Steve, I have taken this comment down and banned you from commenting here for a month. What you wrote was insulting to all of us and the work we do here. If you want to re-engage here in the future you need to do better.
Would you be more impressed by violence? All that would do is hand victory to the Republicans who want to destroy our country. We either survive within our laws or give them up entirely.
I think I was the first one to see it. I replied before it was removed. I am very glad Simon took it down. Honestly I should have trusted him to do that and not called attention to it, but I responded in anger.
Certainly we have all seen much worse. It was just name calling.
Dude, Trump wants to end US as we know it and install him self as Caesar with the help of Putin and Xi. What is it going to take to acknowledge that by anyone in opposition?
A warning to Trump is what is required. Any attempt to impose unconstitutional actions such as violations of first the first 4 articles of Constitution will be met with gov shutdown and massive general strikes. What else there is to do?
I would like to ask about the upcoming tax season. What might be the effect of not filing 2024 taxes as a form of protest. Aren’t we just throwing our hard earned money to the wolves? I’m hoping to have someone with more financial awareness to shed light on this. Thank you.
It is not illegal Simon I have done it all the time All one has to do is file an extension delaying the filing of the return Perfectly legal Just file for the extension
There is a huge difference between orderly delaying your filing (which both you and I have done) and refusing to file at all (which was Nancele’s question).
Do NOT give the Trump Regime a legal excuse for individual retribution!
I agree for payment of government in 2024 I have less objection for the general well being of USA, democracy and our people.
2025 will be different. We are in a COUP! The last budget was torn to shreds by trump/Musk and this new one will be a complete farce. trump will do whatever he wants until GOP Congressional Majority, law enforcement, SCOTUS, Impeachment stops him.
No estimated taxes, no payment of taxes owed because IRS has no right to claim our laws apply to me when the social contract ratified centuries ago for a Constituional democratic republic no longer functions/exists.
File the form with letter declining to pay because....Penalties can be stiff but so is giving USA to dictators. They cannot catch us all! Safety in numbers.
"Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution."-26 U.S.C § 7201
While refusing to pay taxes is not the right approach, I think it is smart to look at (legal) economic options.
The Buy Nothing event on Feb 28 might not have hurt the billionaires, but I bet a lot of people increased their awareness of what they buy, and who they buy from. It also got some people I know to finally engage, because it was something they could do with no effort or risk. Maybe next time they will do more. And it sent a message that we are organized.
Tesla stock is free-falling on its own. The tariffs will accelerate economic anger. We should continue to point things like that out.
I expect a lot of labor strikes, lawsuits, and future boycotts will start to accumulate and have an effect.
The Buy Nothing event made me look at where I was buying items from and how much I was spending. I am in the process of reevaluating my finances, so it was helpful.
There is no law/order, Constitutional democratic republic left. Our social contract with USA, DC is breached by trump/Musk/GOP/threats/MAGA/insurrectionists/pardon of 1500 convicted of violence, crimes in their violent Jan. 6, 2021 Insurrection.
GOP/trump/MAGA intended to take away millions of votes electing Biden to WH with conspiracy, collusion, fake electors, VIOLENT takeover of US Congress.
obligation
Not my law/order democratic republic anymore. NOT paying for corrupt, authoritarian Federal Gov.
Approximately 2/3 of American taxpayers get a refund. They already paid their taxes in the form of withholding. Even the ones who owe more have paid most of it already.
You are right that we have been betrayed by the government, but unless you are a wealthy Republican, tax dodging isn’t going to accomplish much and will give them something to both-sides.
I'm not wealthy. I always do my own simple taxes for IRS, state. I'm retired now. But at work on my W-2 withholding form, I never claimed 0 dependents, I always claimed 2-3 dependents so IRS took less out in taxes. I never wanted or got a refund. I always paid. But, I put that extra bit of money in an interest bearing account if I could. I never loaned IRS my earnings for a year with no interest. I think that is not a smart investment. Tax dodging, loopholes are not something I am familiar with. I just try simple things. For 2024, I had dental work done that I had put off, I contributed to tax deductible charities all after trump won. These helped with other deductions to bring down my taxes, not by huge amount, but I'm not rich. Every bit I deny the COUP and that I can keep to give to charity makes me feel good.
Dec 4, 2024 — If you need more time to file your taxes, request an extension by the April tax filing due date. This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties.
I hear you. File your forms but refuse to pay if you want. There will be penalties but I must wait and see.
I pay estimated taxes quarterly. I had paid 3 times abut the 1 in Jan I 2025 I skipped because trump won the WH. Since those payments were for 2024, most budget items were honored and Biden did not break laws, close agencies so I let the IRS keep 3 payments. After trump won Nov. 5, I found all sorts of ways to increase itemized deductions and I owe $90. I will file my tax forms but will not pay $90 I owe.
I will not file or pay estimated taxes for 2025. We are living in a COUP. The last budget meant nothing to trump/Musk/GOP so I will not give advance taxes to IRS until law/order is enforced, Congress and US Supreme Court protects our rights, laws, security-no KING rules by EXECUTIVE ORDERS while GOP Majority in Congress and SCOTUS do whatever the King orders.
I will file a tax form for IRS 2025 taxes but will not pay. We do not recognize a King, outside, unvetted billionaires and a bunch of unvetted goons controlling budgets, employees, changing rights, ordering punishments for anyone who is disloyal now or in the past to trump and his buddies.
Social contract with a democratic Constitutional law/order republic is breach by Federal Gov. and is no longer valid. There is no legal right to collect taxes if states secede, millions of people refuse. IMO!!
I usually get a refund, so I’m definitely filing. Took my info to the acct yesterday - hopefully before they have time to mess it up. But I’ll be making adjustments for next year so I won’t be faced with a question of them actually sending a refund.
I am pleased to hear you talk about getting loud.Dems need to find ways to own the headlines. Trump knows that nonstop exposure, good or bad, helps him. We are a sound bite, meme society now. Have you watched Fox News? They are going strong with the “strongman” message. The joy” message at the convention and in the campaign was enjoyable for many but fell flat for many others, especially independents. They didn’t feel joy as they struggled to make ends meet. We need to stop being perceived as out of touch wimps.
I appreciate that in light of the many less(er) important distractions. However, in terms of messaging, I don't get a sense of urgency or a take-off-the-gloves approach. Language is still too soft. The meeting with Zelensky was "sad." Decorum left the building a long time ago. It's about time the Dems realize that.
Trump’s MO is to burn everything and see what rises from the ashes. Dems stand back and say, gee, was the propellant gas or something else? Should we use chemicals or water to put it out? What is our legal standing on this?
I'm looking beyond Trump. We can't both be the ones burning things, someone has to wear the white hat. We sink down to his level, we lose a major weapon that we're trying to create now; The idea that we are the party of responsible governance. If we can take that idea from the GOP, we could wrest control from them for a long while.
Random breakage is causing so much damage right now, we might not even be able to get any attention by doing more damage. And we don’t want the things broken. That’s part of why they are doing this - it causes us dismay, or as they like to call it, owns the libs.
We are losing because of authoritarian billionaires and corruption and propaganda.
Trump is lining up with a communist. We thought the right hated communists, called the Democrats Communists and socialists whenever they wanted to say they did not like us.
Putin is a tyrant. He may have weaseled his way into control under the guise of communism, but he is not a communist. Just like trump is not a republican - he is a tyrant - and his supporters have forever destroyed the republican name. He just got the republicans to bend the knee so he could use their name ( and cow them into submission with the use of fear and bullying).
Here is what I've learned: Reps Hoyle (OR) and Schakowsky (IL) as well as Senators Warren and Sanders have introduced something called "The Social Security Expansion Act:
Simon, the following idea is not for Hopium but can be a third front in the fight against the Trumpers and with your contacts maybe get some reactions to it from those who could carry it out.
The TRO suits against illegal firings and freezes have been a powerful front in the effort to halt the damage from the Trump/Musk team but they don’t deter breaking the law or punish those who do. Another front should be criminal actions against the perpetrators which won’t happen because of a corrupt Justice department (or impeachment which goes nowhere).
But I would like to hear your thoughts about the efficacy of a third front—individual or class action suits by those illegally fired without due process and in violation of civil service protections by those who know these actions break the law. Probably not Trump because of immunity but certainly Musk, and those acolytes who engineered the mass firings are vulnerable for damages and pain and suffering. For example, AID workers forced to flee a hostile country on their own dime. If hundreds or thousands of victims sued those ordering and carrying out the orders, it would help discourage flagrant lawbreaking, punish those who broke the law, and help reimburse those suffering from the illegal actions.
Even probationary employees should have a cause of action. First, the grounds for firing which were specified as incompetence are patently false. All 200,000? many of whom had exemplary reviews with no procedure to determine competence. Isn’t there a legal theory under the 14th amendment that the government can’t take an action which has no rational basis or is mendacious? Or alternatively, when the person responsible for firing states that the reason is incompetence which is belied by the facts, isn’t there a potential libel suit for damaging the probational employee’s reputation?
Finally, are there any state criminal laws being broken? If a victim lives in NY state and is harmed by an illegal action by a Trump team member, can you think of any state statutes being broken?
A class action suit on behalf of 75 mil that voted against Trump. Bankrupt Musk, Bezos, Zuck, Yarvin, Tiel, Koch Bros. They are part of the coup, they have to pay the price.
I'll just say this. Personally, I experienced an attempt to use my SS number illegally to obtain banking information since Musk took over. A possible coincidence, maybe? But what if it's not? Furthermore, what could Muskrat offer in his defense to say it didn't happen because of his Nazi youth. So is there a cause to pursue the legal action? Already this event caused me an enormous headache trying to switch all banking accounts to new accounts.
there are class action suits, you should research them and get involved. as a commentor on this site I just want to say with all that Simon sets forth clearly about what is happening and the guidelines for what we can do, I find it annoying when people post what other people should be doing and questions for Simon that show they are not reading Simon's posts nor our comments which are full of info and links.
I come across info on them on the hellscape -which I access via nitter.poast thanks to fellow commentor Arctic Stones. Do a little research, follow links to accounts mentioned here, if I come across some I can add links to your question in the future. look at the stuff on vets, Fred Wellman -
Very happy to see this news and text of Jeffries letter. THANK YOU SIMON! Another piece of great news, I received this today from our state party chair Steve Kerrigan:
“Dear Gaylen-
As Massachusetts Democrats, it is more important now than ever that we come together in community to combat the threats of the Trump administration and protect our values.
I'll be joining a call tomorrow at 6:30pm with Senator Ed Markey and Rahsaan Hall, President of the Urban League of Eastern MA, to give our response to President Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.
We'll be discussing how Massachusetts can best respond to Trump and Musk's reckless and harmful actions. If you're free, I hope you'll join us. With our incredible team of Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll on Beacon Hill, our all-Democrat Congressional slate and the thousands of you who have stood with us in this fight, I know Massachusetts Democrats are ready to be on the front lines.”
I wonder if other states are riding this “swell” this week? HUZZAH!
This is great. Thanks for posting. I'm in Amherst. Pressing on everyone to get loud and let us know about it. But as a dem in this state, I am not getting any news about this. Can we ask them to figure out how to advertise themselves better?
Yes! Good question. The state reps are alerting by emails. I’ve been calling and writing so I guess I’m on their lists. There are several town halls happening this week near Boston. Check with your local reps. Feels like a ground swell.
I have learned from my son that Tim Walz will go to any Republican District in Minnesota and hold a town hall. I refuse to use "X". My son saw Tim's statement on "X"
My Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, is boycotting the SOTU. She made a very strong, loud statement on Instagram.
Democrats in swing districts SHOULD HOLD THEIR OWN TOWNHALLS and make their case on both fronts, as Simon has noted. Perfect opportunity, it seems, to move the needle in districts that will matter in 2026.
To my Hopium Family struggling to stay positive - please keep doing the work. This is looking like a tough week for me but nothing that I’m seeing or hearing has the power to stop me from fighting back. I am the only one who can do that to myself and I refuse to just hand it over to The Dark Side. I’m taking breaks, taking whole days if needed. Seeing friends, hearing beautiful music (the Vienna Philharmonic live!), reminding myself that there is more out there to fight for and love. Our efforts as individuals might seem small but there are millions of us. Remember the larger Us. Not just Hopium but all of us. They can’t win against all of us. This will end and we will be here.
YES! After only sleeping about three hours on Sunday night, I decided to treat the news as caffeine and only partake of it until about 3 pm. After that, I have to take a break if I want to stay healthy. So I've got about 30 minutes left today, lol!
Today I called my members of Congress. I'm calling them every day this week. I thanked Sen. Murray, who is fighting for us on multiple fronts. I brought up the idea of a letter to America. She's a Congressional leader, and she needs to hear about this idea.
I also called Sen. Cantwell and shared with her my concerns about Social Security. In addition, I talked about the letter to America idea.
Finally, I called Rep. Larsen and thanked him for stepping up. I shared my concerns about the SSA and I talked about the letter to America idea.
I took a big step today and contacted my mother about the threats to Social Security. She's been in denial about the politics of this country for a long time. However, I thought that with Social Security under attack, she might be willing to contact her representative, Abe Hamadeh. We have to be willing to forgive people who have supported Republicans in the past and try to bring them over to the opposition.
5 Calls helps me by forcing me to pick one of the issues on their list. A lot of times, I realize I want to call about a different issue than what they have, but at least I stay focused one one thing that way.
I have to trust that others are calling about the other issues, and I can call about one of those tomorrow.
It’s important to only discuss quickly one topic and then call back for the next - and I use 5calls.org as well - super easy and helpful! We can do this!! Thanks for making calls!!
Good question, Kate. Normally I think carefully about what I want to say and go over it my head beforehand.
However, this is a big week, and there IS so much to say. So on Monday I wrote out a script tailored to each of my three members of Congress. I always start on a positive note, thanking them for something they've done. Then I say what it is that I want them to do.
On Monday, my scripts were too long. Today I whittled them down and only used them as a rough guide, trying to sound more natural on the phone. Here's an example of what I more or less said when I talked to Sen. Murray's staffer in Seattle.
"Hi, this is David E. from Whatcom County. May I leave the Senator a comment? First, I want to thank her for leading the recent press conference on DOGE's cuts to the Social Security Administration. She is fighting on multiple fronts and is working tirelessly for the American people. She is a true hero. I mean it.
"Today I'm asking that she speak out about how the Trump regime has betrayed Ukraine, abandoned Europe, and aligned with Russia. Democrats need to get loud about this so that all Americans know that the Trump regime is betraying the United States and making the world a far more dangerous place.
"Finally I'm asking that Congressional leaders draft a letter to America that documents the Trump regime's train of abuses, injuries and usurpations. Trump is out to destroy democracy and end our constitutional republic. It's time for Congress TO GO BIG! Congressional Democrats' letter to America would help to mobilize the American people to fight for their country and their freedom!
"That's my message for today. Thank you so much for your patriotic service. I really appreciate it."
I love that David! -- on a website, on a billboard if we could -- print out and post in cafes, or elsewhere, leave on park benches, etc, etc. Updated often, weekly we just keep printing them out and distributing them. Great idea!
This is a HOSTILE TAKEOVER -- we have to keep saying that!
Our Psychological and Political Pandemic 'It's Even Worse than You Think' DR. BANDY X. LEE
🔸️Mental pathology in a president is a public matter. The more severe the mental pathology the less one will recognize that one is even ill.
🔸️Every other job that deals with life or death has a mental fitness evaluation as a requirement, even before one takes the position.
🔸️When this is not available, the public needs to be educated about the risks as much as possible, especially when they involve conditions that elude detection, manipulate others into collusion, and resist their own management, as mental disorders do.
T. and gang gave our country away last week and they weren't arrested!!!!!
Isn't that some sort of felony? Absolutely we need a second front......a tough approach not hesitant to try everything.....the rules have been changed.....actually there are no rules anymore so let's take advantage of that.
I get why you say that, I really do. But we *want* there to be rules. So if we throw them out, how do we ever get them back? It isn’t about winning. It’s about securing a good future.
I agree but I feel that everything is so dangerous and happening so fast that by the time "we" agree on rules in a democratic way it will be too late. Just look at what the Supreme Ct. did to the FDA climate issue today. What constitutional power...or corporate power will stand up for democracy anymore.....Thank you for your comments....I really appreciate it.
My report: Yesterday, for the very first time, I was able to talk with a staff member at Senator Durbin's office. I called late in the afternoon. I was very kind to the staff member, thanking him for working so hard as it must be quite stressful in DC. I told him how grateful I was that Senator Durbin was able to fly back to Chicago and speak at the very large rally in support of Ukraine on Sunday afternoon. I also said I was deeply concerned about our national security since January 20 and the frightening policies being implemented by the current administration.
I was not able to reach Senator Duckworth's office but completed a contact form statement about standing up for Ukraine. I also wrote about how concerned I was over our national security, our standing in the world, and our national economy.
I've done all my donations and am writing postcards for Judge Crawford and Josh Weil in FL-6.
Wow Linda -- you are amazing! I've been calling my Reps too and phone banking pretty consistently for Susan Crawford. Action really is the antidote to despair. :-)
Incredible and scary stuff. Keeps me up at night these days.
Steve, I have taken this comment down and banned you from commenting here for a month. What you wrote was insulting to all of us and the work we do here. If you want to re-engage here in the future you need to do better.
Out of morbid curiosity, how bad was it?
Would you be more impressed by violence? All that would do is hand victory to the Republicans who want to destroy our country. We either survive within our laws or give them up entirely.
Oof, that bad? Also, how are you seeing it?
I think I was the first one to see it. I replied before it was removed. I am very glad Simon took it down. Honestly I should have trusted him to do that and not called attention to it, but I responded in anger.
Certainly we have all seen much worse. It was just name calling.
Dude, Trump wants to end US as we know it and install him self as Caesar with the help of Putin and Xi. What is it going to take to acknowledge that by anyone in opposition?
What do you think is happening here? We're the opposition too; We've noticed.
It needs to come from Democrats. They have to address it tonight. Put him on notice.
Again, the SOTU response is happening. That's what it's for.
A warning to Trump is what is required. Any attempt to impose unconstitutional actions such as violations of first the first 4 articles of Constitution will be met with gov shutdown and massive general strikes. What else there is to do?
It's not a SOTU. It's just a stupid speech.
I would like to ask about the upcoming tax season. What might be the effect of not filing 2024 taxes as a form of protest. Aren’t we just throwing our hard earned money to the wolves? I’m hoping to have someone with more financial awareness to shed light on this. Thank you.
It is illegal and you will pay a heavy price. This may be something we do in the future but I would not do it now.
We are law abiding citizens. While I agree, it’s hard to take with non-law abiding, so-called leaders playing with our tax dollars. Thank you, Simon.
It is not illegal Simon I have done it all the time All one has to do is file an extension delaying the filing of the return Perfectly legal Just file for the extension
There is a huge difference between orderly delaying your filing (which both you and I have done) and refusing to file at all (which was Nancele’s question).
Do NOT give the Trump Regime a legal excuse for individual retribution!
also when filing for extension one pays the tax due
I agree for payment of government in 2024 I have less objection for the general well being of USA, democracy and our people.
2025 will be different. We are in a COUP! The last budget was torn to shreds by trump/Musk and this new one will be a complete farce. trump will do whatever he wants until GOP Congressional Majority, law enforcement, SCOTUS, Impeachment stops him.
No estimated taxes, no payment of taxes owed because IRS has no right to claim our laws apply to me when the social contract ratified centuries ago for a Constituional democratic republic no longer functions/exists.
File the form with letter declining to pay because....Penalties can be stiff but so is giving USA to dictators. They cannot catch us all! Safety in numbers.
How is 'sovereign citizen' stuff worse when it's from our side?
"Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution."-26 U.S.C § 7201
So, not worth it.
I do know the law but it’s frustrating watching what is happening with our hard-earned tax dollars. Thank you.
While refusing to pay taxes is not the right approach, I think it is smart to look at (legal) economic options.
The Buy Nothing event on Feb 28 might not have hurt the billionaires, but I bet a lot of people increased their awareness of what they buy, and who they buy from. It also got some people I know to finally engage, because it was something they could do with no effort or risk. Maybe next time they will do more. And it sent a message that we are organized.
Tesla stock is free-falling on its own. The tariffs will accelerate economic anger. We should continue to point things like that out.
I expect a lot of labor strikes, lawsuits, and future boycotts will start to accumulate and have an effect.
The Buy Nothing event made me look at where I was buying items from and how much I was spending. I am in the process of reevaluating my finances, so it was helpful.
Yes, I too participated in Buy Nothing on Feb 28 and plan on future boycotts.
There is no law/order, Constitutional democratic republic left. Our social contract with USA, DC is breached by trump/Musk/GOP/threats/MAGA/insurrectionists/pardon of 1500 convicted of violence, crimes in their violent Jan. 6, 2021 Insurrection.
GOP/trump/MAGA intended to take away millions of votes electing Biden to WH with conspiracy, collusion, fake electors, VIOLENT takeover of US Congress.
obligation
Not my law/order democratic republic anymore. NOT paying for corrupt, authoritarian Federal Gov.
Approximately 2/3 of American taxpayers get a refund. They already paid their taxes in the form of withholding. Even the ones who owe more have paid most of it already.
You are right that we have been betrayed by the government, but unless you are a wealthy Republican, tax dodging isn’t going to accomplish much and will give them something to both-sides.
I'm not wealthy. I always do my own simple taxes for IRS, state. I'm retired now. But at work on my W-2 withholding form, I never claimed 0 dependents, I always claimed 2-3 dependents so IRS took less out in taxes. I never wanted or got a refund. I always paid. But, I put that extra bit of money in an interest bearing account if I could. I never loaned IRS my earnings for a year with no interest. I think that is not a smart investment. Tax dodging, loopholes are not something I am familiar with. I just try simple things. For 2024, I had dental work done that I had put off, I contributed to tax deductible charities all after trump won. These helped with other deductions to bring down my taxes, not by huge amount, but I'm not rich. Every bit I deny the COUP and that I can keep to give to charity makes me feel good.
I am planning on filing for an extension, which is legal and does not require you pay penalties.
IRS (.gov)
https://www.irs.gov › filing › get-an-extension-to-file-yo...
Dec 4, 2024 — If you need more time to file your taxes, request an extension by the April tax filing due date. This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties.
Yes but I believe you have to pay the tax you may owe by April 15th deadline. The extension is not to extend your due date but your paper filing date.
If you owe an amount you cannot pay, you can make simple payment arrangements with IRS to extend your pay dates.
I hear you. File your forms but refuse to pay if you want. There will be penalties but I must wait and see.
I pay estimated taxes quarterly. I had paid 3 times abut the 1 in Jan I 2025 I skipped because trump won the WH. Since those payments were for 2024, most budget items were honored and Biden did not break laws, close agencies so I let the IRS keep 3 payments. After trump won Nov. 5, I found all sorts of ways to increase itemized deductions and I owe $90. I will file my tax forms but will not pay $90 I owe.
I will not file or pay estimated taxes for 2025. We are living in a COUP. The last budget meant nothing to trump/Musk/GOP so I will not give advance taxes to IRS until law/order is enforced, Congress and US Supreme Court protects our rights, laws, security-no KING rules by EXECUTIVE ORDERS while GOP Majority in Congress and SCOTUS do whatever the King orders.
I will file a tax form for IRS 2025 taxes but will not pay. We do not recognize a King, outside, unvetted billionaires and a bunch of unvetted goons controlling budgets, employees, changing rights, ordering punishments for anyone who is disloyal now or in the past to trump and his buddies.
Social contract with a democratic Constitutional law/order republic is breach by Federal Gov. and is no longer valid. There is no legal right to collect taxes if states secede, millions of people refuse. IMO!!
I usually get a refund, so I’m definitely filing. Took my info to the acct yesterday - hopefully before they have time to mess it up. But I’ll be making adjustments for next year so I won’t be faced with a question of them actually sending a refund.
I am pleased to hear you talk about getting loud.Dems need to find ways to own the headlines. Trump knows that nonstop exposure, good or bad, helps him. We are a sound bite, meme society now. Have you watched Fox News? They are going strong with the “strongman” message. The joy” message at the convention and in the campaign was enjoyable for many but fell flat for many others, especially independents. They didn’t feel joy as they struggled to make ends meet. We need to stop being perceived as out of touch wimps.
I'm confused why it's taken this long. Start talking more directly about it? As I said weeks ago: Where is the outrage? WHERE??
Proper planning takes time. And that's doubly true when the thing you're responding to changes every other day.
I appreciate that in light of the many less(er) important distractions. However, in terms of messaging, I don't get a sense of urgency or a take-off-the-gloves approach. Language is still too soft. The meeting with Zelensky was "sad." Decorum left the building a long time ago. It's about time the Dems realize that.
Exactly. Decorum left the building. We need it back. Decorum leaves permanently if we abandon it as well. And that's not a good scenario for anyone.
We are losing because of decorum!
Trump’s MO is to burn everything and see what rises from the ashes. Dems stand back and say, gee, was the propellant gas or something else? Should we use chemicals or water to put it out? What is our legal standing on this?
I think it’s time for Dems to break some things!
I'm looking beyond Trump. We can't both be the ones burning things, someone has to wear the white hat. We sink down to his level, we lose a major weapon that we're trying to create now; The idea that we are the party of responsible governance. If we can take that idea from the GOP, we could wrest control from them for a long while.
What would we break, exactly?
Random breakage is causing so much damage right now, we might not even be able to get any attention by doing more damage. And we don’t want the things broken. That’s part of why they are doing this - it causes us dismay, or as they like to call it, owns the libs.
We are losing because of authoritarian billionaires and corruption and propaganda.
I’m hoping to see some “good trouble” outrage from Dems tonight
Trump is lining up with a communist. We thought the right hated communists, called the Democrats Communists and socialists whenever they wanted to say they did not like us.
Now Trump is with the commies. Call it out.
Putin is a tyrant. He may have weaseled his way into control under the guise of communism, but he is not a communist. Just like trump is not a republican - he is a tyrant - and his supporters have forever destroyed the republican name. He just got the republicans to bend the knee so he could use their name ( and cow them into submission with the use of fear and bullying).
Doesn't matter if Russia isn't, by definition, communist. It is what Russians consider communism. So, call it out.
They don't care about Tariffs, it's noise. They want chaos to start clamping down.
They don't care about economy contracting. They want change in governance in favor of dictatorship.
Paul Krugman's Substack this morning was about tariffs. We need to be very, very careful in our spending.
https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/trump-hates-canada-for-its-decency
Can you address the social security problem and what is being done to stop the system from collapsing? The news seems to be in a few places only.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/01/doge-actions-may-cause-social-security-benefit-interruption-ex-agency-head.html
Here is what I've learned: Reps Hoyle (OR) and Schakowsky (IL) as well as Senators Warren and Sanders have introduced something called "The Social Security Expansion Act:
https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-sanders-warren-schakowsky-introduce-social-security-expansion-act
thank you for this link
gotta love warren and sanders!!!
Simon, the following idea is not for Hopium but can be a third front in the fight against the Trumpers and with your contacts maybe get some reactions to it from those who could carry it out.
The TRO suits against illegal firings and freezes have been a powerful front in the effort to halt the damage from the Trump/Musk team but they don’t deter breaking the law or punish those who do. Another front should be criminal actions against the perpetrators which won’t happen because of a corrupt Justice department (or impeachment which goes nowhere).
But I would like to hear your thoughts about the efficacy of a third front—individual or class action suits by those illegally fired without due process and in violation of civil service protections by those who know these actions break the law. Probably not Trump because of immunity but certainly Musk, and those acolytes who engineered the mass firings are vulnerable for damages and pain and suffering. For example, AID workers forced to flee a hostile country on their own dime. If hundreds or thousands of victims sued those ordering and carrying out the orders, it would help discourage flagrant lawbreaking, punish those who broke the law, and help reimburse those suffering from the illegal actions.
Even probationary employees should have a cause of action. First, the grounds for firing which were specified as incompetence are patently false. All 200,000? many of whom had exemplary reviews with no procedure to determine competence. Isn’t there a legal theory under the 14th amendment that the government can’t take an action which has no rational basis or is mendacious? Or alternatively, when the person responsible for firing states that the reason is incompetence which is belied by the facts, isn’t there a potential libel suit for damaging the probational employee’s reputation?
Finally, are there any state criminal laws being broken? If a victim lives in NY state and is harmed by an illegal action by a Trump team member, can you think of any state statutes being broken?
Your thoughts?
A class action suit on behalf of 75 mil that voted against Trump. Bankrupt Musk, Bezos, Zuck, Yarvin, Tiel, Koch Bros. They are part of the coup, they have to pay the price.
I'll just say this. Personally, I experienced an attempt to use my SS number illegally to obtain banking information since Musk took over. A possible coincidence, maybe? But what if it's not? Furthermore, what could Muskrat offer in his defense to say it didn't happen because of his Nazi youth. So is there a cause to pursue the legal action? Already this event caused me an enormous headache trying to switch all banking accounts to new accounts.
there are class action suits, you should research them and get involved. as a commentor on this site I just want to say with all that Simon sets forth clearly about what is happening and the guidelines for what we can do, I find it annoying when people post what other people should be doing and questions for Simon that show they are not reading Simon's posts nor our comments which are full of info and links.
Do you have a link to any class action suits?
I come across info on them on the hellscape -which I access via nitter.poast thanks to fellow commentor Arctic Stones. Do a little research, follow links to accounts mentioned here, if I come across some I can add links to your question in the future. look at the stuff on vets, Fred Wellman -
here is Fred Wellman via nitter. https://nitter.poast.org/FPWellman
When I come across any mentions of class action will add a reply to you question, thank you for asking
Very happy to see this news and text of Jeffries letter. THANK YOU SIMON! Another piece of great news, I received this today from our state party chair Steve Kerrigan:
“Dear Gaylen-
As Massachusetts Democrats, it is more important now than ever that we come together in community to combat the threats of the Trump administration and protect our values.
I'll be joining a call tomorrow at 6:30pm with Senator Ed Markey and Rahsaan Hall, President of the Urban League of Eastern MA, to give our response to President Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.
We'll be discussing how Massachusetts can best respond to Trump and Musk's reckless and harmful actions. If you're free, I hope you'll join us. With our incredible team of Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll on Beacon Hill, our all-Democrat Congressional slate and the thousands of you who have stood with us in this fight, I know Massachusetts Democrats are ready to be on the front lines.”
I wonder if other states are riding this “swell” this week? HUZZAH!
This is great. Thanks for posting. I'm in Amherst. Pressing on everyone to get loud and let us know about it. But as a dem in this state, I am not getting any news about this. Can we ask them to figure out how to advertise themselves better?
Yes! Good question. The state reps are alerting by emails. I’ve been calling and writing so I guess I’m on their lists. There are several town halls happening this week near Boston. Check with your local reps. Feels like a ground swell.
According to Politico, the NRCC has told House Republicans "no more town halls".
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/04/congress/gop-town-halls-richard-hudson-00210024
I have learned from my son that Tim Walz will go to any Republican District in Minnesota and hold a town hall. I refuse to use "X". My son saw Tim's statement on "X"
My Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, is boycotting the SOTU. She made a very strong, loud statement on Instagram.
If you are interested, Nitter offers a way to access Tweets while bypassing Musk’s Xitter. Here is Governor Tim Tim Waltz’s feed.
https://nitter.poast.org/GovTimWalz
Democrats in swing districts SHOULD HOLD THEIR OWN TOWNHALLS and make their case on both fronts, as Simon has noted. Perfect opportunity, it seems, to move the needle in districts that will matter in 2026.
It's not a SOTU. It's just a stupid speech.
To my Hopium Family struggling to stay positive - please keep doing the work. This is looking like a tough week for me but nothing that I’m seeing or hearing has the power to stop me from fighting back. I am the only one who can do that to myself and I refuse to just hand it over to The Dark Side. I’m taking breaks, taking whole days if needed. Seeing friends, hearing beautiful music (the Vienna Philharmonic live!), reminding myself that there is more out there to fight for and love. Our efforts as individuals might seem small but there are millions of us. Remember the larger Us. Not just Hopium but all of us. They can’t win against all of us. This will end and we will be here.
YES! After only sleeping about three hours on Sunday night, I decided to treat the news as caffeine and only partake of it until about 3 pm. After that, I have to take a break if I want to stay healthy. So I've got about 30 minutes left today, lol!
Today I called my members of Congress. I'm calling them every day this week. I thanked Sen. Murray, who is fighting for us on multiple fronts. I brought up the idea of a letter to America. She's a Congressional leader, and she needs to hear about this idea.
I also called Sen. Cantwell and shared with her my concerns about Social Security. In addition, I talked about the letter to America idea.
Finally, I called Rep. Larsen and thanked him for stepping up. I shared my concerns about the SSA and I talked about the letter to America idea.
I took a big step today and contacted my mother about the threats to Social Security. She's been in denial about the politics of this country for a long time. However, I thought that with Social Security under attack, she might be willing to contact her representative, Abe Hamadeh. We have to be willing to forgive people who have supported Republicans in the past and try to bring them over to the opposition.
How do you keep your phone calls succinct? There is SO MUCH TO SAY?
5 Calls helps me by forcing me to pick one of the issues on their list. A lot of times, I realize I want to call about a different issue than what they have, but at least I stay focused one one thing that way.
I have to trust that others are calling about the other issues, and I can call about one of those tomorrow.
agree. also if one calls often, a different topic on different days works
It’s important to only discuss quickly one topic and then call back for the next - and I use 5calls.org as well - super easy and helpful! We can do this!! Thanks for making calls!!
Good question, Kate. Normally I think carefully about what I want to say and go over it my head beforehand.
However, this is a big week, and there IS so much to say. So on Monday I wrote out a script tailored to each of my three members of Congress. I always start on a positive note, thanking them for something they've done. Then I say what it is that I want them to do.
On Monday, my scripts were too long. Today I whittled them down and only used them as a rough guide, trying to sound more natural on the phone. Here's an example of what I more or less said when I talked to Sen. Murray's staffer in Seattle.
"Hi, this is David E. from Whatcom County. May I leave the Senator a comment? First, I want to thank her for leading the recent press conference on DOGE's cuts to the Social Security Administration. She is fighting on multiple fronts and is working tirelessly for the American people. She is a true hero. I mean it.
"Today I'm asking that she speak out about how the Trump regime has betrayed Ukraine, abandoned Europe, and aligned with Russia. Democrats need to get loud about this so that all Americans know that the Trump regime is betraying the United States and making the world a far more dangerous place.
"Finally I'm asking that Congressional leaders draft a letter to America that documents the Trump regime's train of abuses, injuries and usurpations. Trump is out to destroy democracy and end our constitutional republic. It's time for Congress TO GO BIG! Congressional Democrats' letter to America would help to mobilize the American people to fight for their country and their freedom!
"That's my message for today. Thank you so much for your patriotic service. I really appreciate it."
I love that David! -- on a website, on a billboard if we could -- print out and post in cafes, or elsewhere, leave on park benches, etc, etc. Updated often, weekly we just keep printing them out and distributing them. Great idea!
This is a HOSTILE TAKEOVER -- we have to keep saying that!
Maybe use email, addressing one topic at a time. I find that my opinion gets classified by topic, which makes it clear what issue is being addressed.
I send several emails at a time, so they are all counted by category. Phone calls count once.
Our Psychological and Political Pandemic 'It's Even Worse than You Think' DR. BANDY X. LEE
🔸️Mental pathology in a president is a public matter. The more severe the mental pathology the less one will recognize that one is even ill.
🔸️Every other job that deals with life or death has a mental fitness evaluation as a requirement, even before one takes the position.
🔸️When this is not available, the public needs to be educated about the risks as much as possible, especially when they involve conditions that elude detection, manipulate others into collusion, and resist their own management, as mental disorders do.
https://open.substack.com/pub/bandyxlee/p/our-psychological-and-political-pandemic?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=280c3q
T. and gang gave our country away last week and they weren't arrested!!!!!
Isn't that some sort of felony? Absolutely we need a second front......a tough approach not hesitant to try everything.....the rules have been changed.....actually there are no rules anymore so let's take advantage of that.
I get why you say that, I really do. But we *want* there to be rules. So if we throw them out, how do we ever get them back? It isn’t about winning. It’s about securing a good future.
I agree but I feel that everything is so dangerous and happening so fast that by the time "we" agree on rules in a democratic way it will be too late. Just look at what the Supreme Ct. did to the FDA climate issue today. What constitutional power...or corporate power will stand up for democracy anymore.....Thank you for your comments....I really appreciate it.
My report: Yesterday, for the very first time, I was able to talk with a staff member at Senator Durbin's office. I called late in the afternoon. I was very kind to the staff member, thanking him for working so hard as it must be quite stressful in DC. I told him how grateful I was that Senator Durbin was able to fly back to Chicago and speak at the very large rally in support of Ukraine on Sunday afternoon. I also said I was deeply concerned about our national security since January 20 and the frightening policies being implemented by the current administration.
I was not able to reach Senator Duckworth's office but completed a contact form statement about standing up for Ukraine. I also wrote about how concerned I was over our national security, our standing in the world, and our national economy.
I've done all my donations and am writing postcards for Judge Crawford and Josh Weil in FL-6.
"I would rather be a Zelenskyy Democrat than a Putin Republican."
Wow Linda -- you are amazing! I've been calling my Reps too and phone banking pretty consistently for Susan Crawford. Action really is the antidote to despair. :-)