You live in the country, right? Gardening is excellent exercise and you have something to show for it. I hate exercise for exercise sake. I'm 69. I clean stables (and ride horses) and garden. I sell irises to supplement my income. I am a buff puppy for an old lady from doing these things. No boring reps at the gym. Also, take a yoga class or a tai chi class if you can find one. My suggestions.
I live in deer country. I'll tell you what they don't eat: irises. What's your AG hardiness zone. I will make some gardening suggestions. How big is your property?This is off topic for our list here, so email me at admin@chameleonlake.com and I'll be your gardening mentor. It is so rewarding, and walking up and down those slopes is good exercise :)
Raised beds. A lot easier on the back. Also, don't expect to save money gardening. Read The 64 Dollar Tomato. I do it because you can't buy a decent tomato in the store.
STATE TRIFECTAS – What did Democrats do with Power?
The American Prospect has published a review of what Democratic governors and legislatures did with their power in 17 states where they have a Trifecta. I am sure there is plenty room for disagreement on the specifics of this evaluation, but this is fascinating stuff!
Seems to me that the best campaign argument for downballot Democrats should be what we do with power when we have it. Are we doing enough good stuff? And, if so, the next obvious questions are: How convincing is that argument in the various states? And are we communicating those achievements well to voters?
Being from MA, I had to see where my state was ranked -- and I saw that it was #11, I lost faith in the rankings because it belongs closer to the bottom. Which is where it hangs out on several counts, e.g., transparency, efficiency, and lack of an in-house research bureau (which leads to overdependence on lobbyists for "factual" info). We have had a trifecta since Maura Healey took office in January 2023, but one reason (IMO) that this blue state so often elects Republican governors is that the Democratic legislature, especially the House, is so awful. Charlie Baker (R) was a popular two-term governor. There was some speculation that he didn't try for a third term because the MA GOP has gone full MAGA and he might not have got through the primary. It's also very possible that he'd just had enough.
However, our state auditor, Diana DiZoglio (D), is a pistol. She was elected on a platform that included holding the legislature accountable. She's working on it, but of course they're fighting her every step of the way.
(NB: Just corrected my state's ranking. I had #12, but it was actually #11.)
Interesting! Personally I was less concerned with the rankings and far more interested in the Prospect’s state-by-state analysis. I may not agree with all of it, but it is informative.
I would have been more interested in their analysis if their section on my state had addressed the obvious (to anyone paying attention) problems with the MA legislature instead of focusing so much on the governor. I don't know near enough about other states to assess what was said about them, but the shortcomings in the MA section did not inspire confidence. It emphasized particular progressive issues rather than how the legislature actually functions (or doesn't).
Charlie Baker was indeed a popular and good governor. I would have voted for him again had he run. I do have two good reps in the Democratic legislature--Michelle Ciccolo in the House, and Cindy Friedman in the Senate.
We've got good reps down here on the Cape & Islands too: Julian Cyr in the Senate, and Thomas Moakley, who just replaced Dylan Fernandes in the House. (Dylan got elected to the Senate from a district that runs from Falmouth north to the Bourne Bridge and a little beyond but doesn't include the islands.)
That reminds me of perhaps the best Republican presidential candidate to emerge from Massachusetts, at least in modern times. I am, of course, thinking of former Governor Bill Weld.
Naturally, with Trump sucking up all the oxygen in the room, Weld never had a chance to become the nominee.
My mother had multiple sclerosis, and used an electric scooter when my parents went out. One time my parents were going to the theater, and my father was getting my mother onto the scooter. Some guy wanted to help, but my father waved him away (my father had gotten very good at dealing with this stuff). After My mother was onboarded, my father looked back at the guy. It was (then) Governor Weld.
Thanks for that. Great piece. Highlights all the Murphy has done in NJ while fighting the high costs here; generally r governorships have been disastrous here. And they have ruled more often than Dems.
Yes, Murphy has been very strong on a number of fronts including gun safety & jobs. Unfortunately cost of living, housing & public transit remain major issues.
Contacted both of my state legislators in NY to urge them to vote against state legislation to require proof of citizenship to register to vote. I’m in a very blue district so the no vote is assured, but encouraged both candidates to speak aggressively about the undemocratic intent of these bills. A change of pace from feeling sad about Chuck Schumer!
The latest outrage that has risen to the top - the forced resignation of the top vaccine scientist at FDA. We are descending into a Dark Ages, murdering science, logic, reason, and evidence-based medicine as epidemic and pandemic disease make their encores. https://wapo.st/4hQn8fm
"Hopium is hope with a plan." All across the country, pro-democracy activists are translating our energetic fight against Trump and autocracy into Democratic wins. These victories might seem humble, but they are vital, and they signify a broader awakening. So far this year, there have been 14 special elections. And the result? An average Democratic over-performance of a stellar 10.3 percent!
The DownBallot has a handy spreadsheet with the data:
OUR BIG WINS in Deep Red races in Iowa and Pennsylvania have shaken Republicans to their core. Those and shockingly-bad polls for MAGA in upcoming elections forced a terrified Trump to withdraw Elise Stefanik’s nomination for UN Ambassador.
This comes just after I heard Josh Weil remark in an interview that (paraphrasing): "We forging ahead despite getting no support from the national party."
"Success has a thousand parents; failure is an orphan." John F. Kennedy
I am a fanboy of the Harvard historian, Jill Lepore. She is simply brilliant. Also, I am not a fan of Elon.
So, here is Professor Lepore’s refreshed take (updated from 2021) on the biography of Elon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-man-the-elon-musk-origin-story/id1591294233. Because of my own history with South Africa, I would humbly suggest that you don’t miss the second episode (I call it the “apartheid” episode) in the series. This series is a true thought provoker, and the Professor coins the term, “Muskism.” Funny, we still don’t know what Errol did to Leon that their family refuses to talk about.
For a more irreverent take on the “Tech Lords,” here is another podcast, “Dystopia Now” (adult language content): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dystopia-now/id1794217765. It brings some humor to our possible very dark future. Yet, THIS FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS.
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S. : So, the DEMOCRATS NOW NEED TO GO ON RIGHT WING MEDIA AND MAKE THEM DEFEND THIS OBVIOUS ENDANGERMENT OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN!! There is no safe harbor for propagandists!! MAKE COMMERCIALS ON EVERY MEDIUM POSSIBLE. FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF SECRECY, TELL THE STORY OF THE ENIGMA MACHINE AND CHURCHILL AT COVENTRY: https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/myths/coventry-what-really-happened/ . History is important.
My self report for yesterday and today: 1. Called my house rep and spoke to the aide who answered the phone. Thanked them for the town halls and newsletters. Expressed my concern about Signalgate and asked they keep up the pressure. 2. Called Sen Schiff and got vm. Thanked him for his great videos he’s been posting on substack and Bluesky. Asked him to keep up the pressure about Signalgate. 3. Left the same kind of message with Sen Padilla’s SF office. 4. Sent resistbot email about mass deportations (plemyx) to all 3 reps. 5. Sent second resistbot email about IRS and ICE sharing data (prxher) to all 3 reps. 6. Sent emails to WilmerHale, and Keker Van Nest & Peters law firms thanking them for standing up to Trump.
I called all my reps and said three things. 1. FIRE Hesgeth and Gabbard. 2. Get louder, rigorous and regular with condemnation/prosecution of Trump and use Simon's NO letter, 3. Go to Hopium chronicles and get ideas and support from us! I then sent by email a letter (which I edited a bit) with Simon's NOs. This week will repeat. I'm thinking of sending same by snail mail. Taking a break this weekend as have read and studied every last thing that's happening and need to rest and renew. Thanks everyone!!!
Hey everyone. Gay Valimont and Josh Weiss seem like they might have a chance. Let's send them some love in the form of money or phone banking or whatever. Wouldn't it just be the best thing ever if they won!!!???? HOPIUM!
Self-reporting attendance at Congresswoman Victoria Spartz’s town hall last night in Westfield, IN. 500 people were allowed into the hall - I was #483. Easily, twice as many people were left outside to either join the demonstration or go home.
Spartz was NOT among friends. Frequent boos, etc, disrupted her and one thing was very clear: she is a Trump supporter through and through. She took the hard questions, which is notable because questions had to be submitted and vetted in advance, and then she did a formidable job of evading a clear and direct answer to every question.
I am proud of the progressive community in Indiana for showing up and frankly, kudos to Spartz for walking into the lion’s den, toughing it out for the full 2 hours, and maintaining a respectable amount of decorum. Perhaps our male members of the senate will take notice, Young and Banks.
Thanks for posting your report. I remember Spartz introducing herself in her first campaign for Congress: posed with a gun and called herself “Trump on the ground.” We need a strong Dem to run for that seat.
Did you know that Carmel and Fishers went blue last November? I work the polls for the Dems during early voting - at the Carmel Library - and was excited to see such turnout with lots of 1st time young voters and tons of women and girls. I allowed myself to think it might be a trend for Hamilton County. Alas. Maybe next time.
For all of the terrific anti-trump outrage on our side, Politico (and others) have said the Democrats are still in the wilderness and mocked Ken Martin for saying our message is just fine. Please comment on this critique and discuss how Dems are making progress in crafting a party message we can all use
Side note: I used to comment on Politico’s articles – until Politico shut down the comments section. At the same time, they changed all the email addresses to their editors and journalists, so irate readers would pepper them with their loud objections. While there might occasionally be good articles, I rarely browse Politico anymore.
Arctic - I know you don't love Politico but here is their report of the Spartz TH last night. Unfortunately, the Politico reporter didn't come across a Republican in the dozen folks interviewed, reinforcing Spartz's notion that it's Dems only who are unhappy - which is why she expects no blowback that would matter to her re-election prospects. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2025/03/29/signalgate-comes-to-a-gop-town-hall-00259293
We have enough to focus on but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are part of a global pro-democracy/anti-Oligarch movement that is simmering all over the place. I would love to see more international collaboration and cross-pollination. It really is hundreds of millions of people against a handful of the extremely powerful and their propaganda machines. It is empowering to understand this.
Today, I finished emailing the 13 GOP members of the House Intelligence Committee, using fake in-state addresses. I had previously emailed all 11 members of the Senate Intelligence Commitee. I will next email all GOP members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. This is my email:
"I hope you are as outraged by the Trump administration's stunning, outrageous, dangerous, incompetent, illegal breach of national security laws, safeguards and procedures as you would undoubtedly be if a Democratic administration had done this. These unqualified, incompetent, law-breaking officials should never have been nominated or confirmed, and they should be impeached if they don’t resign."
Where was the protest? That abduction has really pissed me off. Both of my parents taught at Tufts, and they'd be appalled, but they are both long gone.
The protest was in Powder House Square in Somerville MA. People were streaming in from all directions, the park was packed. When it was announced she’d been flown to Louisiana the crowd let out a huge shout/moan
And it made me really angry that they flew her well over a thousand miles away, despite the constitutional protection she should have received. I sure hope they bring her back to Tufts soon, and leave her alone!
And it stinks that there are so many fascists in our government.
It’s simple. Trump was hired by putin a decade ago to destroy the United States. Why? Many reasons that all comes down to money. Musk is around to buy up the pieces real cheap, in other words privatize the institutions he has so gleefully destroyed fir trimp and putin.
Please join the nationwide HANDS OFF!! demonstrations being coordinated by INDIVISIBLE in concert with local activist groups on Saturday 4/5/24. We need 3.5% of the population of "we the people" to show up and stand shoulder-to-shoulder united against the Regime under Trump presently overtaking our democracy and ripping up our Constitution.
Please find the protest closest to where you reside. Trump has declared 4/2 as what he calls a Liberation Day under his leadership.
Now is the perfect time for us to respond on 4/5 in overwhelming numbers and in protest to his plans for our country, our Constitution, our children, and our democracy.
3.5% of the population is the goal because historically it takes that percentage of the total population experiencing a coup to overthrow an autocratic regime. This is our chance. This time belongs to us, and it is urgent.
So, if we show up each and every one of us it will be like “the shot heard round the world”, and one that our enemies and allies will note as historic and powerful.
Showing up is our gift to our children who come after us and a tribute to our parents and grandparents who came before us. It was by their sacrifice that 80+ years have passed during which time our Constitution and democracy have stood strong.
Today all that has been challenged, and we should not be surprised but instead accept that the mantle has been passed on to those alive today to reverse the current trajectory toward autocracy and protect the futures of our children who deserve no less than our leaning in and doing all that we can.
We need each other to put aside all differences and unite to restore our rights under the Constitution and rescue our democracy. It is our collective responsibility, and we cannot flinch.
The judicial system is playing goalie brilliantly deflecting attempts to score points and power to the Regime, but we are the team, and it is time to come right now for each and every one of us to come onto the field and show the world what we can do as Americans not divided but united.
_________________________
Sign up here for more information and to register:
Of course you can participate without signing up. There is no checking people at the door. We need the bodies, yes? The registration is for planning purposes I would imagine and is also used to remind people of the date as it gets close. So glad you will be at your closest Hands Off! Nothing formal. Speak to anyone around you and offer your smile. Protests are also a time of joy for the assembling of people always brings joy. Good night!
You live in the country, right? Gardening is excellent exercise and you have something to show for it. I hate exercise for exercise sake. I'm 69. I clean stables (and ride horses) and garden. I sell irises to supplement my income. I am a buff puppy for an old lady from doing these things. No boring reps at the gym. Also, take a yoga class or a tai chi class if you can find one. My suggestions.
I live in deer country. I'll tell you what they don't eat: irises. What's your AG hardiness zone. I will make some gardening suggestions. How big is your property?This is off topic for our list here, so email me at admin@chameleonlake.com and I'll be your gardening mentor. It is so rewarding, and walking up and down those slopes is good exercise :)
Raised beds. A lot easier on the back. Also, don't expect to save money gardening. Read The 64 Dollar Tomato. I do it because you can't buy a decent tomato in the store.
The issue here isn't saving money. It's getting exercise that isn't boring as shit. But she needs to grow things deer don't eat.
STATE TRIFECTAS – What did Democrats do with Power?
The American Prospect has published a review of what Democratic governors and legislatures did with their power in 17 states where they have a Trifecta. I am sure there is plenty room for disagreement on the specifics of this evaluation, but this is fascinating stuff!
https://prospect.org/politics/2025-03-24-blue-state-power-index/
Seems to me that the best campaign argument for downballot Democrats should be what we do with power when we have it. Are we doing enough good stuff? And, if so, the next obvious questions are: How convincing is that argument in the various states? And are we communicating those achievements well to voters?
Being from MA, I had to see where my state was ranked -- and I saw that it was #11, I lost faith in the rankings because it belongs closer to the bottom. Which is where it hangs out on several counts, e.g., transparency, efficiency, and lack of an in-house research bureau (which leads to overdependence on lobbyists for "factual" info). We have had a trifecta since Maura Healey took office in January 2023, but one reason (IMO) that this blue state so often elects Republican governors is that the Democratic legislature, especially the House, is so awful. Charlie Baker (R) was a popular two-term governor. There was some speculation that he didn't try for a third term because the MA GOP has gone full MAGA and he might not have got through the primary. It's also very possible that he'd just had enough.
However, our state auditor, Diana DiZoglio (D), is a pistol. She was elected on a platform that included holding the legislature accountable. She's working on it, but of course they're fighting her every step of the way.
(NB: Just corrected my state's ranking. I had #12, but it was actually #11.)
Interesting! Personally I was less concerned with the rankings and far more interested in the Prospect’s state-by-state analysis. I may not agree with all of it, but it is informative.
I would have been more interested in their analysis if their section on my state had addressed the obvious (to anyone paying attention) problems with the MA legislature instead of focusing so much on the governor. I don't know near enough about other states to assess what was said about them, but the shortcomings in the MA section did not inspire confidence. It emphasized particular progressive issues rather than how the legislature actually functions (or doesn't).
Charlie Baker was indeed a popular and good governor. I would have voted for him again had he run. I do have two good reps in the Democratic legislature--Michelle Ciccolo in the House, and Cindy Friedman in the Senate.
We've got good reps down here on the Cape & Islands too: Julian Cyr in the Senate, and Thomas Moakley, who just replaced Dylan Fernandes in the House. (Dylan got elected to the Senate from a district that runs from Falmouth north to the Bourne Bridge and a little beyond but doesn't include the islands.)
That reminds me of perhaps the best Republican presidential candidate to emerge from Massachusetts, at least in modern times. I am, of course, thinking of former Governor Bill Weld.
Naturally, with Trump sucking up all the oxygen in the room, Weld never had a chance to become the nominee.
Alas.
My mother had multiple sclerosis, and used an electric scooter when my parents went out. One time my parents were going to the theater, and my father was getting my mother onto the scooter. Some guy wanted to help, but my father waved him away (my father had gotten very good at dealing with this stuff). After My mother was onboarded, my father looked back at the guy. It was (then) Governor Weld.
Thanks for that. Great piece. Highlights all the Murphy has done in NJ while fighting the high costs here; generally r governorships have been disastrous here. And they have ruled more often than Dems.
Yes, Murphy has been very strong on a number of fronts including gun safety & jobs. Unfortunately cost of living, housing & public transit remain major issues.
Contacted both of my state legislators in NY to urge them to vote against state legislation to require proof of citizenship to register to vote. I’m in a very blue district so the no vote is assured, but encouraged both candidates to speak aggressively about the undemocratic intent of these bills. A change of pace from feeling sad about Chuck Schumer!
The latest outrage that has risen to the top - the forced resignation of the top vaccine scientist at FDA. We are descending into a Dark Ages, murdering science, logic, reason, and evidence-based medicine as epidemic and pandemic disease make their encores. https://wapo.st/4hQn8fm
It is increasingly clear that RFK Jr is in charge of the Disease Efficiency Advancement Department (DEAD).
Great acronym We should all be Grateful……
Actually, measles, Covid, flu, and many other diseases are Grateful for this idiocy.
That reminds me of a really bleak joke:
Q. How is your cancer coming?
A. My cancer is doing great – but I am in terrible shape.
Don't forget about polio, when vaccines in schools become forbidden.
Maybe we should also include the DEAD Kennedys on our playlist……
Thanks for the laugh! RFK senior would be horrified!
DEMOCRATIC OVER-PERFORMANCE in 2025
"Hopium is hope with a plan." All across the country, pro-democracy activists are translating our energetic fight against Trump and autocracy into Democratic wins. These victories might seem humble, but they are vital, and they signify a broader awakening. So far this year, there have been 14 special elections. And the result? An average Democratic over-performance of a stellar 10.3 percent!
The DownBallot has a handy spreadsheet with the data:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JGk1r1VXnxBrAIVHz1C5HTB5jxCO6Zw4QNPivdhyWHw/edit?gid=415249345#gid=415249345
OUR BIG WINS in Deep Red races in Iowa and Pennsylvania have shaken Republicans to their core. Those and shockingly-bad polls for MAGA in upcoming elections forced a terrified Trump to withdraw Elise Stefanik’s nomination for UN Ambassador.
"Our big wins."
This comes just after I heard Josh Weil remark in an interview that (paraphrasing): "We forging ahead despite getting no support from the national party."
"Success has a thousand parents; failure is an orphan." John F. Kennedy
Very true, sir.
The NETWORK STATE - For the best synopsis of the objectives of the “Tech Lords”, please listen to this 45-minute podcast and share widely (these folks are going to leave a huge blast radius - if we let them): https://www.thenerdreich.com/the-nerd-reich-podcast-episode-1-the-network-state-2/.
Project 2025 Trackers:
https://www.project2025.observer .
https://substack.com/@project2025progress .
https://substack.com/@ahmedbaba/p-158109308 .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPElaGebGPc (timestamps 13:10 and 55:07).
Simon et al.:
I am a fanboy of the Harvard historian, Jill Lepore. She is simply brilliant. Also, I am not a fan of Elon.
So, here is Professor Lepore’s refreshed take (updated from 2021) on the biography of Elon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-man-the-elon-musk-origin-story/id1591294233. Because of my own history with South Africa, I would humbly suggest that you don’t miss the second episode (I call it the “apartheid” episode) in the series. This series is a true thought provoker, and the Professor coins the term, “Muskism.” Funny, we still don’t know what Errol did to Leon that their family refuses to talk about.
For a more irreverent take on the “Tech Lords,” here is another podcast, “Dystopia Now” (adult language content): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dystopia-now/id1794217765. It brings some humor to our possible very dark future. Yet, THIS FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS.
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.S. : So, the DEMOCRATS NOW NEED TO GO ON RIGHT WING MEDIA AND MAKE THEM DEFEND THIS OBVIOUS ENDANGERMENT OF OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN!! There is no safe harbor for propagandists!! MAKE COMMERCIALS ON EVERY MEDIUM POSSIBLE. FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF SECRECY, TELL THE STORY OF THE ENIGMA MACHINE AND CHURCHILL AT COVENTRY: https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/myths/coventry-what-really-happened/ . History is important.
Thank you; great resources but the links to the podcasts didn't open.
Strange. They worked for me.
Madame Feldman:
These links seem to work:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dystopia-now/id1794217765 (Dystopia Now).
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/x-man-the-elon-musk-origin-story/id1591294233 (X Man: The Elon Musk Origin Story).
Let me know. Be well.
My self report for yesterday and today: 1. Called my house rep and spoke to the aide who answered the phone. Thanked them for the town halls and newsletters. Expressed my concern about Signalgate and asked they keep up the pressure. 2. Called Sen Schiff and got vm. Thanked him for his great videos he’s been posting on substack and Bluesky. Asked him to keep up the pressure about Signalgate. 3. Left the same kind of message with Sen Padilla’s SF office. 4. Sent resistbot email about mass deportations (plemyx) to all 3 reps. 5. Sent second resistbot email about IRS and ICE sharing data (prxher) to all 3 reps. 6. Sent emails to WilmerHale, and Keker Van Nest & Peters law firms thanking them for standing up to Trump.
Today I’m going to a TT protest.
I forgot just how busy I’ve been. I also called:
Sen Wicker (R-MS, Armed Services chair) and left vm thanking him for calling for expedited Defense Department Inspector General probe into Signalgate.
Sen Cotton (R-AR, Intelligence chair) and left vm asking him to follow Wicker’s lead and do the same
Sen Risch (R-ID, Foreign Relations chair) and left same vm.
I didn't know that Sen Wicker had called for such a probe. Thanks for letting us know, and thanks for calling him and the other two!
I called all my reps and said three things. 1. FIRE Hesgeth and Gabbard. 2. Get louder, rigorous and regular with condemnation/prosecution of Trump and use Simon's NO letter, 3. Go to Hopium chronicles and get ideas and support from us! I then sent by email a letter (which I edited a bit) with Simon's NOs. This week will repeat. I'm thinking of sending same by snail mail. Taking a break this weekend as have read and studied every last thing that's happening and need to rest and renew. Thanks everyone!!!
Hey everyone. Gay Valimont and Josh Weiss seem like they might have a chance. Let's send them some love in the form of money or phone banking or whatever. Wouldn't it just be the best thing ever if they won!!!???? HOPIUM!
I'm pretty certain I sent them money, but I'm losing track of whom I've sent money--there are a bunch ofthem.
Self-reporting attendance at Congresswoman Victoria Spartz’s town hall last night in Westfield, IN. 500 people were allowed into the hall - I was #483. Easily, twice as many people were left outside to either join the demonstration or go home.
Spartz was NOT among friends. Frequent boos, etc, disrupted her and one thing was very clear: she is a Trump supporter through and through. She took the hard questions, which is notable because questions had to be submitted and vetted in advance, and then she did a formidable job of evading a clear and direct answer to every question.
I am proud of the progressive community in Indiana for showing up and frankly, kudos to Spartz for walking into the lion’s den, toughing it out for the full 2 hours, and maintaining a respectable amount of decorum. Perhaps our male members of the senate will take notice, Young and Banks.
Right on!
This actually made news and Heather Cox Richardson wrote about it.
Yes! I want to say it was exciting to get the coverage, but the divide is just too frightening.
Well done!
Thanks for posting your report. I remember Spartz introducing herself in her first campaign for Congress: posed with a gun and called herself “Trump on the ground.” We need a strong Dem to run for that seat.
I see she hasn’t changed her stance. Yes, it is time for District 5 to turn blue.
Did you know that Carmel and Fishers went blue last November? I work the polls for the Dems during early voting - at the Carmel Library - and was excited to see such turnout with lots of 1st time young voters and tons of women and girls. I allowed myself to think it might be a trend for Hamilton County. Alas. Maybe next time.
My mother was from Evansville and her family revered FDR.
I did hear that. Consider me one of the contributors to this turn of events! And good for you for working the polls.
For all of the terrific anti-trump outrage on our side, Politico (and others) have said the Democrats are still in the wilderness and mocked Ken Martin for saying our message is just fine. Please comment on this critique and discuss how Dems are making progress in crafting a party message we can all use
Side note: I used to comment on Politico’s articles – until Politico shut down the comments section. At the same time, they changed all the email addresses to their editors and journalists, so irate readers would pepper them with their loud objections. While there might occasionally be good articles, I rarely browse Politico anymore.
Arctic - I know you don't love Politico but here is their report of the Spartz TH last night. Unfortunately, the Politico reporter didn't come across a Republican in the dozen folks interviewed, reinforcing Spartz's notion that it's Dems only who are unhappy - which is why she expects no blowback that would matter to her re-election prospects. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2025/03/29/signalgate-comes-to-a-gop-town-hall-00259293
Thanks! "left-leaning crowd"?? That’s not what I heard from other sources.
We have enough to focus on but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are part of a global pro-democracy/anti-Oligarch movement that is simmering all over the place. I would love to see more international collaboration and cross-pollination. It really is hundreds of millions of people against a handful of the extremely powerful and their propaganda machines. It is empowering to understand this.
You might enjoy this article, which puts the protests in the U.S. in a global historical context:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/28/protest-research-trump-musk
Today, I finished emailing the 13 GOP members of the House Intelligence Committee, using fake in-state addresses. I had previously emailed all 11 members of the Senate Intelligence Commitee. I will next email all GOP members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. This is my email:
"I hope you are as outraged by the Trump administration's stunning, outrageous, dangerous, incompetent, illegal breach of national security laws, safeguards and procedures as you would undoubtedly be if a Democratic administration had done this. These unqualified, incompetent, law-breaking officials should never have been nominated or confirmed, and they should be impeached if they don’t resign."
Self reporting: attended protest of abducted Tufts PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk
Where was the protest? That abduction has really pissed me off. Both of my parents taught at Tufts, and they'd be appalled, but they are both long gone.
The protest was in Powder House Square in Somerville MA. People were streaming in from all directions, the park was packed. When it was announced she’d been flown to Louisiana the crowd let out a huge shout/moan
I think you mean Powder House Square.
And it made me really angry that they flew her well over a thousand miles away, despite the constitutional protection she should have received. I sure hope they bring her back to Tufts soon, and leave her alone!
And it stinks that there are so many fascists in our government.
This outrages me. Thank you!
thank you!
It’s simple. Trump was hired by putin a decade ago to destroy the United States. Why? Many reasons that all comes down to money. Musk is around to buy up the pieces real cheap, in other words privatize the institutions he has so gleefully destroyed fir trimp and putin.
there is no other reason for the destruction of the US.
That's what I think
URGENT: On Saturday, April 5th is Hands Off National Day of Action. Sign up here for more information and to register:
https://handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=peoplepowerunited
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Please join the nationwide HANDS OFF!! demonstrations being coordinated by INDIVISIBLE in concert with local activist groups on Saturday 4/5/24. We need 3.5% of the population of "we the people" to show up and stand shoulder-to-shoulder united against the Regime under Trump presently overtaking our democracy and ripping up our Constitution.
Please find the protest closest to where you reside. Trump has declared 4/2 as what he calls a Liberation Day under his leadership.
Now is the perfect time for us to respond on 4/5 in overwhelming numbers and in protest to his plans for our country, our Constitution, our children, and our democracy.
3.5% of the population is the goal because historically it takes that percentage of the total population experiencing a coup to overthrow an autocratic regime. This is our chance. This time belongs to us, and it is urgent.
So, if we show up each and every one of us it will be like “the shot heard round the world”, and one that our enemies and allies will note as historic and powerful.
Showing up is our gift to our children who come after us and a tribute to our parents and grandparents who came before us. It was by their sacrifice that 80+ years have passed during which time our Constitution and democracy have stood strong.
Today all that has been challenged, and we should not be surprised but instead accept that the mantle has been passed on to those alive today to reverse the current trajectory toward autocracy and protect the futures of our children who deserve no less than our leaning in and doing all that we can.
We need each other to put aside all differences and unite to restore our rights under the Constitution and rescue our democracy. It is our collective responsibility, and we cannot flinch.
The judicial system is playing goalie brilliantly deflecting attempts to score points and power to the Regime, but we are the team, and it is time to come right now for each and every one of us to come onto the field and show the world what we can do as Americans not divided but united.
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Sign up here for more information and to register:
https://handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=peoplepowerunited
Can we participate without signing up? Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’m hesitating on providing my name for this.
Of course you can participate without signing up. There is no checking people at the door. We need the bodies, yes? The registration is for planning purposes I would imagine and is also used to remind people of the date as it gets close. So glad you will be at your closest Hands Off! Nothing formal. Speak to anyone around you and offer your smile. Protests are also a time of joy for the assembling of people always brings joy. Good night!