I agree, but do you know when Congress last issued a declaration of war? Not since World War II. Congress didn’t do so for the Korean War, Vietnam or a dozen other wars in which the USA has been engaged. Unfortunately, this forfeiting of congressional authority has been the precedent for generations!
I don't believe that is true. One example: Congress passed a joint resolution in October 2002 authorizing the use of military force in Iraq. It is titled the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
Yes, you are pointing out the fundamental difference: Congress was consulted then, whereas now Trump is acting like a Wannabe King, sidelining Congress altogether – both with regards to military intervention and with regards to "power of the purse". Trump is wrongfully withholding funds that Congress has already allocated, and Congressional republicans are totally unwilling to challenge him.
I'm intending this only to express my own opinion and to do it respectfully. I appreciate a lot of your posts here, but I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish with posts like this. I can get news on the war with Iran from a lot of sources (the Guardian, for starters), but I come here mostly to be inspired by what people are doing to oppose Trump and defend this country, and for the sense of community I get. This post, and the joke about Mossad you posted a few days ago, both seem potentially very divisive to me, and I'm not sure what good posts like this do. I intend to try to skip similar posts from you in the future if they show up here, but will still look for your other posts (such as your informative posts about election results far and wide).
You are entirely correct. Both comments are woefully misplaced here, neither should have been posted. I have removed the above comment as well as the joke about Mossad. And I apologize.
Susan, these posts are over the top. As I wrote to you yesterday the challenge I have here is that there are thousands of things being done each day by members of this community and if we promote one we have to promote them all. Why should I promote these phonebanks and not all the others out there? Is this a good use of my time to be searching down and vetting every single phonebank to make sure they are doing what they say and are a good use of your time? Since Hopium began I have never promoted any single phone bank or activity like this other than our own. The tone you have taken here, when I responded to you yesterday is inappropriate and is on the verge of hectoring.
My Mon. congresspersons call script that anyone can riff off of:
- [Jasmine Crockett for ranking member of House Oversight!]
- Very happy that Mahmoud Khalil walked free and Kilmar Abrego Garcia won his release hearing. These are wins for free speech, due process, and rule of law.
- But we need Congress to do more to address this growing crisis of masked paramilitary secret police kidnapping ppl into unmarked vehicles.
- Anyone who wants to rob someone or sexually assault a woman of color - all they have to do now is gang up in plainclothes, tactical gear and masks in an unmarked van and they can have their way w/ whoever they want, b/c the Trump regime is normalizing this kind of abusive violence & blurring the line btx legit authority and vigilante violence.
- They’ve been just pointing their gun at ppl who take pictures of them, and the first news footage I saw this morning was of several Border Patrol agents beating a man they already had flat on the ground. Striking him over and over and one of them had a baton in his hand. Apparently that man is actually the dad of three US Marines.
- This isn’t exactly a free country anymore, is it? The extreme violence by the regime is escalating & we need Congress to protect us.
Last week I contacted both Senators, my representative and atty. general about these masked thugs. I definitely heard that the atty. general is looking into it hopefully with other ag's. I called them Secret Police.
I love seeing that group photo, Simon and friends! :)
Nothing is going to come easy with this administration. We are going to have to fight for every morsel until we have control of at least one of the bodies. Keep fighting everyone - we are winning!
Steve Bannon said as much in February 2017: “If you think they’re going to give you your country back without a fight, you are sadly mistaken. Every day, it is going to be a fight. And that is what I’m proudest about Donald Trump.”
Fighting for every morsel is exactly right, because they no longer have any interest in sharing the pie. I also think of our efforts as being a boat anchor to impede them in every was possible.
But I have come to believe that we are not just fighting a particular politician or party. This is just one part of the forever fight for justice that included the Civil War, Women’s Suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, Roe v Wade, the Voting Rights Act, Loving v Virginia, Obergefell, and so much more.
We are sometimes winning, but we will never “win.” I no longer see that as hopeless or depressing. It is simply our turn in history to fight, do as much good as we can, and stop as much harm as possible. Those are definitely worth fighting for.
Already called Sens. Kim & Booker re the Kaine War Powers Resolution. Am going to email each of them regarding ICE/LA. Received a tepid email response from Rep. Chris Smith (Traitor-NJ04), as expected--but at least they answered--haven't done that in a while.
We're organizing for our NJ state assembly reps' reelection in my local area, and on Saturday, I attended a countywide protest to support the trans community and speak out vs. Skrmetti decision. We're also pushing the governor to codify his executive orders on trans healthcare.
Self reporting: I called TX senators today regarding voting against the reconciliation bill, to take back responsibility for tariffs and stopping Trump’s war powers.
I listened to your discussion with Adam Smith. He is so knowledgeable. We need more like him!
I call these two every week and usually twice or three times a week. It's frustrating tho because they never move away from Trump. We need to get rid of them, we have a chance with Cornyn who comes up for re-election next year.
Albuquerque resident here. I've been in touch with Deborah Potter, and I've just submitted a public comment in support of the Bernalillo County Commission US Constitution/Separation of Powers resolution. I also directly emailed my comment to my County Commissioner, Adriann Barboa, who is a co-sponsor of the resolution. I probably would not have found out about the resolution in time to make a public comment if it were not for Hopium. Thank you, Simon and Deborah!
Submitted my written public comment to the Bernalillo County Commission. Thank you, Deborah and all others who've made this happen. Fortunately, the Bernalillo County Commission is a progressive group.
Trump not in situation room, of course, no press conference from there..oval office instead. Smart media manipulation as usual...
World is getting behind peace thru strength President. He calls for drill baby drill and oil goes below $70... Iran is on its heels... We need FEROCIOUS OPPOSITION
Trump the ultimate mad risk taker, 6 bankruptcies etc., has scared the bejeepers out of Iran. They put nothing past him, even though his preemptive strike was illegal under all national and international measures.
Most of the non radical world agrees thar Iran should never have a nuclear weapon.
Israel is one of our biggest allies.
World markets are settling
His need to be the world's savior and being played by Netanyahu pushed his actions as well.
In my opinion, wrap all this together and Trump justifies his show of strength toward resulting diplomacy. His echo chamber will push Bannon and Carlson to recede.
Again the "GAMBLER" rachet ups his strongman autocratic image of success.
Boris, I am not sure this is the right place for you. You spend a lot of time here puffing up Trump, repeating right wing bull shit talking points and denigrating Democrats. It's tiresome and silly.
Need you to do better here or find some other place to hang out.
Let me say, however, I try to see Trump as his supporters and many independents see him (Fox propaganda facilitates that).. What is happening is a crisis way beyond the pushback I am seeing from leadership. He is hoodwinking the American people and dresses everything up with lies and they buy it. Krauze said that we must call out everything immediately and honestly that the CRAZY KING says and does.
My parents taught me to look objectively and remove personal bias from assessments. I see the strength he can exhibit and use in powerful ways. Many see him as their avatar and either accept his b s or don't care or relish his antagonistic ways. Where he has control and power needs to be faced not sidestepped.
We are in the fight of are democratic lives. Leaders need to break thru his "Iron Dome" of managing the narrative.
Boris I am going to respond to this for that you lump his supporters with independents is the core of the problem here. I continue to show data that he has lost 25 points of job approval with independents, and they are now much closer to Democrats on virtually all issues. Trump has his lowest approval of his Presidency in most polls now, in the GE Morris' tracker, in Morning Consult today and his approval on his budget bill is no regularly 15-25 points underwater. The way you see him is wrong, outside of data and you continue to aggressively ignore 1) all of the data I am marshaling here about his decline and our success in degrading his budget bill for example 2) my consistent explanation about the need to not parrot false impressions of him or we end up doing MAGAs work for them. Whatever it is you think you are doing you have become a MAGA troll here and seem hell bent on pissing everyone off and wasting my time. Will refund your money and wish you well.
On Jun 23, 2025, at 1:22 PM, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon wrote:
Dear neighbor,
I know the past few weeks have been overwhelming as this administration tries to upend the checks and balances that keep our federal institutions stable, and slash funding and jobs that deliver critical services to our community. Many of you have contacted me to express your concerns as this administration escalates its efforts to eliminate medical research, federal programs, and the social services that you have rightly earned. I greatly appreciate all of your calls and messages. They inform and drive the work I do in DC and throughout the district.
I’m determined to provide as much insight into the latest news from DC as possible. That’s why I’m hosting a town hall at Delaware County Community College on Sunday, June 29 at 3:00 pm, to give you the latest developments and answer your questions about how I’m fighting for PA-05 families.
Advance registration is required. Once the venue has reached capacity, no additional attendees will be admitted.
Can’t make it to my town hall on Sunday? Drop by for Coffee with Your Congresswoman on July 1 at 5:30 pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or would like to share a concern. You can reach us by phone at 610-626-2020 or send me a message through our website.
We loved the gathering last night. This morning I emailed 50+ people and posted on 9 progressive Facebook groups, with a link to your website, encouraging people to subscribe to Hopium Chronicles.
Self report: Just called my Dem senators in VA. Told them that they must do all they can to stop Trump from continuing the 3 wars he has started: 1. On Iran, despite our own military intelligence. 2. On everyone in the US, because we will all suffer and many will die if his horrific budget bill passes. 3. On our immigrant communities which he is attacking with terror-inducing boots on the ground.
Congress needs to speak up now to reaffirm the war powers act.
I agree, but do you know when Congress last issued a declaration of war? Not since World War II. Congress didn’t do so for the Korean War, Vietnam or a dozen other wars in which the USA has been engaged. Unfortunately, this forfeiting of congressional authority has been the precedent for generations!
I don't believe that is true. One example: Congress passed a joint resolution in October 2002 authorizing the use of military force in Iraq. It is titled the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
Such an authorization of military force is NOT the same as a declaration of war.
That is true, but Congress was consulted and approved military intervention.
Yes, you are pointing out the fundamental difference: Congress was consulted then, whereas now Trump is acting like a Wannabe King, sidelining Congress altogether – both with regards to military intervention and with regards to "power of the purse". Trump is wrongfully withholding funds that Congress has already allocated, and Congressional republicans are totally unwilling to challenge him.
I'm intending this only to express my own opinion and to do it respectfully. I appreciate a lot of your posts here, but I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish with posts like this. I can get news on the war with Iran from a lot of sources (the Guardian, for starters), but I come here mostly to be inspired by what people are doing to oppose Trump and defend this country, and for the sense of community I get. This post, and the joke about Mossad you posted a few days ago, both seem potentially very divisive to me, and I'm not sure what good posts like this do. I intend to try to skip similar posts from you in the future if they show up here, but will still look for your other posts (such as your informative posts about election results far and wide).
You are entirely correct. Both comments are woefully misplaced here, neither should have been posted. I have removed the above comment as well as the joke about Mossad. And I apologize.
Susan, these posts are over the top. As I wrote to you yesterday the challenge I have here is that there are thousands of things being done each day by members of this community and if we promote one we have to promote them all. Why should I promote these phonebanks and not all the others out there? Is this a good use of my time to be searching down and vetting every single phonebank to make sure they are doing what they say and are a good use of your time? Since Hopium began I have never promoted any single phone bank or activity like this other than our own. The tone you have taken here, when I responded to you yesterday is inappropriate and is on the verge of hectoring.
Here's some news that should get everyone's attention:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/20/politics/redistricting-texas-ohio-republicans-house
I dunno if it’s just my device but it looks like there’s some kind of glitch to where your comment posted like a dozen times.
Yeah, something freaky on my end (I think). Unless it was the website having issues uploading comments. Should be all set now.
I think there was a glitch with Substack. I get other columns and couldn't like comments on my desktop computer.
what is the news about? I don't have time to click on everything just b/c someone says I should
It’s about how the GOP wants to try to re-draw Texas and Ohio maps to prevent the Dems from re-taking the House in the midterms.
thank you!
“To be or not to be
is not a question of compromise.
Either you be or you don’t be.”
– Golda Meir
No arrow to listen?? I can't read from my phone and I like to listen, but you must add the button at the top for folks like me
No arrow to listen?? I can't read from my phone and I like to listen, but you must add the button at the top for folks like me
My Mon. congresspersons call script that anyone can riff off of:
- [Jasmine Crockett for ranking member of House Oversight!]
- Very happy that Mahmoud Khalil walked free and Kilmar Abrego Garcia won his release hearing. These are wins for free speech, due process, and rule of law.
- But we need Congress to do more to address this growing crisis of masked paramilitary secret police kidnapping ppl into unmarked vehicles.
- Anyone who wants to rob someone or sexually assault a woman of color - all they have to do now is gang up in plainclothes, tactical gear and masks in an unmarked van and they can have their way w/ whoever they want, b/c the Trump regime is normalizing this kind of abusive violence & blurring the line btx legit authority and vigilante violence.
- They’ve been just pointing their gun at ppl who take pictures of them, and the first news footage I saw this morning was of several Border Patrol agents beating a man they already had flat on the ground. Striking him over and over and one of them had a baton in his hand. Apparently that man is actually the dad of three US Marines.
- This isn’t exactly a free country anymore, is it? The extreme violence by the regime is escalating & we need Congress to protect us.
Merkley’s aide says they’re getting a lot of calls about the paramilitary secret police in masks kidnapping people into unmarked vans thing.
Last week I contacted both Senators, my representative and atty. general about these masked thugs. I definitely heard that the atty. general is looking into it hopefully with other ag's. I called them Secret Police.
Don't watch what they say. Watch what they DO. Are they backing up their words with action?
…I was just sharing what Merkley’s aide said, to demonstrate that we’re successfully creating mass public pressure.
I love seeing that group photo, Simon and friends! :)
Nothing is going to come easy with this administration. We are going to have to fight for every morsel until we have control of at least one of the bodies. Keep fighting everyone - we are winning!
Steve Bannon said as much in February 2017: “If you think they’re going to give you your country back without a fight, you are sadly mistaken. Every day, it is going to be a fight. And that is what I’m proudest about Donald Trump.”
https://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/23/politics/steve-bannon-world-view
Fighting for every morsel is exactly right, because they no longer have any interest in sharing the pie. I also think of our efforts as being a boat anchor to impede them in every was possible.
But I have come to believe that we are not just fighting a particular politician or party. This is just one part of the forever fight for justice that included the Civil War, Women’s Suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, Roe v Wade, the Voting Rights Act, Loving v Virginia, Obergefell, and so much more.
We are sometimes winning, but we will never “win.” I no longer see that as hopeless or depressing. It is simply our turn in history to fight, do as much good as we can, and stop as much harm as possible. Those are definitely worth fighting for.
I loved seeing this photo as well. It literally gave me hope!
Already called Sens. Kim & Booker re the Kaine War Powers Resolution. Am going to email each of them regarding ICE/LA. Received a tepid email response from Rep. Chris Smith (Traitor-NJ04), as expected--but at least they answered--haven't done that in a while.
We're organizing for our NJ state assembly reps' reelection in my local area, and on Saturday, I attended a countywide protest to support the trans community and speak out vs. Skrmetti decision. We're also pushing the governor to codify his executive orders on trans healthcare.
Keep Going!
Self reporting: I called TX senators today regarding voting against the reconciliation bill, to take back responsibility for tariffs and stopping Trump’s war powers.
I listened to your discussion with Adam Smith. He is so knowledgeable. We need more like him!
I call these two every week and usually twice or three times a week. It's frustrating tho because they never move away from Trump. We need to get rid of them, we have a chance with Cornyn who comes up for re-election next year.
Albuquerque resident here. I've been in touch with Deborah Potter, and I've just submitted a public comment in support of the Bernalillo County Commission US Constitution/Separation of Powers resolution. I also directly emailed my comment to my County Commissioner, Adriann Barboa, who is a co-sponsor of the resolution. I probably would not have found out about the resolution in time to make a public comment if it were not for Hopium. Thank you, Simon and Deborah!
Yeah for parliamentarians! S/he who knows the rules has the best advantage in the game.
We had so much fun last night in Santa Fe. I can see it in the smiles.
Wish I could have been there!
Submitted my written public comment to the Bernalillo County Commission. Thank you, Deborah and all others who've made this happen. Fortunately, the Bernalillo County Commission is a progressive group.
Thank you!
Trump not in situation room, of course, no press conference from there..oval office instead. Smart media manipulation as usual...
World is getting behind peace thru strength President. He calls for drill baby drill and oil goes below $70... Iran is on its heels... We need FEROCIOUS OPPOSITION
Boris, what does this mean?
World is getting behind peace thru strength President.
Trump the ultimate mad risk taker, 6 bankruptcies etc., has scared the bejeepers out of Iran. They put nothing past him, even though his preemptive strike was illegal under all national and international measures.
Most of the non radical world agrees thar Iran should never have a nuclear weapon.
Israel is one of our biggest allies.
World markets are settling
His need to be the world's savior and being played by Netanyahu pushed his actions as well.
In my opinion, wrap all this together and Trump justifies his show of strength toward resulting diplomacy. His echo chamber will push Bannon and Carlson to recede.
Again the "GAMBLER" rachet ups his strongman autocratic image of success.
Boris, I am not sure this is the right place for you. You spend a lot of time here puffing up Trump, repeating right wing bull shit talking points and denigrating Democrats. It's tiresome and silly.
Need you to do better here or find some other place to hang out.
Ok I will take your suggestion and boogie.
Let me say, however, I try to see Trump as his supporters and many independents see him (Fox propaganda facilitates that).. What is happening is a crisis way beyond the pushback I am seeing from leadership. He is hoodwinking the American people and dresses everything up with lies and they buy it. Krauze said that we must call out everything immediately and honestly that the CRAZY KING says and does.
My parents taught me to look objectively and remove personal bias from assessments. I see the strength he can exhibit and use in powerful ways. Many see him as their avatar and either accept his b s or don't care or relish his antagonistic ways. Where he has control and power needs to be faced not sidestepped.
We are in the fight of are democratic lives. Leaders need to break thru his "Iron Dome" of managing the narrative.
Where is our FEROCIOUS OPPOSITION.
Boris I am going to respond to this for that you lump his supporters with independents is the core of the problem here. I continue to show data that he has lost 25 points of job approval with independents, and they are now much closer to Democrats on virtually all issues. Trump has his lowest approval of his Presidency in most polls now, in the GE Morris' tracker, in Morning Consult today and his approval on his budget bill is no regularly 15-25 points underwater. The way you see him is wrong, outside of data and you continue to aggressively ignore 1) all of the data I am marshaling here about his decline and our success in degrading his budget bill for example 2) my consistent explanation about the need to not parrot false impressions of him or we end up doing MAGAs work for them. Whatever it is you think you are doing you have become a MAGA troll here and seem hell bent on pissing everyone off and wasting my time. Will refund your money and wish you well.
On Jun 23, 2025, at 1:22 PM, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon wrote:
Dear neighbor,
I know the past few weeks have been overwhelming as this administration tries to upend the checks and balances that keep our federal institutions stable, and slash funding and jobs that deliver critical services to our community. Many of you have contacted me to express your concerns as this administration escalates its efforts to eliminate medical research, federal programs, and the social services that you have rightly earned. I greatly appreciate all of your calls and messages. They inform and drive the work I do in DC and throughout the district.
I’m determined to provide as much insight into the latest news from DC as possible. That’s why I’m hosting a town hall at Delaware County Community College on Sunday, June 29 at 3:00 pm, to give you the latest developments and answer your questions about how I’m fighting for PA-05 families.
Advance registration is required. Once the venue has reached capacity, no additional attendees will be admitted.
Can’t make it to my town hall on Sunday? Drop by for Coffee with Your Congresswoman on July 1 at 5:30 pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or would like to share a concern. You can reach us by phone at 610-626-2020 or send me a message through our website.
Sincerely,
Mary Gay
🙌🏻 great work!🇺🇸🇺🇸
We loved the gathering last night. This morning I emailed 50+ people and posted on 9 progressive Facebook groups, with a link to your website, encouraging people to subscribe to Hopium Chronicles.
Self report: Just called my Dem senators in VA. Told them that they must do all they can to stop Trump from continuing the 3 wars he has started: 1. On Iran, despite our own military intelligence. 2. On everyone in the US, because we will all suffer and many will die if his horrific budget bill passes. 3. On our immigrant communities which he is attacking with terror-inducing boots on the ground.