Keep working everyone. All actions matter. As a side note, all house rep phones at capitol are getting an upgrade. Write instead today….or protest. Be defiant and stand up. Or as we know from hopium: now let’s get to work!!!!!!
Another Republican lecturing, blaming, and shaming Democrats for a pickle his party did everything it could to get us all into. America needs to stop sitting on its ass watching football and start hitting the streets in protest. In self defense!
Yes, I had Stuart Steven’s in mind when I opined. And yes, I agree that he is a “good “guy”. But that does not subtract from my point that the Republicans did their best (wittingly or not) to get us into this pickle. And - do note! - too many Dems too. I’m not canceling anyone here. I am a Hopium paid subscriber. Simon has done yeoman work for his party for many years. Any guest he has on I listen to precisely because of that hard won credibility. But Simon is limited by the nature of his job (which is at all costs to heal, bring together, and organize). That doesn’t automatically make him right all the time. … Simon recently posted 5 points Dems must pound home to America in the midterms. Missing (lacking) on that list was any mention of Epstein’s Files release. Do you agree that should be a campaign point? Can you explain to me why the complete, immediate E Files release is not on the list? And why along with it a demand is not made for full immediate prosecution of Trump and Bondi for defying the release order and by over redacting the scant few files that they have released? … Thanks for your response and for your time to read my rejoinder. As for me I’m leaving the house soon to march in protest of ICE, Trump, and Bondi’s defiance of the law created by Congress and signed by our President. A law that Republicans (those remaining) and rank and file Democrats agree with. And not a few MAGA folks either.
Don the Epstein files release is on our list. And your response to Stuart, who has been working along side us for years now, I think is intemperate and unwelcome.
I talk about the Epstein affair literally every day, and it is a core part of my narrative about where we are. We hosted Rep. Garcia a few weeks ago, and here is our current point #4:
Defend our democracy, rule of law, and our liberties by blocking the expansion of ICE; restoring due process for immigrants across the country; vigorously defending the 1st Amendment; warring against his outrageous targeting of his domestic political opponents; ending the use of the military on our streets and the dangerous occupation of our cities; stopping the unprecedented regime corruption; and by forcing the Administration to finally comply with Congress end the rancid cover up of the Epstein crimes.
Simon. I will re-read your original posting of points and I will listen again to your interview with Steve in its entirety both with an open heart and an open mind. … I got several likes for my original comment so there may be better communication called for on all sides in this. Gotta run now. Will finish up tomorrow. I know you’re a very busy man so not going to hold you to a reply. Meantime thank you for your time and effort and … “Rachel. Thank you. I understand how it is that my comments were perceived as “intemperate”. I’m on edge these days but that’s no excuse. Mia culpa. I did not see the Epstein Files release on the list. I will re-read Simon’s original posting and get back to him in that regard and with a follow up to his response to mine in this thread. That’s the best I can do for now. The last thing we need is for the party to devour itself out of ego or just plain ignorance. That is something HOPEfully MAGA and the self-described (elected) Republicans will do. One hour here to our local “Justice For Good For All” rally. All best … Don
Rachel. Thank you. I understand how it is that my comments were perceived as “intemperate”. I’m on edge these days but that’s no excuse. Mia culpa. I did not see the Epstein Files release on the list. I will re-read Simon’s original posting and get back to him in that regard and with a follow up to his response to mine in this thread. That’s the best I can do for now. The last thing we need is for the party to devour itself out of ego or just plain ignorance. That is something HOPEfully MAGA and the self-described (elected) Republicans will do. One hour here to our local “Justice For Good For All” rally. All best … Don
On a lighter note: Beauty can be found in some surprising places. Here are the new Syrian banknotes. They’re gorgeous! Click the image to see it larger.
That 3rd leg must include not only patriotism, but accountability. Liberty and justice for all has to mean that. Buying it cannot be a thing. We the People are being robbed blind by this administration. We need to do as Stewart has suggested, if Democrats do take the house.
Whatever we choose, we’ve got to truly mean it. We must BE authentic. The elected officials must reject all corruption: Corporate money, billionaires buying elections, insider trading. We must break with the past and mean it! I believe part of this must be thanking, praising, and holding up as role models…(whatever that looks like)… lower court judges who have for the most part, kept their oath and done the job asked of them. If we save this country, it will be in large part to the hope they’ve given us that a country based on the rule of law can endure.
Hubby and I are in San Antonio TX this weekend. We inadvertently came across a protest. We spoke to a committed activist from the area who said turnout today was far lower than No Kings. It was not a criticism, just a reflection of how quickly the call to action came to pass. She was actually impressed.
So comforting to see in the flesh, to connect with other patriots, in deep red Texas.
I'm a big Stuart Stevens fan; thanks for the great discussion with him.
Watching the video that the right wing released (because they thought it helped them?!?!) of the moments leading up to Ms. Good's murder, I couldn't help but remember Margaret Atwood's statement that men are afraid women will laugh at them while women are afraid men will kill them.
Yes, yes, yes! Combativeness. In the sense of helping to impose consequences for very bad actions. How about we impeach Vance & Noem. Tomorrow! (P-47, too, of course.)
This was a TERRIFIC conversation, best I've heard in I don't know how long. I think my hopefulness increased a tiny bit in that hour of listening (which rarely happens these days). Thanks, Simon! And Stuart!
Utterly deranged claims from Trump that he won Minnesota three times! I would like to see an "investigative" journalist ask Mr Trump: "Which states do you admit losing?"
I am waiting for the journalist who stops him whenever he comes up with stats to present the briefing documentation he was given with said stats, which he obviously fantastically memorized.
Indiana Republican state Sen. Greg Walker, who has consistently stood against the Trump administration’s redistricting pressure campaign in the state, announced that he will no longer retire from the Indiana legislature.
It's hard to understand how and why the GOP thought Ross's video would help them. The only thing I can think of is the moment when Ross yelps and the phone goes haywire and cuts out. My assumption is that despite everything else in the clip that's even more damning than the previous ones--the dialog, the hand-switching, the license plate check (after which there was no reason to impede her, according to standard practice since the 70s), the fact that we can clearly see Renee turning her wheel to the right, away from Ross--they think these two seconds support their lie that she "bumped" him, tried to run him over, etc. Which is why it's really important that the media start pointing out what nobody I've heard has. When he's shooting at her, how many of his hands are on the weapon? Both of them, as is virtually always the case. What does that mean happened to the cell phone? He fucking *dropped* it to shoot her! That's why it cuts out, not because she hit him!
Yes, and I have also been astonished by the analyses of pundits who viewed that video, twisting themselves in knots trying to carefully, strategically characterize the words exchanged.
Honestly: They were snarky. It's okay. It's okay to say that. Our world now is snarky. The entire internet and social media are full of snark.
Trump is snarky; Charlie Kirk is snarky; When Nancy Pelosi tore up the transcript of Trump's State of the Union Address, that was snarky; Nancy Mace is a walking blob of snarky; MTG just shed her snarky, but that's what got her elected and raised a shitload of money for her; JD Vance is a sleeper sofa full of snarky.
Vance basically said that Ross was justified in murdering Good and that, in any event, Ross has "absolute immunity." But the legal aspect is the wrong thing to focus on. More to the point -- could Ross have avoided murdering Good? And the answer is clearly yes. The fact that he shot her through the driver's side window means that he was NOT in front of the car when he shot. Something even more troubling is that IMHO he went looking to kill someone -- he had his phone in one hand and the gun in the other so he could record his trophy kill, and when he did the deed, he said "fucking bitch," which seems to show that he thought of her as vermin, or worse. So much for Republicans' views on the sanctity of human life. Noem said that he acted in accord with his training, and she's probably right: what Ross did probably IS part of his training -- be ruthless and vicious, and if you hurt someone, ICE and Trump have your back. They are instituting a reign of terror.
I have seen some of the videos. Is there video with him shooting while holding the gun with one hand? If not, isn't it also possible that he shot her with one hand and then the car lunges and he runs out of the way? I thought the video showed how Renee Good was clearly not a threat. The image Simon shared clearly shows Ross's hand so that clearly would cause shaking.
When I wrote this comment, it was from remembering seeing the original video in slow-mo where I was pretty sure he had both hands on the gun (and the version of the Ross video I'd seen was conveniently cut off just after he yelped and the phone went haywire, so as to maximize the illusion that the car had hit him). I've since rewatched the original video in slow-mo and am less certain he had both hands on the gun--I may have just assumed that because that sure as hell would have been part of his training, Security Barbie. And the fact that the phone reappears the way it does in the full cut suggests that either he never actually dropped it, or he had it attached in some way so when he dropped it, it just ends of swinging. In any case, in no way does that video support the claim that he was even touched by her car, and plenty of others prove he wasn't.
Also not enough attention has been given to Lawrence O'Donnell's rebuttal to JD's justification that the guy had been hit by a protester's car 6 months earlier, so it was understandable that he reacted as he did. Uh no, if this guy was so traumatized by that event, which *is* totally understandable (I got mugged once by a guy who ran up behind me, stuck a gun in my ear, and then fired that gun over my head when I got up too quickly while he was making his getaway--it was a decade before I stopped clenching my fists to fight any time I heard the sound of running feet) that anytime a car approached him, he was going to pull out his gun and start firing, if that was really his state of mind, then WHAT IN THE HELL WAS HE DOING ON THE FRONT LINES CARRYING A GUN!!!????
As a white woman who’s a citizen, there was something about seeing Renee’s sweet face and gentle push back to ICE that made me realize I am absolutely not safe in this country.
Because you asked, Simon, I did watch your clip of the deranged Trump. But having to do so brought back the worst memories of Catholic grade school. As painful as knuckle raps from the nuns. As disgusting as being made to wash out our mouths with soap for saying something wrong. It's soul crushing and excruciating. But you're right--we can't look away from him and pretend it's not happening; that he's not happening. So, we survive (as I did Catholic grade school) and we advance. We mobilize and act even as we pray for Renee Nicole Good and her family. And we pray for the survival of democracy in our country and around the world. And we help make it so.
I will watch the video of Trump later. Can't stomach him this early and I am heading out. I, too, went to Catholic school. Rulers, slaps, knuckles, public shaming ... oh those nuns - I remember it well. Our priests were mostly nice drunks.
We know St. Francis for his love of the natural world, and the order as being servants of the poor and champions of social justice. These Catholic teachers encouraged my love of science and promoted higher education. My continuing beliefs about social justice are deeply rooted in those teachings.
I didn't have those bad experiences, and am sorry that you did. My brother had not good experiences in a Cathedral Latin School and is a Theravāda Buddhist.
Yes, definitely, not all Catholic orders for priests and nuns were created equal! I am fortunate later in life to have found Catholic clergy that promote social justice and what I view as the true meaning of the gospels of the New Testament. These folks are some of my greatest heroes and inspiration in adulthood!
True! My priest went on a rant about Trump a few weeks ago (in private with me and a few others). But I have heard from people older than me about the horrors of the nuns. A friend who is 80 was just talking about this yesterday -- how the nuns called her stupid for 12 years.
There's a story from my class that a nun talked that way to a minority student -- until her mother came and slapped the nun across the face and said never talk to her daughter that way again, asking "are we good now?" Problem solved.
The school is eight miles outside of Washington, D.C. They have a 100% graduation rate, and 100% college acceptance rate. Washington, D.C. Mayor Bowser is a graduate. The current student body is 60.5% Black / African American students and 11.2% Hispanic. 70% of families receive financial assistance to attend the HS. https://www.setonhs.org/
I can only imagine the harm calling a child stupid for 12 years has on the child. We had an Irish order from K-6th grade. Starting in 7th, the nuns then came from a Mexican order. The Mexican order did not smack us around but boy did they lay on the guilt even more than the previous order.
In grade school, we were taught that God created a man and a woman and thus the human race was created. No evolution. Oh I have stories of the contradictions. You definitely had a more balanced experience than I did.
I grew up Catholic, in a very Catholic, democratic family. We had a picture of John F. Kennedy right next to Jesus, literally side by side. I know Catholicism pretty well. Well, I used to know it well. My family are still practicing Catholics - well sort of - kind of ....
Chris Hayes’s interview with Minnesota AG Keith Ellison was really good last night. I just keep thinking that Mayor Frey, Walz, and Ellison gained experience from George Floyd’s murder and the protests; they’re all effective leaders and speakers. I’ve also been struck by the way Trump slips from the crisis in Minneapolis right into “rigged election” talk. I think somehow their efforts to police blue cities is a piece of their intentions for this year’s elections, but I also don’t think this is working for them.
OMG, a Republican who acknowledges that the GOP has been heading in this direction for decades. I've been waiting for people like Nicole Wallace and the Bulwark crew to acknowledge this - maybe they have and I haven't heard it. Thank you Stuart Stevens for being so forthcoming.
Heather Cox Richardson commented back in a December letter that Mitt Romney published an op-ed in NYT that day which acknowledged that the Republican ideology of the past 45 years has failed. "He called for addressing the economic inequalities in the U.S. by placing higher taxes on the rich, people like him." Yes, you read that correctly-- Mitt Romney. Wow.
I've not yet listened to the Stevens interview...more on that below.
I do want to add a few words to what Simon wrote about taking care of ourselves. I call this "mental health hygiene," and I practice it to some degree every day. We're all different, and some of us can endure more of this than others. For me, the challenge is to remain sane while balancing my need to know against doom spiraling. Every day is an adventure because, for me, the fine line that separates the two shifts quite a bit.
So, back to the Stevens interview, which I know will move me toward my fine line. My plan is to put on the ear buds and hit the rowing machine hard for an hour while I take in the conversation. That little knot I know I'm gonna get in my gut usually propels me through a fantastic workout, and at the end of it, I'm usually too damn tired to truly stress out! These intense workouts are my go-tos...I'd love to read some of yours!
Most days, I walk a few miles and it helps. Enjoy the rowing. I respect that Stuarts does not shy away or excuse his contribution to the mess we are in now.
First thing every morning and last thing every night, I list 3 things I'm grateful for, no matter how small. Almost always, after scrounging for 3, I think of several more. Changes my whole frame of mind, and I may even be sleeping better.
That's a great idea. I know that I have a good life and am constitutionally glass-half-full, but it's still good for the gratitude to be front and center. As for falling asleep at night, I go the total escapist route and indulge in medieval murder mysteries and campy pulp fiction...makes me feel like I'm vacationing at the beach!
Keep working everyone. All actions matter. As a side note, all house rep phones at capitol are getting an upgrade. Write instead today….or protest. Be defiant and stand up. Or as we know from hopium: now let’s get to work!!!!!!
On my way to a demo. Sign says:
Disobey immoral orders
Defy corrupt presidents
Another Republican lecturing, blaming, and shaming Democrats for a pickle his party did everything it could to get us all into. America needs to stop sitting on its ass watching football and start hitting the streets in protest. In self defense!
are you talking about stuart? because he is one of the good guys imo....
Yes, I had Stuart Steven’s in mind when I opined. And yes, I agree that he is a “good “guy”. But that does not subtract from my point that the Republicans did their best (wittingly or not) to get us into this pickle. And - do note! - too many Dems too. I’m not canceling anyone here. I am a Hopium paid subscriber. Simon has done yeoman work for his party for many years. Any guest he has on I listen to precisely because of that hard won credibility. But Simon is limited by the nature of his job (which is at all costs to heal, bring together, and organize). That doesn’t automatically make him right all the time. … Simon recently posted 5 points Dems must pound home to America in the midterms. Missing (lacking) on that list was any mention of Epstein’s Files release. Do you agree that should be a campaign point? Can you explain to me why the complete, immediate E Files release is not on the list? And why along with it a demand is not made for full immediate prosecution of Trump and Bondi for defying the release order and by over redacting the scant few files that they have released? … Thanks for your response and for your time to read my rejoinder. As for me I’m leaving the house soon to march in protest of ICE, Trump, and Bondi’s defiance of the law created by Congress and signed by our President. A law that Republicans (those remaining) and rank and file Democrats agree with. And not a few MAGA folks either.
Don the Epstein files release is on our list. And your response to Stuart, who has been working along side us for years now, I think is intemperate and unwelcome.
I talk about the Epstein affair literally every day, and it is a core part of my narrative about where we are. We hosted Rep. Garcia a few weeks ago, and here is our current point #4:
Defend our democracy, rule of law, and our liberties by blocking the expansion of ICE; restoring due process for immigrants across the country; vigorously defending the 1st Amendment; warring against his outrageous targeting of his domestic political opponents; ending the use of the military on our streets and the dangerous occupation of our cities; stopping the unprecedented regime corruption; and by forcing the Administration to finally comply with Congress end the rancid cover up of the Epstein crimes.
Simon. I will re-read your original posting of points and I will listen again to your interview with Steve in its entirety both with an open heart and an open mind. … I got several likes for my original comment so there may be better communication called for on all sides in this. Gotta run now. Will finish up tomorrow. I know you’re a very busy man so not going to hold you to a reply. Meantime thank you for your time and effort and … “Rachel. Thank you. I understand how it is that my comments were perceived as “intemperate”. I’m on edge these days but that’s no excuse. Mia culpa. I did not see the Epstein Files release on the list. I will re-read Simon’s original posting and get back to him in that regard and with a follow up to his response to mine in this thread. That’s the best I can do for now. The last thing we need is for the party to devour itself out of ego or just plain ignorance. That is something HOPEfully MAGA and the self-described (elected) Republicans will do. One hour here to our local “Justice For Good For All” rally. All best … Don
Don, did you actually listen to the interview? I don't understand this response.
Stuart spoke a lot about the Republicans' and his own culpability. He had suggestions for Dems, but I didn't hear blaming and shaming of Dems at all.
Rachel. Thank you. I understand how it is that my comments were perceived as “intemperate”. I’m on edge these days but that’s no excuse. Mia culpa. I did not see the Epstein Files release on the list. I will re-read Simon’s original posting and get back to him in that regard and with a follow up to his response to mine in this thread. That’s the best I can do for now. The last thing we need is for the party to devour itself out of ego or just plain ignorance. That is something HOPEfully MAGA and the self-described (elected) Republicans will do. One hour here to our local “Justice For Good For All” rally. All best … Don
Going to protest today. Canby, Oregon
Thank you for your work and for sharing Shapiro’s statement. I’m off to an Ice Off for Good event.
On a lighter note: Beauty can be found in some surprising places. Here are the new Syrian banknotes. They’re gorgeous! Click the image to see it larger.
https://www.freshplaza.com/remote/https/agfstorage.blob.core.windows.net/misc/FP_com/2026/01/05/syrianpound.jpg
(Bashar al-Assad’s face is now gone from Syrian money.)
Amazing. Thank you for sending along....
lovely - replacing images of dictator, and instead focusing on beautiful images of the natural world
Oh wow, I love currency art and these are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing!
A big and hearty thank you to all of you who heading to protests this weekend. Please report in on what you see and experience......
That 3rd leg must include not only patriotism, but accountability. Liberty and justice for all has to mean that. Buying it cannot be a thing. We the People are being robbed blind by this administration. We need to do as Stewart has suggested, if Democrats do take the house.
Whatever we choose, we’ve got to truly mean it. We must BE authentic. The elected officials must reject all corruption: Corporate money, billionaires buying elections, insider trading. We must break with the past and mean it! I believe part of this must be thanking, praising, and holding up as role models…(whatever that looks like)… lower court judges who have for the most part, kept their oath and done the job asked of them. If we save this country, it will be in large part to the hope they’ve given us that a country based on the rule of law can endure.
Hubby and I are in San Antonio TX this weekend. We inadvertently came across a protest. We spoke to a committed activist from the area who said turnout today was far lower than No Kings. It was not a criticism, just a reflection of how quickly the call to action came to pass. She was actually impressed.
So comforting to see in the flesh, to connect with other patriots, in deep red Texas.
We will not give up the ship!!!
Two people were arrested at a small ICE protest outside of the Dept. of Homeland Security building in Albuquerque yesterday. It was organized by Dare to Struggle New Mexico. There are seven photos here. https://www.abqjournal.com/news/two-arrested-at-ice-protest-in-albuquerque/2957357 and more here https://sourcenm.com/2026/01/09/protestors-ice-clash-at-albuquerque-dhs-facility/ and video here https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTTfDO9CSKo/
More protests were held today, including at the University of New Mexico. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1173385328280928
I'm a big Stuart Stevens fan; thanks for the great discussion with him.
Watching the video that the right wing released (because they thought it helped them?!?!) of the moments leading up to Ms. Good's murder, I couldn't help but remember Margaret Atwood's statement that men are afraid women will laugh at them while women are afraid men will kill them.
Continuing to work on postcards to NC voters.
me too. he voices the level of combativeness i feel. and this is needed
Yes, yes, yes! Combativeness. In the sense of helping to impose consequences for very bad actions. How about we impeach Vance & Noem. Tomorrow! (P-47, too, of course.)
This was a TERRIFIC conversation, best I've heard in I don't know how long. I think my hopefulness increased a tiny bit in that hour of listening (which rarely happens these days). Thanks, Simon! And Stuart!
Utterly deranged claims from Trump that he won Minnesota three times! I would like to see an "investigative" journalist ask Mr Trump: "Which states do you admit losing?"
I am waiting for the journalist who stops him whenever he comes up with stats to present the briefing documentation he was given with said stats, which he obviously fantastically memorized.
I suspect his acolytes might simply rewrite and re-edit the Presidential Briefing documentation to match whatever Trump has "memorized".
Oh sure. Small Government in action, right? Not enough he has someone following him with a portable printer.
he lost his state of mind
Spot on!
GOOD NEWS from the Other Side of the Aisle:
Indiana Republican state Sen. Greg Walker, who has consistently stood against the Trump administration’s redistricting pressure campaign in the state, announced that he will no longer retire from the Indiana legislature.
https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2026/01/07/redistricting-foe-sen-greg-walker-changes-mind-says-hell-seek-reelection/
excellent
And Indiana Senator Todd Young voted with the Democrats on Kaine’s War Powers resolution!
It's hard to understand how and why the GOP thought Ross's video would help them. The only thing I can think of is the moment when Ross yelps and the phone goes haywire and cuts out. My assumption is that despite everything else in the clip that's even more damning than the previous ones--the dialog, the hand-switching, the license plate check (after which there was no reason to impede her, according to standard practice since the 70s), the fact that we can clearly see Renee turning her wheel to the right, away from Ross--they think these two seconds support their lie that she "bumped" him, tried to run him over, etc. Which is why it's really important that the media start pointing out what nobody I've heard has. When he's shooting at her, how many of his hands are on the weapon? Both of them, as is virtually always the case. What does that mean happened to the cell phone? He fucking *dropped* it to shoot her! That's why it cuts out, not because she hit him!
Yes, and I have also been astonished by the analyses of pundits who viewed that video, twisting themselves in knots trying to carefully, strategically characterize the words exchanged.
Honestly: They were snarky. It's okay. It's okay to say that. Our world now is snarky. The entire internet and social media are full of snark.
Trump is snarky; Charlie Kirk is snarky; When Nancy Pelosi tore up the transcript of Trump's State of the Union Address, that was snarky; Nancy Mace is a walking blob of snarky; MTG just shed her snarky, but that's what got her elected and raised a shitload of money for her; JD Vance is a sleeper sofa full of snarky.
DOESN'T GIVE YOU LICENSE TO KILL.
I mean, as I've said before, my biggest fear is escalation here in dense NYC: If snarky=shoot to kill, NYC is doomed when they come here.
Vance basically said that Ross was justified in murdering Good and that, in any event, Ross has "absolute immunity." But the legal aspect is the wrong thing to focus on. More to the point -- could Ross have avoided murdering Good? And the answer is clearly yes. The fact that he shot her through the driver's side window means that he was NOT in front of the car when he shot. Something even more troubling is that IMHO he went looking to kill someone -- he had his phone in one hand and the gun in the other so he could record his trophy kill, and when he did the deed, he said "fucking bitch," which seems to show that he thought of her as vermin, or worse. So much for Republicans' views on the sanctity of human life. Noem said that he acted in accord with his training, and she's probably right: what Ross did probably IS part of his training -- be ruthless and vicious, and if you hurt someone, ICE and Trump have your back. They are instituting a reign of terror.
I have seen some of the videos. Is there video with him shooting while holding the gun with one hand? If not, isn't it also possible that he shot her with one hand and then the car lunges and he runs out of the way? I thought the video showed how Renee Good was clearly not a threat. The image Simon shared clearly shows Ross's hand so that clearly would cause shaking.
When I wrote this comment, it was from remembering seeing the original video in slow-mo where I was pretty sure he had both hands on the gun (and the version of the Ross video I'd seen was conveniently cut off just after he yelped and the phone went haywire, so as to maximize the illusion that the car had hit him). I've since rewatched the original video in slow-mo and am less certain he had both hands on the gun--I may have just assumed that because that sure as hell would have been part of his training, Security Barbie. And the fact that the phone reappears the way it does in the full cut suggests that either he never actually dropped it, or he had it attached in some way so when he dropped it, it just ends of swinging. In any case, in no way does that video support the claim that he was even touched by her car, and plenty of others prove he wasn't.
Also not enough attention has been given to Lawrence O'Donnell's rebuttal to JD's justification that the guy had been hit by a protester's car 6 months earlier, so it was understandable that he reacted as he did. Uh no, if this guy was so traumatized by that event, which *is* totally understandable (I got mugged once by a guy who ran up behind me, stuck a gun in my ear, and then fired that gun over my head when I got up too quickly while he was making his getaway--it was a decade before I stopped clenching my fists to fight any time I heard the sound of running feet) that anytime a car approached him, he was going to pull out his gun and start firing, if that was really his state of mind, then WHAT IN THE HELL WAS HE DOING ON THE FRONT LINES CARRYING A GUN!!!????
As a white woman who’s a citizen, there was something about seeing Renee’s sweet face and gentle push back to ICE that made me realize I am absolutely not safe in this country.
"stupid bitch" and the tone of his voice is very damning
That was my thought too. It is the most devastatingly incriminating of Ross of all the videos I've seen
We all can thank/blame Chief Justice John Roberts, Mitch McConnell and Donald J Trump for this mess. Vote Blue Nation Wide in 2026!
Because you asked, Simon, I did watch your clip of the deranged Trump. But having to do so brought back the worst memories of Catholic grade school. As painful as knuckle raps from the nuns. As disgusting as being made to wash out our mouths with soap for saying something wrong. It's soul crushing and excruciating. But you're right--we can't look away from him and pretend it's not happening; that he's not happening. So, we survive (as I did Catholic grade school) and we advance. We mobilize and act even as we pray for Renee Nicole Good and her family. And we pray for the survival of democracy in our country and around the world. And we help make it so.
I will watch the video of Trump later. Can't stomach him this early and I am heading out. I, too, went to Catholic school. Rulers, slaps, knuckles, public shaming ... oh those nuns - I remember it well. Our priests were mostly nice drunks.
I was taught for 12 years by the Sisters of Charity founded by Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton and by Franciscan Friars OFM founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi. Saint Seton was a nun, the mother of five children, a widow and a convert. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/elizabeth-ann-seton
We know St. Francis for his love of the natural world, and the order as being servants of the poor and champions of social justice. These Catholic teachers encouraged my love of science and promoted higher education. My continuing beliefs about social justice are deeply rooted in those teachings.
I didn't have those bad experiences, and am sorry that you did. My brother had not good experiences in a Cathedral Latin School and is a Theravāda Buddhist.
Yes, definitely, not all Catholic orders for priests and nuns were created equal! I am fortunate later in life to have found Catholic clergy that promote social justice and what I view as the true meaning of the gospels of the New Testament. These folks are some of my greatest heroes and inspiration in adulthood!
True! My priest went on a rant about Trump a few weeks ago (in private with me and a few others). But I have heard from people older than me about the horrors of the nuns. A friend who is 80 was just talking about this yesterday -- how the nuns called her stupid for 12 years.
There's a story from my class that a nun talked that way to a minority student -- until her mother came and slapped the nun across the face and said never talk to her daughter that way again, asking "are we good now?" Problem solved.
Wow. In my school, the parents did not question the authority of the nuns. Heck, even the priests listened to them.
The school is eight miles outside of Washington, D.C. They have a 100% graduation rate, and 100% college acceptance rate. Washington, D.C. Mayor Bowser is a graduate. The current student body is 60.5% Black / African American students and 11.2% Hispanic. 70% of families receive financial assistance to attend the HS. https://www.setonhs.org/
Great home page message:
GIRLS ARE THE FUTURE
WE PREPARE HER TO LEAD IT NOW
I can only imagine the harm calling a child stupid for 12 years has on the child. We had an Irish order from K-6th grade. Starting in 7th, the nuns then came from a Mexican order. The Mexican order did not smack us around but boy did they lay on the guilt even more than the previous order.
In grade school, we were taught that God created a man and a woman and thus the human race was created. No evolution. Oh I have stories of the contradictions. You definitely had a more balanced experience than I did.
The Catholic religion is not fundamentalist and teaches evolution as scientific fact. Catholic University curriculum https://trs.catholic.edu/science-for-seminaries/sciences/biology-evolution/index.html Pope Francis explained https://www.franciscanmedia.org/ask-a-franciscan/pope-francis-big-bang-evolution/
I grew up Catholic, in a very Catholic, democratic family. We had a picture of John F. Kennedy right next to Jesus, literally side by side. I know Catholicism pretty well. Well, I used to know it well. My family are still practicing Catholics - well sort of - kind of ....
Chris Hayes’s interview with Minnesota AG Keith Ellison was really good last night. I just keep thinking that Mayor Frey, Walz, and Ellison gained experience from George Floyd’s murder and the protests; they’re all effective leaders and speakers. I’ve also been struck by the way Trump slips from the crisis in Minneapolis right into “rigged election” talk. I think somehow their efforts to police blue cities is a piece of their intentions for this year’s elections, but I also don’t think this is working for them.
OMG, a Republican who acknowledges that the GOP has been heading in this direction for decades. I've been waiting for people like Nicole Wallace and the Bulwark crew to acknowledge this - maybe they have and I haven't heard it. Thank you Stuart Stevens for being so forthcoming.
He’s the only one I know who openly states that the party was always this way, instead of the “once noble organization that lost its way” framing.
Heather Cox Richardson commented back in a December letter that Mitt Romney published an op-ed in NYT that day which acknowledged that the Republican ideology of the past 45 years has failed. "He called for addressing the economic inequalities in the U.S. by placing higher taxes on the rich, people like him." Yes, you read that correctly-- Mitt Romney. Wow.
I've not yet listened to the Stevens interview...more on that below.
I do want to add a few words to what Simon wrote about taking care of ourselves. I call this "mental health hygiene," and I practice it to some degree every day. We're all different, and some of us can endure more of this than others. For me, the challenge is to remain sane while balancing my need to know against doom spiraling. Every day is an adventure because, for me, the fine line that separates the two shifts quite a bit.
So, back to the Stevens interview, which I know will move me toward my fine line. My plan is to put on the ear buds and hit the rowing machine hard for an hour while I take in the conversation. That little knot I know I'm gonna get in my gut usually propels me through a fantastic workout, and at the end of it, I'm usually too damn tired to truly stress out! These intense workouts are my go-tos...I'd love to read some of yours!
Most days, I walk a few miles and it helps. Enjoy the rowing. I respect that Stuarts does not shy away or excuse his contribution to the mess we are in now.
First thing every morning and last thing every night, I list 3 things I'm grateful for, no matter how small. Almost always, after scrounging for 3, I think of several more. Changes my whole frame of mind, and I may even be sleeping better.
That's a great idea. I know that I have a good life and am constitutionally glass-half-full, but it's still good for the gratitude to be front and center. As for falling asleep at night, I go the total escapist route and indulge in medieval murder mysteries and campy pulp fiction...makes me feel like I'm vacationing at the beach!
It's a great time for indulgent bedtime reading!
For self care I find Paul T Shattuck MSW PHD “Stay Human. Stay Strategic. Shape Tomorrow” very helpful too. https://open.substack.com/pub/paultshattuck/p/after-minneapolis-7-tools-for-staying?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
100% on not going on as if MAGA will go away on their own. 100% on legal action.