The form letters usually arrive weeks, sometimes months, after I sent the email and they never address the issues I've raised. It's about as useful as shouting down a well.
Tillis has state offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greenville, Hendersonville, and Greensboro (phone and also, FAX numbers below, if phone or email fail!)
Yes, but they're both in Washington right now because the senate is in session. I've found that they don't usually get messages left with their satellite offices.
Budd’s Raleigh office phone answering person told me my concerns were already “in the system” and no matter how many times/days I called, it would only count once.
Interesting! The DC office just asks for name and phone number, but the local staffer in Budd's office just took down my name and address. It might be better to just call the DC office for that reason, but today it's a busy signal every time I call.
Simon: I made a contribution to the DNC and I congratulate Ken Martin. However, since his election last Saturday, he has been MIA. Same for Jeffries (God is on our side) and Schumer (the price of corn chips is going up). Finally, yesterday, the House backbenchers made national news outside USAID and Sen. Shatz promised to jam up the confirmation process. Maybe you, Simon, can rally our elected officials out of their collective stupor like you have done for the Hopium community.
As for Ken he was on MSNBC last night, has done tons of interviews, given 2 public speeches and needs time - a few weeks - to get his team together and develop a plan. The DNC is not in a strong institutional place right now and we should expect it to be able to run before it can walk. I also just want to say that this constant refrain expressing our weakness helps MAGA and you are amplifying our weakness rather than our strength. I feel like for some it has become performative. But in any event we know we are and we just need to keep working to make things better.....
Our leaders weren't ready. We know that. Now we just have to keep grinding and keep making things better. This constant whine I hear from the family has become counterproductive and self-indulgent.
I totally agree Simon. I’m personally over it with the harangue about Democrats not doing enough. The fact is that the reason we are here is that the institutional Republican Party folded like a cheap tent and let Trump take over. Democrats are having to do everything by themselves. Just do everything you can. We can sort out minor stuff down the road.
Jefferies sent out a 10 point plan for counteracting all of this stuff this morning. He said they are also working with lawyers to assess how to push back on illegal actions being taken. Legislation is to be introduced to get Musk, et. al. out of the Treasury, etc. I think sometimes we just don’t see all that is going on behind the scenes.
I'm miserable to be right in my prediction that as 47th potus he'd try to get access to the Treasury. I did not expect it to be as brazen or immediate as this.
I've seen Lawrence Tribe and others posting on BlueSky about a 50-states protest tomorrow at state capitals. I'm not sure what to think about it at this point, but it seems legit.
50 state protest at all of our capitals. That actually sounds like a good plan. Maga can’t be everywhere. And the police are still about protecting the peace. And if not, we shall see.
I hear you. I think the answer is to stay focussed on the present. As Simon wrote, we have no idea what will happen next. What we do today is what we can do today. I hope my husband's and my Social Security checks show up monthly because I like to eat and to sleep under a roof. But we shall see, won't we?
We must fight now. We're in new rules - ride or die as they say
Sorry, comments were off. They are on now.
Do repeat calls help? I've already called re Kennedy et al, should I call again? Or move to a new topic?
My understanding, repeat calls matter.
Yes, repeat calls help. My understanding is that the staffers who answer the phones and see emails tally the number received on a given topic/day. You want that tic mark of your call to be recorded each day. You don't have to be lengthy or eloquent, and it's fine to repeat what you said before. Thank you for calling!!!
I heard a staffer suggest calling the DC office and then the state office - and try to meet with your rep at their office - you will meet with a staffer not your rep - but showing up and requesting a meeting shows serious commitment.
“It was natural and perhaps human that the privileged princes of these new economic dynasties, thirsting for power, reached out for control over Government itself. They created a new despotism and wrapped it in the robes of legal sanction. In its service new mercenaries sought to regiment the people, their labor, and their property. And as a result the average man once more confronts the problem that faced the Minute Man.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR spoke those words in 1936 when he accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for President for his second term. He was describing what led to the Great Depression. It would be awesome if Democrats could once again rally the people against monopolistic corporations and plutocrats -- the "economic royalists" as FDR referred to them. They've been afraid of the morbidly rich for too damned long.
Only this time, we are headed for a GLOBAL Depression. Trump is only too happy to wreak global havoc.
Time's a wastin', Hopium. I think we need a spokesperson, soon, with the stature of FDR for democracy defenders to rally around. A smart AND charismatic leader with a singular message. Kamala-, Michelle-, Navalny- Zelenskyy-like figure. Otherwise I fear we will be entering territory where we haven't been since the Depression and WWII.
Somebody actually willing to forcefully oppose the GOP, unlike Senator Slotkin of Michigan who sent me this milquetoast message yesterday about Elon Musk. The Democrats are so afraid of pissing off anyone who might donate some big bucks to them.
John,
In my 15 years of service to the federal government, I was focused on protecting the country from terrorist threats — always with America's safety top of mind.
Recently, we've seen our federal government targeted in a way that makes America less safe. I have no problems with trimming excess spending in our government, but this approach is way too broad.
It's affecting everyone from law enforcement, to flight safety inspectors, to the people who test our drinking water, and even doctors conducting clinical trials for children with cancer. Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater. These are professions that Michiganders and Americans rely on — whether we know it or not.
I'm especially concerned about the role that Elon Musk is playing, a billionaire who voters didn't elect -- but who now has access to our citizens' most sensitive data, including tax documents. That access raises all kinds of questions. Could that information be used for legal or financial gain? For the targeting of citizens?
We know that Musk's personal interests are out of step with the average Michigander — he's got investments in Communist China, and a clear business opposition to the Big Three automakers.
I'll have more thoughts very soon, not just on this topic but also some suggestions of what we all can do in this moment. Keep an eye on your inbox.
Until then, thank you for reading.
Elissa
Question for our community: I’m curious what people might be hearing from any Trump-voting friends, acquaintances or relatives. Are they expressing any buyer’s remorse? Do they seem aware of the ongoing shit show, illegal power grabs, purges and attacks on government agencies and workers? I have no insight because the only GOP voters I know are some relatives and in-laws with whom politics talk is best avoided.
I only know from acquaintances on our local facebook groups. They are defending him at every turn so far and spew nonsense and seem more hostile than ever. I hope that isn’t true with all of his voters.
my take exactly. Hard to keep from rolling my eyes when they regurgitate all over everywhere.
My neighbor said a member of her bible study group, which is usually nonpolitical, spoke approvingly of RFK. She is a nurse so she spoke up for science and commented that he was dangerous. The discussion quickly went back to the bible under discussion.
She is reading HCR and knows and is frightened about the coup underway. We both have neighbors and relatives who voted for Trump.
I am writing postcards for the WI race April 1st, my therapy.
Responding to Joanne and Barbara's comments: those I am still in touch with who are his supporters continue to spew his nonsense (my personal take is that they've consumed the Kool-Aide, committed to the cult). I have less contact with them all of the time - for the sake of my own sanity, peace of mind. The ever less thinly disguised racism, misogyny, proud ignorance are appalling.
Barbara, we have a number of neighbors who work in medicine who have expressed support for RFK Jr and think (made statements to the effect) that "things will be just fine".
Bluntly, I find these folks terrifying. A few are very vocal anti-vaxxers.
The cognitive dissonance on display is jaw-dropping (as one response).
Our Bible study group, which I lead, is probably around 50/50 in political leanings, although we don’t generally discuss politics for obvious reasons. Right after the inauguration, I was asked to pray for “President Trump,” that he would lead “righteously and justly.” This was probably our Trumpiest member, and all I can say is - there is seemingly a complete denial of reality going on with these people. Needless to say, I made the prayer pro-righteous and just “leadership” and skipped mentioning the grotesque mockery of all of that in the White House.
Doing postcards fro WI too!
Adam Kinzinger has an outstanding Substack newsletter with weekly videos and a Country First website. He was the other Republican with Liz Cheney on the Jan. 6 committee, a Never-Trumper, and spoke at the Dem Convention just before Harris. He interviewed two newspeople yesterday and asked what Trump voters who they know or have interviewed are saying now. The response from these "affluent, educated" Trump voters? That they "don't pay that much attention to the news." God help us! I do highly recommend subscribing to Kinzinger, he's impressive!
God help us, indeed! A continuation of the problem that got us here in the first place. They may start paying attention when their investments tank and they don't get their Social Security checks or their Medicare benefits are delayed.
My congressman is all red. Ny cd 1. LaLota. I call every day and tell his people my complaint, worry, fear, and ask what is his position on…firing FBI. Musk access to our SS info etc. the young staffers never has his comment. Sometimes I ask for him to send me a letter on his position. We shall see. Then I can use it when I write letters to the editor.
I'm glad you are doing this. One thing to keep in mind is that most legislators, whether state or federal have very little idea of the details of how government programs work or what changing them means for people. That's especially true of programs like Medicaid (and USAID), where people think they know the purpose and they're missing important pieces.
People think Medicaid is "for poor people", but actually Medicaid covers a large proportion of the nation's children (including 50% of births), people with complex medical needs, and long term care for the elderly (so your family can keep Grandma's house when she gets old), in addition to some low income people. In most states it's 40-50% of the state budget, and is critical in keeping hospitals open, workers working, etc. Most legislators simply do not understand this.
Likewise, people see USAID as giving out money abroad, and have no idea of its role in helping prevent disease from spreading, keeping social stability and avoiding war, etc.
Sadly it takes time to educate legislators, but many of them are responsive to at least some of these things.
Mary, go ahead and write that letter to the editor and say that you've repeatedly asked for his position but have not received it.
A MAGAt family member -- kept at a healthy distance -- recently reached out to try to discuss some issues, after the election -- on immigration and two or three others. I responded with a link to Dietrich Bonhoeffer (below) -- saying that we have to achieve a common foundation to stand on -- or risk talking past each other.
Bonhoeffer was a German Christian who tried to understand how his country became so morally depraved. This family member is a Christian too -- who several years ago cut me off on social media for expressing my views against Christian nationalism.
https://youtu.be/ww47bR86wSc?si=2pWWVbhvLaq7GBJx
I’m seeing complete approval and embrace of the ongoing shit show.
A few days ago a neighbor spontaneously started lecturing about Hunter Biden!
Sore winners.
I’m in a blue dot in a red state but there are still plenty of MAGA here.
What I’m hearing/reading locally is that Trump supporters are thrilled with everything he’s doing. They want the government burned down. As an example: they’re tired of the U.S. being the world’s caretaker and benefactor. They think abolishing USAid is perfect. Why should millions of taxpayer dollars go to providing food, medicine and condoms for people they don’t know in countries they’ll never visit. They want that money to stay HERE.
They have no concept of what that will mean geopolitically. That US aid pulling out will leave a vacuum that China will most certainly fill. That the realignment of loyalties will affect US interests and security for decades to come.
I’m making as much noise as I can but think our Democratic leadership has been pretty feeble. I’ve read dozens of articles and listened to dozens of podcasts where everyone is saying: “Trump can’t do that! He can’t legally circumvent Congress! Congress is in charge of appropriations! Congress has already allocated spending!” And yet Trump is doing it anyway. Shutting down servers, firing or putting on leave federal workers and heads of agencies, allowing (supporting, encouraging) Musk to take over the U.S. Treasury. And nothing has happened to stop him.
I can (and do) make calls to my decidedly MAGA senators and representatives but I feel like I’m spitting in the wind. Yes. I believe public opinion matters but none of us have the power to arrest these people and litigate the injustice.
Where are those people?
Do they even exist?
People I talk to are tuning out. I cut off a friend yesterday because he made a remark about immigrants and I did not like it, then he refused to discuss and walked away. I told him to keep walking; he was adamant that he did not give a shit anymore. I said I cannot be like that. Maybe all I did was call Pallone and Booker but it was something. And I am not going to shut up because someone wants to talk about drywall or pipefitting or duck hunting or anything other than the crisis at hand. They can kiss mine, in the window at Macy's on Christmas Eve!
Well done! And definitely call Sen. Kim and ask him why he voted for Kristi Noem.
It's the fault of Biden, DEI, wokeness, China, immigrants, etc., etc.
perhaps you do not understand the depth of what is now being taken away from you through access to your Financial and personal information. I hope you continue to receive the funds and services (safe air travel, bank protection and reliable stock market, health care, education funding, if you don’t receive Social Security yet - you won’t have to worry about that - now or later) and there may not be anyone around to cut your grass or build your patio, or repair your car. oh, and 1 more thing - if your personal information should somehow become corrupt, you might find yourself in a pickle trying to explain who you are the sweeping police and military. Otherwise, everything will be just what you have been used to.
I have at least one pro-Trump relative who continues to support him. However, this is just an impression for me - I think a lot of the current Trump support is weak. When Trump wanted big crowds outside the courts when he was being prosecuted, no one showed up. I think his rallies (the few that he had) during the campaign were very poorly attended and the people that did attend walked out cause they were bored. I'm not sure that the support goes beyond getting off the couch and away from your phone. Is he getting letters from his supporters telling him that he's such a great guy, or is it just 'likes' and re-posts, things that take very little effort. However probably some of these people vote... so that's something to consider. All of us pay taxes including Republicans (well except for the extremely wealthy) so one message I think we should try to convey is that Trump via Elon is taking our tax dollars that our Congress budgeted as a bipartisan group and passed together (and provided transparency to) and he is basically stealing that money (under the guise of efficiency) with the intent of giving it to rich fat-cat billionaires (like himself, Elon and those tech-bros that sat in front at the inauguration). Get the focus turned on where the real steal is planned/occurring.
Thanks for the anecdotes, everyone. They weren't what I was hoping to hear, but I guess it's too early yet. My guess is that his voters and other MAGA supporters won't withdraw their support until they are personally harmed by the damage he does to our government services, the economy and national security. I'll ask again in a couple weeks.
Two points. This is going to take a while, and whether we can move these negative stories into people's minds is in part up to us and what we do. Trump's job approval is already hovering at historically low levels, in the 40s, already. A majority of the country is already not on board. Our goal is to keep moving that number a point or two each month.
Why do approval levels matter when he already has the keys to the kingdom and is above the law? We are playing by the rules, but there are no rules anymore. Approval doesn't matter. Legality doesn't matter. Tallied phone calls don't matter. They are playing a different game and we aren't even at the table.
A very large portion of the country also appear unaware/tuned-out/deliberately disengaged regarding what is going on and has gone on in the past few days and weeks. News coverage is abysmal.
All of that said, my take is that getting information out, asking people to take any action is a huge part of what like-minded folks need to be doing. Finding one's tribe, having members of the group willing to do work to make calls, talk to others.
Some of us ((waving here from my house)) feel a bit too on-line - I feel an obligation on many levels to try to stay on top of what's going on.
Overwhelming - especially since last week - and it will take awhile to move needles, change minds (pick a phrase).
Grateful that those with larger platforms, bigger audiences and circles are speaking up. The engagement on this piece today has been encouraging.
Thank you.
CatChex, I found this excellent video with Ezra Klein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8QLgLfqh6s&t=13s. He talks about "flooding the zone" because that's exactly what the thing is doing: trying to overwhelm us all at once and make us believe that he has all that power when, in fact, he's actually weak. The video is called "Don't Believe Him." And we shouldn't.
Thank you, Veronica. I'd seen that piece and heard Bannon's "flood the zone" comments years ago.
I've seen this group in action since the '80's on the east coast, believe nothing he says for a variety of reasons, but he manages to get many to both buy in and do terrible things in his name.
Roy Cohn taught him well, it seems.
Veronica - I heard from friends with whom I'd shared the Ezra Klein video last night and their response was positive - and they're also sharing the video, too, and figuring what they can do in terms of groups to support, continuing to make calls. Klein did a great job with that video and it's resonating.
I know that it helped me to watch it again this morning.
I broke my "no politics on Facebook" rule yesterday and posted that I was sickened that the world's poorest will die because the world's richest man unilaterally decided to shut down US AID. I was surprised at the responses -- one from a high school friend whom I thought was completely MAGA said it showed the march to a dictatorship! But another friend from college spewed the Fox line:
"I do not believe that will ultimately happen. Secretary of State Rubio essentially confirmed that….but there is a tremendous amount of fraud and waste that is showing up.  I don’t want see anyone in the world suffer, but the enormous debt were building up in our country will ultimately mean a grim future for the younger generations. Cuts must be made somewhere. We have a debt disaster in the making."
My personal opinion is that US AID is a test case to see if they can get away with cutting whole government agencies. They figure no one cares about the poor, so they chose this agency first. My new line to Tillis and Budd (after I urge them to vote against the Unacceptable Four), is that Must is making a mockery of them and of Congress. I figure a blow to their egos can't hurt! (And also, it's true!)
I liked this just based on the title :)
ALL IT TAKES IS ONE DEMOCRATIC SENATOR...!
The Senate functions heavily on the principle of *unanimous consent*. Without such consent, everything takes too long and the chamber is barely functional.
Take just one tiny example: The Senate regularly has to switch back and forth between Legislative Session and Executive Session. Any single Democrat can DENY unanimous consent and DEMAND a *roll call vote* for this back and forth – and thus slow things down to a dysfunctional crawl.
IT ONLY TAKES ONE SENATOR to announce: "We are shutting down and slow-walking the confirmation process until the Trump regime ceases its blatantly illegal activities. DOGE and Elon Musk is NOT authorized to do what they are doing. Neither the President nor Elon Musk are empowered to shut down USAID or other government agencies; that can only be done by an Act of Congress, and after a proper legislative process. President Trump must continue disbursing those funds that have been approved by Congress. Moreover, the firing of federal employees without due process must cease."
Can a single senator shut down the whole confirmation process or must it be done one nomination/specific committee at a time? Thanks for your post, as always.
A single senator can slow down the Senate to a crawl so that confirmation of Trump’s nominees take a loooong time. While they cannot formally shut down the process, they can functionally come pretty close.
Senator Rand Paul has pulled these sorts of stunts repeatedly.
And Senator Tuberville placed a "hold" (denied unanimous consent) on hundreds of military promotions. Why? Because he objected to the military’s policy with regards to abortion.
Slowing down….but then Trump has the ability to appoint temp people with no fbi report, no transparency at all. At least w the hearings the whole nation can see how unqualified they are, and how subservient the Rs are to T, not the welfare of the country…..
Trump can do that anyways. I’m sure we remember the various acting/temporary appointees from his first term.
The point is, Democrats need to squeeze where they can. Remember: 1200 appointments require Senate confirmation. His deeply-unqualified Cabinet nominees are only the tip of the iceberg. Or, should I say, "the tip of the shit pile".
Thanks. I remembered Tuberville and Paul but didn’t know the details of the process. (ex. Would the denial of unanimous consent be required to come from a senator on the related committee? You answered my question. Thanks.)
Can this process of "unanimous consent" shut down the nominations for DOJ and HHS? I know Brian Schatz did this for the State Department.
As I understand it, Republicans might be able to push through Cabinet-level nominations – if they have the votes. But Democrats could place hold on all other appointments within whatever department or agency they want.
NB. Roughly 1200 government positions require Senate confirmation. If Democrats deny unanimous consent, then each of these need to be debated, have cloture votes and confirmation votes. That is simply not doable!
I think it is "cloture" not "closure".
Brainfart. Corrected. Many thanks!
I thought it might be spell check/autocorrect! :-)
UPDATE: And it looks like Senate Democrats – together! – are getting ready to slow-walk and obstruct Trump’s nominees.
Senate Democrats are privately eyeing delays on all Trump nominees as retaliation for his restructuring of USAID. This would go beyond the "blanket hold" that Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has already placed on State Department nominees. Democrats are furious at Trump's actions, and want to signal a strong response.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Axios on Tuesday that he's willing to place holds on Trump nominees on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/04/senate-democrats-holds-nominees-usaid
Thank heavens for Sen Brian Schatz!
We need a new comms structure. We need KamalaHQ back to help online. The Senators need to stop voting to Trump's nominees -- this is past "oh, maybe we could get them to our side"
The internet-based people want to see things they can share immediately and let folks know. Meidas can't be the entire DNC comms structure. There needs to be an attack team, and posting about the price of pizza isn't working.
I appreciate everything they did yesterday. But there has to be an IMMEDIATE response. And by golly, get folks to work in lanes. I'm focusing on constitutional order and law. Others can focus on immigation, on tarriffs, etc.
KamalaHQ is essentially back up online! Democrats have engaged the people behind Kamala’s brilliant Rapid Response Team.
I haven't seen it! On Bluesky, Insta, do you have a link?
It is called FactPost News and it is yet anywhere near where KamalaHQ was. It will take time.
Every bit helps. And this is critical for the social media doomers. There's a ton of folks who don't pay attention to anything but the posting.
Moishe, here is link. (Nitter is a workaround to avoid going directly to Musk’s Xitter.) So far this account has approx. 120,000 followers.
https://nitter.poast.org/FactPostNews
And here is one of many articles on the Democratic Party’s Rapid Response effort.
https://democrats.org/news/icymi-dnc-launches-new-factpost-digital-accounts-economic-messaging-to-take-on-trumps-billionaire-cabinet-as-confirmation-hearings-kick-off/
Please note this from the article: "FactPostNews will start on X, Threads, and Bluesky and will eventually expand to TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram."
Thank you for the link and the article.
Greatly appreciated.
Here are two fresh samples:
"RFK Jr's anti-vaccination group has paid nearly $1 million to a woman who accused him of sexual harassment. Senators will vote on his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services today."
https://nitter.poast.org/factpostnews/status/1886782373360021525#m
Representative Jasmine Crocket [@JasmineForUS] on the repeal of DEI: "If you are competent, you are not concerned. The only people crying are mediocre white boys"
https://nitter.poast.org/factpostnews/status/1886813546916298807#m
It’s on blue sky - search for it - only has about 10k followers so it needs some boosting. Hit up your socials and share.
Check out Families Over Billionaires which just formed about a week ago. Only 1 video so far but it's good.
Please put the video on instagram.
while we are in a constitutional crisis with our hands tied behind our backs, the senate confirmed fotus new energy secretary yesterday and 8 dem senators voted for him. a fracking guy. until the dems are totally united against this plundering of our govt and democracy, we will not win. we all have to be on the same page. the senate and house need to gum up the works to get us some time. i agree with simon this is a critical emergency. all hands on deck.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-senator-block-trump-nominees-over-us-aid-agency-shutdown-2025-02-03/
Do you have handy the names of the Senators?
One is PA Sen Fetterman. I’m furious with him. It’s very hard to call his office and be civil, though I know I must. I feel like screaming at the voicemail!
WHY are Dems supporting any of these confirmations?
My guess as to why some DEMS have voted for some of these pics is that some of them are up for re-election in 2026 in swing states and need to appeal to INDPS.
I would like from here on out for every DEM to vote no on every single remaining cabinet post until TFG fires Musk. Agree with everyone on here that DEMS need to send a clear, powerful message.
well, if they stand up and vote with the integrity if their people in mind, they might be around to run again. If not, there won’t be any real elections. Gotta play the looooong game here.
Yep, kitkatmia, tying our own hands behind our backs! Or, put another way, bringing a knife to a gunfight. While I don't believe a priori that Republican candidates are all unqualified just b/c they are in the R party, the bar is so low right now that some Dems don't even seem to notice. Do they think they get credit for acting 'reasonable'? If so, very naive.
It was a pleasure to hear your reasoned approach at the USC Conference last week. On another note, I agree that protesting may be counterproductive if not well organized and strategic. Here on the Eatside of LA there are many grassroots organizations forming spontaneously. I have been contacted by 2 of them. Is there a seasoned organization on the Eastside of LA that you or are fellow readers would recommend?
It appears that the “concessions” that Canada & Mexico made were actually already in place. These tariff threats are a game that Trump is playing to look like a tough guy. Really he’s a bully and a thug. What’s gonna happen in 30 days? The media will chase the story yet again and miss what’s really happening in terms of DOGE shutting down as much of government as possible and taking away benefits to everyday people
I wrote a letter to the editor of my local paper about that. And the ruse about Canada, with only .2 % of fentanyl coming across our N border.
I have made my daily calls this morning to both of my senators (Klobuchar and Smith). We have to all keep doing this. Working in finance for 28 years, I have seen some businesses fail. When that happens, no one ever says "I wish I had waited longer to act with urgency". It's the same thing now with our constituional crisis. If elected D's would act with more urgency, they won't be left wondering what happened.
If we don't know if we live in a democracy any longer, and I agree with Simon that it is not clear at all, then we need our elected officials to use every tool that they have to obstruct and oppose. At the same time, we all need to use all of our tools and call and encourage and cajole them to do the right thing. The time is now and the hour is late.
The only thing that eliminates darkness is light. We are the light. We have to be the light. The only thing that matters is the next thing we are all going to do to fight this. Don't complain, don't wish that things were better. We can only control what we do now.
I spent 27 years in supply chain with a major retailer. My personal motto was “have a bias towards action!”
Yes! Absolutely.
In all likelihood, far more fentanyl is passing the other direction-INTO Canada- rather than FROM Canada. That information, of course, would be censored by the new Bosses.
Called both my senator this morning. Neither Thom Tillis's nor Ted Budd's offices were answering the phone. Which is typical for both of them. It's why I call them Black Hole 1 and Black Hole 2. Doubt it will do any good, but I tried. I also emailed Senator Susan Collins after she said she'll vote to confirm Russian asset Tulsi Gabbard.
I wish I had a modicum of hope that the republican senate will do the right thing, but......
A friend of mine sent a letter to Tillis. He lives in NC. He got a form letter back stating basically nothing. A lot of crap about the American people have spoken by electing the traitor to move the county in a new direction.
I think phone calls are best way to reach them and yes trying is better than doing nothing.
Yep. I've had the same experience with Tillis. The form letters usually arrive weeks, sometimes months, after I sent the email and they never address the issues I've raised. It's about as useful as shouting down a well.
Same with Fetterman
FWIW Budd has four state office locations, in Advance, Asheville, Raleigh and Wilmington:
https://www.budd.senate.gov/contact/
336-941-4470
828-333-4130
984-349-5061
910-218-7600
Tillis has state offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greenville, Hendersonville, and Greensboro (phone and also, FAX numbers below, if phone or email fail!)
Phone: (919) 856-4630
Fax: (919) 856-4053
Phone: (704) 509-9087
Fax: (704) 509-9162
Phone: (252) 329-0371
Fax: (252) 329-0290
Phone: (828) 693-8750
Fax: (828) 693-9724
Phone: (336) 885-0685
Fax: (336) 885-0692
The Best Online Fax Services for 2025
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-online-fax-services
Yes, but they're both in Washington right now because the senate is in session. I've found that they don't usually get messages left with their satellite offices.
Budd’s Raleigh office phone answering person told me my concerns were already “in the system” and no matter how many times/days I called, it would only count once.
Ever the professionals, ain't they?
Interesting! The DC office just asks for name and phone number, but the local staffer in Budd's office just took down my name and address. It might be better to just call the DC office for that reason, but today it's a busy signal every time I call.
Also in NC but I refer to them as Useless and Butthead.
Attended a rally this afternoon at Tillis’s office in Raleigh. Demanding he Vote No on Vought. Among other things. Showing up.
Wow! Great job, Colleen. I hope, rather than believe, it might make a difference.
Simon: I made a contribution to the DNC and I congratulate Ken Martin. However, since his election last Saturday, he has been MIA. Same for Jeffries (God is on our side) and Schumer (the price of corn chips is going up). Finally, yesterday, the House backbenchers made national news outside USAID and Sen. Shatz promised to jam up the confirmation process. Maybe you, Simon, can rally our elected officials out of their collective stupor like you have done for the Hopium community.
As for Ken he was on MSNBC last night, has done tons of interviews, given 2 public speeches and needs time - a few weeks - to get his team together and develop a plan. The DNC is not in a strong institutional place right now and we should expect it to be able to run before it can walk. I also just want to say that this constant refrain expressing our weakness helps MAGA and you are amplifying our weakness rather than our strength. I feel like for some it has become performative. But in any event we know we are and we just need to keep working to make things better.....
Our leaders weren't ready. We know that. Now we just have to keep grinding and keep making things better. This constant whine I hear from the family has become counterproductive and self-indulgent.
I totally agree Simon. I’m personally over it with the harangue about Democrats not doing enough. The fact is that the reason we are here is that the institutional Republican Party folded like a cheap tent and let Trump take over. Democrats are having to do everything by themselves. Just do everything you can. We can sort out minor stuff down the road.
Agreed. Look where you can help the cause. Ignore whines
Jefferies sent out a 10 point plan for counteracting all of this stuff this morning. He said they are also working with lawyers to assess how to push back on illegal actions being taken. Legislation is to be introduced to get Musk, et. al. out of the Treasury, etc. I think sometimes we just don’t see all that is going on behind the scenes.
That's good.
Link, please to Jeffries 10 point plan.
Found it, thx
I read too much stuff this am! It was in Robert Hubbell’s substack, but I’m glad you were able to find it.
I'm miserable to be right in my prediction that as 47th potus he'd try to get access to the Treasury. I did not expect it to be as brazen or immediate as this.
Now calling my Senators twice daily-once does not feel adequate.
I've seen Lawrence Tribe and others posting on BlueSky about a 50-states protest tomorrow at state capitals. I'm not sure what to think about it at this point, but it seems legit.
Our local group is somewhat skeptical of this as it’s not clear who’s organizing it. Simon’s cautions today are well taken.
https://www.reddit.com/r/DenverProtests/comments/1ihn8si/50501_partnership_announcement/
50 state protest at all of our capitals. That actually sounds like a good plan. Maga can’t be everywhere. And the police are still about protecting the peace. And if not, we shall see.