I am waiting for Kushner and Witkoff to propose, in collaboration with Disney, Concentration Camp theme parks at the sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Bergen-Belsen, and Dachau. They already have high tourism rates, with chain fast-food restaurants and souvenirs.
Why not go full throttle, fellas, and make them REALLY $ing!
Trump no longer surprises or astonishes me. I reached this conclusion a few months ago. Now more are writing about it.
"What remains so hard to believe this morning is that Trump and his team have somehow convinced themselves, and are working to convince us, that a world without the American-led, rules-based global order is somehow better for us. That carving up the world - Venezuela/the Americas, Greenland, and Gaza for us; Ukraine/Eastern Europe/All of Europe? for Putin; the Middle East for the Gulf Arab states and Israel; much of the rest of the world, including Taiwan, for China - will somehow be better for the United States rather than just an extraordinary and world altering own goal, one benefiting our adversaries and dramatically weakening us."
They know that a core of their base will following them to the depths of Hell. If we all vote, including the youth, we win. I am nervous bc I know Latinos and others who, for whatever reason, now say they are republicans and like Trump's "strength" and think the Democrats are wimps. It's really sad. I hope they come to their senses and stop voting against their own interests. I barely talk to family that are Trumpers. I just can't. It's a moral issue for me not politics.
Have a knot in my stomach from reading about the development plans of these despicable people. I hope all of their deals go up in flames. Insatiable greed is the perfect description.
The acts that have cancelled the Kennedy Center appearances should team up and do a live stream concert along the lines of Live Aid, with proceeds donated to Ukraine.
Love this idea! Wouldn’t it be great if Steve Van Zandt got involved? He was instrumental in anti-apartheid activism and spearheaded the “SunCity” project in S Africa. It was one of the first benefit/activist concerts.
I think some of the proceeds should go to the artists themselves. They took a big financial hit for this -- something none of our ultra rich folks seem interested in doing.
I agree, John! It crossed my mind that I should send a donation to the artists willing to stand up for what is right. Masterclass in integrity right there.
Hopefully, someone will set up a secure way to donate that ensures that the money goes to the artists - I would definitely donate to that!! Or maybe a link to buy some of their merch or recordings.
If any of the artist get sued, I sincerely hope that one of America’s premier law firms will defend them pro bone. That is, one of the law firms that haven’t already given away their integrity and soul to appease Mad King Donald.
America will commit our taxpayer dollars for 20% of rebuilding Gaza into a middle eastern NYC for 20 years? America doesnt invest in real estate development projects. The people of Gaza will not be able to afford to live there. they may be waitresses, uber drivers, hotel cleaners, maids but that's it. It's a monumental taking of a homeland. This govt doesnt even invest in health care for americans, and now we will be finance partners with Kushner, Witkoff et al for the benefit of whom? absolutely absurd. cant believe they have the gall to distribute this widely for discussion. this was the purpose of the netanyahu visit pretty sure. to confirm his personal share. it's a grifters world now!
One small problem with this scheme is that Hamas won't disarm. Will Trump send in the US military to destroy Hamas? That way, the scheme can go forward. Not many parents would be pleased to see their child killed in order to make Trump et al. richer. Also, there are many, many tons of unexploded ordnance, and some will remain despite removal efforts. Would construction workers want to work there, or tourists to Gaza want to go for a stroll or a swim, knowing that they might trigger one of these devices? Other than that, Sunrise really shines.
Really shines??? I hope that is sarcasm. I have long wondered what the Gazans who have gone through so much will do now when Hamas attempts to get going again. Will they rise up against them, as they should have done before? Their suffering has been uncalculatable and will never stop if things don't change.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, of course that was sarcasm. Maybe I should have made that clearer. Gazans won't be able to rise up against Hamas because Hamas has the guns and is ruthless about killing anyone who challenges them, even in demonstrations. Phase 2 of the "peace plan" calls for Hamas to disarm, among other things. Yet Hamas won't do that. The only way that Hamas will be disarmed is if Israel (or the USA???) destroys them. And while Israel may attack again, its chance of actually destroying Hamas seems remote. Unfortunately for Gazans, there will not be any substantial reconstruction as long as Hamas is de facto in power.
When this is over, whether or not we can or will go after Trump for breaking the law, we need to get the Kushners, Witkoffs, and Trumps not protected by immunity. As a start. Maybe we put some pressure on countries that have made deals and start enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to close this shit down.
The Gaza Riviera fantasy is just that, a fantasy, but revealing and dangerous nonetheless. They are stupid along with endlessly greedy. It's like a black hole for wealth. There's no morals anywhere to be seen.
We can go after the Kushners right f-ing now. Papa still lives in NJ, a few minutes from me. And they "own" the local mall, which is presently being converted into homes. So far: they removed Kushner name from the outside of the building; parking lot is pretty much destroyed; not much work being done that I can see.
Oh, and they are also building total crap condos down the road from pops to "revive" a neighborhood that is predominantly Latino. In other words, pretty much like everything else they touch, a total sh*tshow. If I were Gov.-Elect Sherrill, I would farm out someone from AG's office and leave no stone unturned.
Wow. Every one of those articles you linked to was riveting. Holy cow. You have given me much fodder for today's calls! I will work on condensing all of this before I dial.
I went for a windy walk by a local lake and saw a bald eagle. I am taking it as a good omen.
Putin bombs residences in Ukraine almost every day. So if Ukraine does manage to bomb Putin's residence, well, turn about is fair play. Besides, Putin's been appearing in a military uniform so I guess he's a military target. Russia's economy is in worse shape, I think, than is generally known. Russia is losing in Ukraine, which is why Putin's so desperate for Trump to find a way to just hand Ukraine to him. I hope they both fail.
I am grateful to the artists cancelling at the Kennedy Center. Let him get Kid Rock to play.
(I used to be a symphony cellist. As a kid, I wept with joy when Casals played for JFK, his first public performance after he had “retired” to protest Franco’s regime in his native Spain. As an older kid I was at Carnegie Hall when Rostropovich, visiting with the Moscow State Symphony, switched his billing from the Hayden Concerto to play the Dvorak Concerto in support of the Czech people who had just been invaded by Russia. I cheered again when he defected to the USA. Today, although I haven’t played professionally in decades, I cheer Rhiannon Giddens and all the many other deeply aware artists who refuse to disentangle their public image from their principles, their morals, and their ethics and so refuse to accept billing at the Trump Center for Sold Out Performers. We are not entertainment machines and our work reflects our beliefs.)
Moving into the present…. I love reading Simon’s wrap-ups and I keep believing that change must come from opening up the hearts and imaginations of the people here at the “low information” grassroots. To that end, I am “doing the training” to stump for my local progressive candidate for county district supervisor. If I can get even one voter to think a little bit bigger than on immediate fixes to local pot holes, we’ll maybe be a little closer to deposing, finally, our MAGAt US Congressperson in November. I keep remembering Rocky Kanaka in “Sitting With Dogs” giving the advice that we move terrified shut-down shelter dogs past their debilitating fears by getting them to smell and taste something better…
Seeing my low information brother and sister-in-law over Christmas brings home to me two things: 1) It really is astonishing how much support Trump has lost in such a short time period, given that it is so easy to ignore news that upsets or displeases us; and 2) Inflation punctures the MAGA news bubble because it is impossible to ignore. My sister-in-law was re-reading Hillbilly Elegy, so my assumption is that they are moving on from Trump and are trying to convince themselves that Vance will be the savior of their dear GOP.
Called it re: MTG just gets it when it comes to sexual abuse of girls.
I don’t think gets it as to much of anything else.
But it makes sense that “my friends will get hurt,” and, “the stupid victims have done nothing to merit the honor of my pussy-grabbing royal presence” would be the last straw for her. Or for Mace or Boebert for that matter.
Read Peter Rabbit to my 3-year-old granddaughter. This sentence struck me as applicable to the current political mess.
“Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.”
Sparrows, excitement and exertion.... need to keep going.
subjects to talk about in 2026 : 1. Expand the Supreme Court to represent the 11 Federal jurisdictions. 2. Make NAnd S Dakota into one state. Two of our worst cabinet members were governors of NAnd S Dakota and are doing the most damage to our country. 3. Give the Representative of DC the same voting privileges as the rest of the House. 4. Look into private equity firms owning hospitals and medical practices. Regulate and provide financial compensation to hospitals. This last one would be a good item for dems to run on. 5. Restore our commitment to the Constitution. 6. Go after Musk and his gov+. Who is running gov+? 7. Restore FEMA to be able to handle a crisis. 8. Save our national parks from being plundered.
Great list. I want to see the Democratic party really organize around national priorities such as these. I am determined I will not give them a single cent until I see a candidate for whom the campaign is more than just "not Trump". I'm sorry, that is not enough!!! Until then, I am simply deleting every demand for money, even from the likes of Schumer. Instead my money is going to PBS, Xerces, iNaturalist, the latter two because the crisis in the ranks of the non-human components of earth's denizens is extreme. I should add climate change to that. Climate change must be added to that list, too. All our hand wringing is absolutely useless if we do not have a planet we can live on!!! And who pray tell wants to live on a planet without fellow creatures like trees, birds, butterflies and bees??? Getting rid of the current Administration would be a step in the right direction from both points of view-- of ultimate survival (a habitable earth) as well as proximate survival of our democracy and the world order.
I'm donating to grassroots organizations working towards voting rights, registering voters, GOTV (especially in rural communities), and recruiting Progressive candidates. And since I live in NC and am an Anderson Clayton fan girl, I do donate to the NC Democratic party.
I am waiting for Kushner and Witkoff to propose, in collaboration with Disney, Concentration Camp theme parks at the sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Bergen-Belsen, and Dachau. They already have high tourism rates, with chain fast-food restaurants and souvenirs.
Why not go full throttle, fellas, and make them REALLY $ing!
They are practically doing this stuff already with their sick ICE and bombing videos.
Put simply- Things Are Not Great!
Trump no longer surprises or astonishes me. I reached this conclusion a few months ago. Now more are writing about it.
"What remains so hard to believe this morning is that Trump and his team have somehow convinced themselves, and are working to convince us, that a world without the American-led, rules-based global order is somehow better for us. That carving up the world - Venezuela/the Americas, Greenland, and Gaza for us; Ukraine/Eastern Europe/All of Europe? for Putin; the Middle East for the Gulf Arab states and Israel; much of the rest of the world, including Taiwan, for China - will somehow be better for the United States rather than just an extraordinary and world altering own goal, one benefiting our adversaries and dramatically weakening us."
They know that a core of their base will following them to the depths of Hell. If we all vote, including the youth, we win. I am nervous bc I know Latinos and others who, for whatever reason, now say they are republicans and like Trump's "strength" and think the Democrats are wimps. It's really sad. I hope they come to their senses and stop voting against their own interests. I barely talk to family that are Trumpers. I just can't. It's a moral issue for me not politics.
Have a knot in my stomach from reading about the development plans of these despicable people. I hope all of their deals go up in flames. Insatiable greed is the perfect description.
(📣 Copy, paste, screenshot—GO! 🕯️ Boost your comments so TRUTH can grow! 🌱)
🌟🇺🇸📚 “When Democracy Meant Community”
In a town full of neighbors
and bright window lights,
we remember our Main Streets
on warm Friday nights.
Small bakeries rising,
fresh veggies for sale,
the barbers and diners
with coffee and mail.
Back then, our own government
helped dreams take their place:
“Start up your shop,
you’re a gift to this place.”
But then came the tariffs,
the “fees in disguise,”
that hiked up the prices
on everyday buys.
Our farmers felt squeezed,
our store shelves looked bare,
and fast-food and truck stops
had fewer folks there.
He picked fights with allies
who’d long walked our way,
where cousins and aunties
still visit and stay.
Old friendships were broken
with bluster and shout,
turning trust into tension,
and shutting folks out.
Then visas got twisted
in paperwork knots,
with five years of socials
to search through our thoughts.
Tourists stopped coming,
exchanges grew thin,
and students and nurses
couldn’t get in.
From concerts and boardwalks
to fairs down the street,
jobs drifted away
like dust off our feet.
Yet one line of business
kept growing nonstop—
more ICE and more raids,
more patrols on the block.
More bounty-hunt badges,
more “papers, now, please,”
while families and workers
fell hard to their knees.
But we, older neighbors,
remember what’s true:
that “democracy” once meant
all of us, not a few.
So we talk with our grandkids,
with friends at the store,
about policies, people,
and justice—and more.
We lift up the voices
that tell what is real,
and show how these choices
hurt how towns feel.
With resharing and comments,
with facts we relate,
we stand for a country
that’s more than a gate.
For community spirit
is stronger than hate—
and we’ll fight for an America
that’s not a police state. ✨🇺🇸
#ResharingBrigade #GrandparentsForTruth #IndyMedia #ProDemocracy #SupportUkraine #SupportPalestine #SupportAfghanVets #PeoplePoweredPolicies
The acts that have cancelled the Kennedy Center appearances should team up and do a live stream concert along the lines of Live Aid, with proceeds donated to Ukraine.
Love this idea! Wouldn’t it be great if Steve Van Zandt got involved? He was instrumental in anti-apartheid activism and spearheaded the “SunCity” project in S Africa. It was one of the first benefit/activist concerts.
Those big concerts were really great, plus they made albums of the artists’ songs that were sold to also raise proceeds
(📣 Copy, paste, screenshot—GO! 🕯️ Boost your comments so TRUTH can grow! 🌱)
🌟🇺🇸📚 “When Democracy Meant Community”
In a town full of neighbors
and bright window lights,
we remember our Main Streets
on warm Friday nights.
Small bakeries rising,
fresh veggies for sale,
the barbers and diners
with coffee and mail.
Back then, our own government
helped dreams take their place:
“Start up your shop,
you’re a gift to this place.”
But then came the tariffs,
the “fees in disguise,”
that hiked up the prices
on everyday buys.
Our farmers felt squeezed,
our store shelves looked bare,
and fast-food and truck stops
had fewer folks there.
He picked fights with allies
who’d long walked our way,
where cousins and aunties
still visit and stay.
Old friendships were broken
with bluster and shout,
turning trust into tension,
and shutting folks out.
Then visas got twisted
in paperwork knots,
with five years of socials
to search through our thoughts.
Tourists stopped coming,
exchanges grew thin,
and students and nurses
couldn’t get in.
From concerts and boardwalks
to fairs down the street,
jobs drifted away
like dust off our feet.
Yet one line of business
kept growing nonstop—
more ICE and more raids,
more patrols on the block.
More bounty-hunt badges,
more “papers, now, please,”
while families and workers
fell hard to their knees.
But we, older neighbors,
remember what’s true:
that “democracy” once meant
all of us, not a few.
So we talk with our grandkids,
with friends at the store,
about policies, people,
and justice—and more.
We lift up the voices
that tell what is real,
and show how these choices
hurt how towns feel.
With resharing and comments,
with facts we relate,
we stand for a country
that’s more than a gate.
For community spirit
is stronger than hate—
and we’ll fight for an America
that’s not a police state. ✨🇺🇸
#ResharingBrigade #GrandparentsForTruth #IndyMedia #ProDemocracy #SupportUkraine #SupportPalestine #SupportAfghanVets #PeoplePoweredPolicies
I think some of the proceeds should go to the artists themselves. They took a big financial hit for this -- something none of our ultra rich folks seem interested in doing.
I agree, John! It crossed my mind that I should send a donation to the artists willing to stand up for what is right. Masterclass in integrity right there.
Hopefully, someone will set up a secure way to donate that ensures that the money goes to the artists - I would definitely donate to that!! Or maybe a link to buy some of their merch or recordings.
Fantastic idea!
If any of the artist get sued, I sincerely hope that one of America’s premier law firms will defend them pro bone. That is, one of the law firms that haven’t already given away their integrity and soul to appease Mad King Donald.
America will commit our taxpayer dollars for 20% of rebuilding Gaza into a middle eastern NYC for 20 years? America doesnt invest in real estate development projects. The people of Gaza will not be able to afford to live there. they may be waitresses, uber drivers, hotel cleaners, maids but that's it. It's a monumental taking of a homeland. This govt doesnt even invest in health care for americans, and now we will be finance partners with Kushner, Witkoff et al for the benefit of whom? absolutely absurd. cant believe they have the gall to distribute this widely for discussion. this was the purpose of the netanyahu visit pretty sure. to confirm his personal share. it's a grifters world now!
One small problem with this scheme is that Hamas won't disarm. Will Trump send in the US military to destroy Hamas? That way, the scheme can go forward. Not many parents would be pleased to see their child killed in order to make Trump et al. richer. Also, there are many, many tons of unexploded ordnance, and some will remain despite removal efforts. Would construction workers want to work there, or tourists to Gaza want to go for a stroll or a swim, knowing that they might trigger one of these devices? Other than that, Sunrise really shines.
Really shines??? I hope that is sarcasm. I have long wondered what the Gazans who have gone through so much will do now when Hamas attempts to get going again. Will they rise up against them, as they should have done before? Their suffering has been uncalculatable and will never stop if things don't change.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, of course that was sarcasm. Maybe I should have made that clearer. Gazans won't be able to rise up against Hamas because Hamas has the guns and is ruthless about killing anyone who challenges them, even in demonstrations. Phase 2 of the "peace plan" calls for Hamas to disarm, among other things. Yet Hamas won't do that. The only way that Hamas will be disarmed is if Israel (or the USA???) destroys them. And while Israel may attack again, its chance of actually destroying Hamas seems remote. Unfortunately for Gazans, there will not be any substantial reconstruction as long as Hamas is de facto in power.
oh yes, WSJ, the displaced Palestinians will definitely be living in those condos.
It is, to put it succinctly, an obscenity.
In case you haven't seen it, the ridiculously bad "where are the kids" video was revealed to be a crock of crap:
https://www.facebook.com/100053680544529/posts/pfbid0oMTjCjZfacavvP5455XQtd52NyAsdrJXQ98YzA2VwaceJXUUDiZf7W2RZsXQNCLJl/
When this is over, whether or not we can or will go after Trump for breaking the law, we need to get the Kushners, Witkoffs, and Trumps not protected by immunity. As a start. Maybe we put some pressure on countries that have made deals and start enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to close this shit down.
The Gaza Riviera fantasy is just that, a fantasy, but revealing and dangerous nonetheless. They are stupid along with endlessly greedy. It's like a black hole for wealth. There's no morals anywhere to be seen.
We can go after the Kushners right f-ing now. Papa still lives in NJ, a few minutes from me. And they "own" the local mall, which is presently being converted into homes. So far: they removed Kushner name from the outside of the building; parking lot is pretty much destroyed; not much work being done that I can see.
Oh, and they are also building total crap condos down the road from pops to "revive" a neighborhood that is predominantly Latino. In other words, pretty much like everything else they touch, a total sh*tshow. If I were Gov.-Elect Sherrill, I would farm out someone from AG's office and leave no stone unturned.
Sign me up.
These are some soulless, trashy people we have to deal with.
Wow. Every one of those articles you linked to was riveting. Holy cow. You have given me much fodder for today's calls! I will work on condensing all of this before I dial.
Thank you, Simon!
I went for a windy walk by a local lake and saw a bald eagle. I am taking it as a good omen.
Putin bombs residences in Ukraine almost every day. So if Ukraine does manage to bomb Putin's residence, well, turn about is fair play. Besides, Putin's been appearing in a military uniform so I guess he's a military target. Russia's economy is in worse shape, I think, than is generally known. Russia is losing in Ukraine, which is why Putin's so desperate for Trump to find a way to just hand Ukraine to him. I hope they both fail.
I am grateful to the artists cancelling at the Kennedy Center. Let him get Kid Rock to play.
Read a headline that a bunch of Peruvian shamans at their end-of-year gathering predicted Trump would fall seriously ill in 2026.
Isn't he seriously ill now? It sure appears that way to me.
Grinding in the Grassroots, by Emily *****
(I used to be a symphony cellist. As a kid, I wept with joy when Casals played for JFK, his first public performance after he had “retired” to protest Franco’s regime in his native Spain. As an older kid I was at Carnegie Hall when Rostropovich, visiting with the Moscow State Symphony, switched his billing from the Hayden Concerto to play the Dvorak Concerto in support of the Czech people who had just been invaded by Russia. I cheered again when he defected to the USA. Today, although I haven’t played professionally in decades, I cheer Rhiannon Giddens and all the many other deeply aware artists who refuse to disentangle their public image from their principles, their morals, and their ethics and so refuse to accept billing at the Trump Center for Sold Out Performers. We are not entertainment machines and our work reflects our beliefs.)
Moving into the present…. I love reading Simon’s wrap-ups and I keep believing that change must come from opening up the hearts and imaginations of the people here at the “low information” grassroots. To that end, I am “doing the training” to stump for my local progressive candidate for county district supervisor. If I can get even one voter to think a little bit bigger than on immediate fixes to local pot holes, we’ll maybe be a little closer to deposing, finally, our MAGAt US Congressperson in November. I keep remembering Rocky Kanaka in “Sitting With Dogs” giving the advice that we move terrified shut-down shelter dogs past their debilitating fears by getting them to smell and taste something better…
Seeing my low information brother and sister-in-law over Christmas brings home to me two things: 1) It really is astonishing how much support Trump has lost in such a short time period, given that it is so easy to ignore news that upsets or displeases us; and 2) Inflation punctures the MAGA news bubble because it is impossible to ignore. My sister-in-law was re-reading Hillbilly Elegy, so my assumption is that they are moving on from Trump and are trying to convince themselves that Vance will be the savior of their dear GOP.
Oh. My. Yes.
One of the most overrated books IMHO.
I never read it, but I expect is is about as truthful as Trump's Art of the Deal. IOW, not at all!
I expect you wiil. people want to talk. so many deeply moving experiences I have had in the door to door.
Called it re: MTG just gets it when it comes to sexual abuse of girls.
I don’t think gets it as to much of anything else.
But it makes sense that “my friends will get hurt,” and, “the stupid victims have done nothing to merit the honor of my pussy-grabbing royal presence” would be the last straw for her. Or for Mace or Boebert for that matter.
Read Peter Rabbit to my 3-year-old granddaughter. This sentence struck me as applicable to the current political mess.
“Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.”
Sparrows, excitement and exertion.... need to keep going.
Love this. Thanks.
It looks like the Doctrine of Discovery is alive and well in the White House.
subjects to talk about in 2026 : 1. Expand the Supreme Court to represent the 11 Federal jurisdictions. 2. Make NAnd S Dakota into one state. Two of our worst cabinet members were governors of NAnd S Dakota and are doing the most damage to our country. 3. Give the Representative of DC the same voting privileges as the rest of the House. 4. Look into private equity firms owning hospitals and medical practices. Regulate and provide financial compensation to hospitals. This last one would be a good item for dems to run on. 5. Restore our commitment to the Constitution. 6. Go after Musk and his gov+. Who is running gov+? 7. Restore FEMA to be able to handle a crisis. 8. Save our national parks from being plundered.
Pull a Teddy Roosevelt and bust the MF media trusts!
as a minnesotan, I do want to speak up for the square states. just because they both end in dakota doesn't mean they are readily combined. : )
I agree on all other points
Great list. I want to see the Democratic party really organize around national priorities such as these. I am determined I will not give them a single cent until I see a candidate for whom the campaign is more than just "not Trump". I'm sorry, that is not enough!!! Until then, I am simply deleting every demand for money, even from the likes of Schumer. Instead my money is going to PBS, Xerces, iNaturalist, the latter two because the crisis in the ranks of the non-human components of earth's denizens is extreme. I should add climate change to that. Climate change must be added to that list, too. All our hand wringing is absolutely useless if we do not have a planet we can live on!!! And who pray tell wants to live on a planet without fellow creatures like trees, birds, butterflies and bees??? Getting rid of the current Administration would be a step in the right direction from both points of view-- of ultimate survival (a habitable earth) as well as proximate survival of our democracy and the world order.
I'm donating to grassroots organizations working towards voting rights, registering voters, GOTV (especially in rural communities), and recruiting Progressive candidates. And since I live in NC and am an Anderson Clayton fan girl, I do donate to the NC Democratic party.
great list!
And regulate AI and halt construction of data centers. Explain how the broligarchs' hellbent expansion of AI is raising electricity prices.
Go for constitution changes.