Dahlia Lithwick has a fresh article in Slate Magazine that argues many points related to those Congressman Joe Neguse is making. "After 100 days of chaos, I think we can finally declare that America realizes what is happening—and cares enough to stop it," writes Lithwick.
"OK, now for the good news. It’s not just that Trump is losing catastrophically in the courts, again and again, badly and unequivocally, although that actually matters a great deal. It’s not just that Trump has the lowest approval ratings in modern history, although that actually matters a great deal as well. It’s not just that the tariffs are an unmitigated train wreck and his Cabinet cannot stay on message, because the message is incoherent. It’s not just that Trump has helped the Canadian Conservative Party lose an election that was all but unlosable a few months ago. All of that matters.
"But what really matters—what is measurable and knowable now in a way that was not a few weeks ago—is that standing up to Trump is going to be worth it. Propping up the law and the courts and the Constitution is suddenly proving to be a good bet."
I saw the article mention by Mark Joseph Stern in his BlueSky post. When I clicked on the link I accessed the article without hitting a paywall. (I don’t subscribe to Slate.) Try the link in this post and see if it works for you as well.
Thanks AS. My husband and I discussed at breakfast how all the news is revealing the paper tiger. It’s palpable. All those town halls with pointed questions. So effective in helping us, the public, feel we are all together in our anger at this dismantling of our great democracy.
A reply from my terrific House rep, Laura Friedman -
Rep. Laura Friedman banner -
Thank you for reaching out to express your concerns about Elon Musk’s role in the Trump Administration. I appreciate hearing from you, and I am grateful for the opportunity to respond.
Like you, I believe that the government should be accountable to the people, not to billionaires or corporate interests. As your representative in Congress, know that I’m constantly working to protect our shared democratic values, hold this administration accountable, and deliver for our community. Elon Musk shouldn’t have backdoor access to your bank account, and he definitely shouldn’t be able to turn off vital Social Security and health care payments.
Many of Elon Musk’s actions, sanctioned by the President, are illegal and have already been stopped by our federal courts, but we must keep fighting. That is why I support the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which will stop people with conflicts of interest or without a security clearance from illegally accessing the highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system — which is responsible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Know that I am using every option available — including legislation, lawsuits, and direct advocacy — to stop Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless actions which continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of countless Californians. They are not above the law, and we must stand up against their illegal cuts and assault on our democracy. Please continue to reach out to express issues of concern to you; your input is key to the decisions I make every single day.
Again, I appreciate hearing from you. If you would like to stay updated on the latest news, legislation, and other important information, visit my website at Friedman.House.Gov and sign up for my newsletter. Thank you again for reaching out and do not hesitate to contact me in the future regarding matters of importance to you.
I couldn't agree more. She was a film producer, then became a member of the Glendale City Council, rose to Mayor of Glendale, then ran for and became a State Assemblymember, and now just became our Rep for the 30th District of Los Angeles.
Thank you Simon for giving us this first hand account from Rep. Neguse about the work he and other Democrats are doing behind the scenes on our behalf. We are very grateful for that! I'm also glad to hear you promote the idea about a Letter to the Nation (I like to call it our New Declaration of Independence). Whatever you want to call it, I definitely think that MORE communication from our leaders is ALWAYS BETTER than less communication and I would encourage you to continue to promote this idea, as I know you will. 🙂👍🏼
Can we look at the cost of Trump/Miller deportation and imprisonment of immigrants?? The story of Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal 2 years old is Nazi cruelty now actively pursued in this country. This is "President Trump and Stephen Miller" brutal child separation policy as "deterence" for immigration. Her parents have committed no crimes yet the mother was deported to Venezuela and the father is in prison in El Salvador. From now on...any ICE agent who arrests family members and separates and deports them without a lawyer to represent them and without a warrant for criminal arrest will go to jail for family abuse. Stephen Miller is responsible for almost 1,000 missing children from his last immigration work in the Trump administration. CRUELTY IS NOT LEGAL HERE. WE WILL STOP THIS NOW and forever more!! NewYorkTimes 4/29.25
Hitler rose to power due to the hyperinflationary period of post WW1 He was the people's choice to lead Germany to nirvana and out of the economic catastrophe that they were in
The Orange Cheeto and his Gestapo lied to the American electorate to garner power and now it's a power down(putting power into the hands of WE the people) using Marc Dunkelman's phraseology much like Hitler did And the analogy holds that part of Cheeto's promise was to deal with inflation
And one could argue that both Cheeto wants to use the power to ascend the uberwealthy and influential and make the subservient middle class powerless ie get rid of power up movements(giving power to elected officials)
There is only one way out according to Dunkelman's model and that's exactly what's happening as did in the late 1700's in France The people took to the streets protesting against the monarchy who lost their heads literally
This is why the most recent Cheeto Executive Order to begin the process of martial law by arming local law enforcement with military weapons is a step toward trying to quell the street protests happening across the country much like what Hitler did with the Gestapo creating a police state
Nonviolent protests worked for India's independence in the 1940's and for the civil rights movements in the 1960's
Been out of the loop and need to catch up so if someone has alerted Hopiumity about this, please forgive. Meidas is holding a Dem Gov Town Hall tonight on their YouTube channel, 8pm, and here's the link.
Ben Meidas: We’re going live at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, and I’ll be moderating a powerhouse panel featuring Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Taking questions if you want to join in, if not, of course, you can stream it as your schedule permits.
It is sort of breathtaking when you think of it. Just a few years ago, some of us started watching Ben and his brothers stumble through an informal podcast about politics and Trump.
By now, Ben has interviews with Biden under his belt, and is currently spotlighting 4 of the top Dem. Governors on his platform. As Simon has encouraged, Let's take the wins when they come. We are succeeding in building a formidable information platform, and it touches my heart and gives me hope.
Simon this is great! I'm really hoping the Amicus briefs can be strung together to become the Letter to America by June 14th. We need to reclaim the US flag for democracy and should have rallies, parades, and events around the flag that day. If we had the letter to read at the start of the speakers, it would go a great way to showing that Dems are everywhere, doing everything, all at once when it comes to saving democracy. Leave the stars and bars, MAGA and Nazi flags to the people who don't believe in due process or think gulags are a good idea. We in the grassroots know better and Trump's cratering numbers show it.
Great idea about the Amicus briefs. It would be great to have them available all in one place. Maybe what is needed is a website Letter to Americans. I’m wondering if our Dem Congressional Leadership would respond to petition signed by all at Hopium…we lay out why this is important and needed.
Thank you for this; I found it very informative and I'm glad to be introduced to Rep. Neguse.
I don't quite understand the ins and the outs of this; given what already passed in the House and Senate, is that locked in? Are we doomed to a budget with this framework (if not specifics?) Thanks so much.
Good interview, good to know about this work and who is leading it. It makes sense to have a place where the experienced lawyers in the House can work together.
Reporting in a few minutes before midnight (Pacific) 29 April 2025
I spent two brain stultifying hours this evening in a Zoom with my county’s DCC of which I am a very new member and one of the oldest. Lots of local “laundry issues” cleaned up including an incapacitated Treasurer suddenly resigning leaving behind five months of unpaid bills. In the end we voted in a new treasurer with good up-to-date bookkeeping techniques who immediately went to work…. I keep reminding myself that I am furthering democracy by scrubbing stains out of county laundry as much as I am by writing brilliant contact forms to my lovely blue federal senators.
But of course I did that too. Adam Schiff had posted a “100 days” podcast, linked above, that probably could serve as a Letter to America. He pounded all the nails. Today I just wrote him thank you. No whining or asking.
Padilla, meanwhile joined Sanders yesterday to propose a Medicaid for all plan. Plus he’d been noisy about restoring student visas. I decided just to say “Thank you” to him too.
Eye-popping charts that visualize how badly tRump has tanked our economy, courtesy of Rachel Bitecofer @TheCycle:
https://thecycle.substack.com/p/stats-of-the-week-42a?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=27igv1&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
THE TIDE IS TURNING
Dahlia Lithwick has a fresh article in Slate Magazine that argues many points related to those Congressman Joe Neguse is making. "After 100 days of chaos, I think we can finally declare that America realizes what is happening—and cares enough to stop it," writes Lithwick.
"OK, now for the good news. It’s not just that Trump is losing catastrophically in the courts, again and again, badly and unequivocally, although that actually matters a great deal. It’s not just that Trump has the lowest approval ratings in modern history, although that actually matters a great deal as well. It’s not just that the tariffs are an unmitigated train wreck and his Cabinet cannot stay on message, because the message is incoherent. It’s not just that Trump has helped the Canadian Conservative Party lose an election that was all but unlosable a few months ago. All of that matters.
"But what really matters—what is measurable and knowable now in a way that was not a few weeks ago—is that standing up to Trump is going to be worth it. Propping up the law and the courts and the Constitution is suddenly proving to be a good bet."
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/04/100-days-trump-tide-finally-turning.html
Thanks for the excerpt, which sounds like it's the essence of the article. However, any chance for a paywall-free link? Thanks.
I saw the article mention by Mark Joseph Stern in his BlueSky post. When I clicked on the link I accessed the article without hitting a paywall. (I don’t subscribe to Slate.) Try the link in this post and see if it works for you as well.
https://bsky.app/profile/mjsdc.bsky.social/post/3lny2qv6iys2k
Alas. You have the magic touch. No such luck for me, but good to know she thinks the tide is turning.
Yes, thank you!
Thanks AS. My husband and I discussed at breakfast how all the news is revealing the paper tiger. It’s palpable. All those town halls with pointed questions. So effective in helping us, the public, feel we are all together in our anger at this dismantling of our great democracy.
Love this- thank you🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
A reply from my terrific House rep, Laura Friedman -
Rep. Laura Friedman banner -
Thank you for reaching out to express your concerns about Elon Musk’s role in the Trump Administration. I appreciate hearing from you, and I am grateful for the opportunity to respond.
Like you, I believe that the government should be accountable to the people, not to billionaires or corporate interests. As your representative in Congress, know that I’m constantly working to protect our shared democratic values, hold this administration accountable, and deliver for our community. Elon Musk shouldn’t have backdoor access to your bank account, and he definitely shouldn’t be able to turn off vital Social Security and health care payments.
Many of Elon Musk’s actions, sanctioned by the President, are illegal and have already been stopped by our federal courts, but we must keep fighting. That is why I support the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which will stop people with conflicts of interest or without a security clearance from illegally accessing the highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system — which is responsible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Know that I am using every option available — including legislation, lawsuits, and direct advocacy — to stop Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless actions which continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of countless Californians. They are not above the law, and we must stand up against their illegal cuts and assault on our democracy. Please continue to reach out to express issues of concern to you; your input is key to the decisions I make every single day.
Again, I appreciate hearing from you. If you would like to stay updated on the latest news, legislation, and other important information, visit my website at Friedman.House.Gov and sign up for my newsletter. Thank you again for reaching out and do not hesitate to contact me in the future regarding matters of importance to you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Laura Friedman
Member of Congress
Lucky we have her. She is active and strong.
I couldn't agree more. She was a film producer, then became a member of the Glendale City Council, rose to Mayor of Glendale, then ran for and became a State Assemblymember, and now just became our Rep for the 30th District of Los Angeles.
She's a powerhouse. https://friedman.house.gov
Thank you Simon for giving us this first hand account from Rep. Neguse about the work he and other Democrats are doing behind the scenes on our behalf. We are very grateful for that! I'm also glad to hear you promote the idea about a Letter to the Nation (I like to call it our New Declaration of Independence). Whatever you want to call it, I definitely think that MORE communication from our leaders is ALWAYS BETTER than less communication and I would encourage you to continue to promote this idea, as I know you will. 🙂👍🏼
Can we look at the cost of Trump/Miller deportation and imprisonment of immigrants?? The story of Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal 2 years old is Nazi cruelty now actively pursued in this country. This is "President Trump and Stephen Miller" brutal child separation policy as "deterence" for immigration. Her parents have committed no crimes yet the mother was deported to Venezuela and the father is in prison in El Salvador. From now on...any ICE agent who arrests family members and separates and deports them without a lawyer to represent them and without a warrant for criminal arrest will go to jail for family abuse. Stephen Miller is responsible for almost 1,000 missing children from his last immigration work in the Trump administration. CRUELTY IS NOT LEGAL HERE. WE WILL STOP THIS NOW and forever more!! NewYorkTimes 4/29.25
Nazis and Power Grabbing: Arming the MIilitia
Hitler rose to power due to the hyperinflationary period of post WW1 He was the people's choice to lead Germany to nirvana and out of the economic catastrophe that they were in
The Orange Cheeto and his Gestapo lied to the American electorate to garner power and now it's a power down(putting power into the hands of WE the people) using Marc Dunkelman's phraseology much like Hitler did And the analogy holds that part of Cheeto's promise was to deal with inflation
And one could argue that both Cheeto wants to use the power to ascend the uberwealthy and influential and make the subservient middle class powerless ie get rid of power up movements(giving power to elected officials)
There is only one way out according to Dunkelman's model and that's exactly what's happening as did in the late 1700's in France The people took to the streets protesting against the monarchy who lost their heads literally
This is why the most recent Cheeto Executive Order to begin the process of martial law by arming local law enforcement with military weapons is a step toward trying to quell the street protests happening across the country much like what Hitler did with the Gestapo creating a police state
Nonviolent protests worked for India's independence in the 1940's and for the civil rights movements in the 1960's
It will work again now
Been out of the loop and need to catch up so if someone has alerted Hopiumity about this, please forgive. Meidas is holding a Dem Gov Town Hall tonight on their YouTube channel, 8pm, and here's the link.
https://www.youtube.com/live/J-0ecbBSbbk?si=FFPJvfxypvigOSGA
Ben Meidas: We’re going live at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, and I’ll be moderating a powerhouse panel featuring Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Taking questions if you want to join in, if not, of course, you can stream it as your schedule permits.
oh thank you!!!!
It is sort of breathtaking when you think of it. Just a few years ago, some of us started watching Ben and his brothers stumble through an informal podcast about politics and Trump.
By now, Ben has interviews with Biden under his belt, and is currently spotlighting 4 of the top Dem. Governors on his platform. As Simon has encouraged, Let's take the wins when they come. We are succeeding in building a formidable information platform, and it touches my heart and gives me hope.
Simon this is great! I'm really hoping the Amicus briefs can be strung together to become the Letter to America by June 14th. We need to reclaim the US flag for democracy and should have rallies, parades, and events around the flag that day. If we had the letter to read at the start of the speakers, it would go a great way to showing that Dems are everywhere, doing everything, all at once when it comes to saving democracy. Leave the stars and bars, MAGA and Nazi flags to the people who don't believe in due process or think gulags are a good idea. We in the grassroots know better and Trump's cratering numbers show it.
Great idea about the Amicus briefs. It would be great to have them available all in one place. Maybe what is needed is a website Letter to Americans. I’m wondering if our Dem Congressional Leadership would respond to petition signed by all at Hopium…we lay out why this is important and needed.
I'm so glad Simon hit Rep Neguse up. Dems need this to corral the violations and keep us focused on why we fight.
Good idea Mary. This is the website the Congressman referenced. https://litigationandresponse.house.gov/oversight-litigation I saw a link for at least one of the briefs there.
Thank you for this; I found it very informative and I'm glad to be introduced to Rep. Neguse.
I don't quite understand the ins and the outs of this; given what already passed in the House and Senate, is that locked in? Are we doomed to a budget with this framework (if not specifics?) Thanks so much.
The correct link is
http://litigationandresponse.house.gov/
Good interview, good to know about this work and who is leading it. It makes sense to have a place where the experienced lawyers in the House can work together.
Great interview! 16 minute laser strike. Terrific. Thanks Simon.
https://open.substack.com/pub/schiffnotes/p/the-worst-parts-of-the-first-100?r=rey4i&utm_medium=ios
Reporting in a few minutes before midnight (Pacific) 29 April 2025
I spent two brain stultifying hours this evening in a Zoom with my county’s DCC of which I am a very new member and one of the oldest. Lots of local “laundry issues” cleaned up including an incapacitated Treasurer suddenly resigning leaving behind five months of unpaid bills. In the end we voted in a new treasurer with good up-to-date bookkeeping techniques who immediately went to work…. I keep reminding myself that I am furthering democracy by scrubbing stains out of county laundry as much as I am by writing brilliant contact forms to my lovely blue federal senators.
But of course I did that too. Adam Schiff had posted a “100 days” podcast, linked above, that probably could serve as a Letter to America. He pounded all the nails. Today I just wrote him thank you. No whining or asking.
Padilla, meanwhile joined Sanders yesterday to propose a Medicaid for all plan. Plus he’d been noisy about restoring student visas. I decided just to say “Thank you” to him too.
So that was today’s pluckiness.