Flipping the Senate will require putting more states in play. Out of the 4 Democrats most likely have a chance to win in (Ohio, Iowa, Texas, and Florida), Democrats need to flip 2 of the 4, or find something else on the map (the closest idea outside those 4 would be Alaska).
Maine and North Carolina are counted as battlegrounds. I'm thinking more about the GOP-leaning states where we have lost ground in recent years for clarification.
It looks like Fetterman is bailing to MAGA. Which R Senators are big on science or any related issues? We all should call them whether we live in their states or not. The diminishment of science in our culture is a major disaster.
You need friends in PA to put the pressure on Senator Fetterman somehow. Understand that he does have a history of medical issues from the stroke to depression, but I wouldn't want to take it for granted. I think Simon would have more advice on what to do there. It's complicated.
Since you asked the question, I can give you one name in mind: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Probably the top leader on science for the Senate GOP.
Hi Barbara. Fetterman is not "bailing to MAGA." He is on the same team with us. Hopium focuses on the wins, and strives not to be perpetually disappointed by our colleagues. It is a choice, and we choose Hopium. Simon talks about this a lot, and there are many posts at least back to December 2024. For example: https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/happy-new-year-all-in-2025-lets-take
I don't think it is harmful to point out a weakness here and there. Maybe he is borderline. We are not a cult, we need to be honest. Maybe he is unreliable at times. Maybe he has other issues. Maybe it is just an "independent streak." He voted for Pam Bondi. Ugh. I'd like to expect better.
Calling senators if you’re out of district is useless…they don’t count the calls or pay any attention. Asking folks you know who DO live in those states to make the calls is a great idea. Participate in a phonebank to folks in red states that will connect them directly to their senators, urging them to vote No on the reconciliation budget bill, and while you’re having these conversations you can add in something about the fight to destroy science…I’ve had great conversations with people when I do phonebanking! I believe Indivisible is sponsoring regular phonebanks throughout this month on this, look it up!
And so we are betrayed by a populist once again. As hypocritical as it may sound coming from me, one who has preached against intra-party fighting since I got into politics, Fetterman needs to be on whatever list of 2026 Senate targets already exists. (To think, we could've had Lamb instead of this recreant, but no...)
Yes, I agree that NC's Thom Tillis is quite vulnerable, especially if former governor Roy Cooper runs against him. Tillis is going to have to tack to the middle to counter Cooper, who is very popular, which will anger the MAGAs. Tillis is not MAGA enough for the MAGAs, so he's already in trouble with them.
No statewide race in Georgia is easy for a Democrat. My gut feel is that most Georgians across a wide spectrum have respect for Ossoff. "Really endangered?" -- I would not go anywhere near that far.
Simon - please do what you can on your end to ensure that DNC and state party chairs message to their individual state's Dem party members/volunteers that money should be coming to the states soon - they need to know to expect help so they can plan. This is imperative in VA and NJ since we have statewide elections this year. I have reached out to our NJ state Dem chair, but our state party comms kind of suck, so I'm not overly optimistic he'll even see my email. Thanks!
Attended another local No Kings planning meeting last night, it's coming together well! I am working on voter reg, will be creating signage with QR codes to register voters and push elex info. Called Booker, demanded he hire more staff to do better constituent outreach, also messaged on rec and tariffs. Called Kim, thanked him on great comms team, also messaged on rec & tariffs. Rep. Chris Smith (Traitor-NJ04) got a not so nice email from me on his Yes vote on reconciliation and on his silence on tariffs/abductions of our citizens to gulags.He claims to be an advocate v. internatioinal human trafficking--total hypocrisy to remain silent on this. Jerk.
Just signed up for Postcards to Swing States' new program that pushes different types of voter outreach messaging to encourage participation. As an academic librarian and data geek, this is right up my alley, and I'm very excited to see what happens with this! You can sign up here: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/14fDCyPW1OS9poJ6cnSLhxLcAq?domain=click.everyaction.com
Every state Democratic Party has its own representatives on the DNC, and you can contact them for information, or you contact the DNC directly at https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Thanks, I'll give it a shot - have not thought about reaching out to the NJ reps to DNC. I have reached out to party chairs in the past, no one ever replies. All I know is, the local Dems don't know diddly right now bc they are too busy doing on the ground organizing, and state/DNC folks are not pushing out the messaging , so time is of the essence. I can guarantee you local Dems aren't checking the DNC website - and we get emails from the state party chair, but we have heard bupkis about the funding. Also, it's hard finding contact info for these folks - I found the chair's email on the Facebook page, was not on the website.
nj dems are a breed apart; they have held the statehouse so long they don't respond so well; this has been my experience with local reps; mine have not lifted a finger on any issue i have contacted them on, all local stuff. but sometimes it makes a difference; a local dem official had a trump sign flying from his business for a long time; i called the county and complained, i asked if they thought we should have a committeeman who flies a trump flag on the ballot; they said no. well, he is off the ballot ( it was a noncompetitive office) and the sign is finally gone. i'd like to think i had a hand in that.
You are so right about the NJ Democratic Party. Asleep at the wheel. When I asked my town party committee about Democratic voter registration I was met with blank stares and then some comment about how people don’t want extremists, which left me scratching my head given GOP inroads in NJ. Anyway as noted yesterday currently working with the activist groups to register Democratic voters.
Lisa, Peri Kessler is part of this Hopium community and works at the DNC. How about making your request through her? kesslerp@dnc.org I understand your situation; MA's Dems do not communicate well either. I'd have no idea about current DNC strategy, funding, or energy if not for communications from the DNC itself or from Simon or his interviews, especially with Jane Kleeb. Maybe this speaks to another needed prong of state-based training.
Good news about a Dem candidate in Iowa and fantastic news about Ukraine! I've been smiling all weekend about the brilliant military strategy. I think this one will go down in the history books. What a buffoon Trump now looks, having sat there in the Oval Office taunting Zelenskyy that he didn't "hold any cards." Every thing Trump tries to do to look strong ends up making him look even more weak and foolish. Any other US president would have known what Ukraine was planning. Not Trump -- because no one trusts him.
I'm also enjoying watching MAGA-world begin to turn on itself. Trump and Musk are feuding and my bet for Musk's black eye is Stephen Miller. Trump has turned on Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society. Some of the MAGAts are now mad that Trump and Bondi won't release the Epstein tapes (and I think the rest of us know why). Republicans in disarray!
I'm writing postcards to voters in North Carolina today. I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen about the tariffs and the big beautiful budget buster.
calls have been made to R elected members of congress - reconciliation bill and ICE and attacks on academia/science research. I attended a street rally yesterday. It was a small crowd but those driving by were supportive - lots of waves, thumbs up and happy honks.
NSF appears to me to be in a state of chaos. The proposed cuts are going to decimate research, which will have very serious long-term economic impacts. I understand the focus on NiH cuts, but in my view there is not enough attention paid to other science cuts. We might not feel much pain in the short-term with these cuts, but the long-term damage will be very severe.
One big problem, in addition to major cuts in overall funding, is the proposal to implement a 15% indirect rate. This is going to devastate public universities. There are already widespread hiring freezes across academia. The best people won't wait around. They'll just go elsewhere.
The cuts for science are devastating. Sawing off the branch we are sitting on. I watched much of the “100 Hours for Saving America’s Forecasts” which generated more than 8,000 calls to senators. Here is the one presentation that has been posted - gripping, riveting, and eloquent about Hurricane Hunters flying into Hugo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N3ywDoJW8Q
Hurricane hunters are on the chopping block as the season begins? WTF?
I agree about the science cuts (that aren’t NIH) needing more attention. It’s very alarming. But at least NIH has captured public attention, and apparently understanding. That’s rare for science.
So many of the commenters on Hopium have science degrees, careers, and/or hobbies that it seems obvious to us why it’s terrible. But it is not obvious to everyone.
I’ve wasted way too much time arguing (online and in person) with evangelicals who frame science as a godless religion. I’ve been attacked by multiple people who said I couldn’t appreciate beauty, or wasn’t fully human, because I love math and science. Lately I have seen atheists attacked exactly that way and a conflating of atheism and science. Hating science is at least in part a religious problem.
And of course science in TV and movies is so often portrayed as evil or done by awkward and lonely people. These stereotypes do a lot of harm. People are genuinely afraid to feel enthusiasm for science, because it challenges their self-image and social status.
David Anderegg wrote a book called “Nerds” in 2007, in which he traces American anti-intellectualism back to before the country was founded. It’s nothing new.
The fact that so many here are talking to their electeds about funding and teaching science is so great, because that hasn’t historically been a big talking point in America, except among the scientific community. I think it represents a real change, or at least the start of one.
My point though isn’t to try to win arguments with them. Like I said, I have done that for years, including with lists of ways they use science every day. They aren’t going to change their minds because I use a “gotcha” argument.
My point is that it won’t be easy or quick to convince people that science should be funded, because it is viewed with such hostility. However, the fact that this is now a topic in the news *at all* is a great start.
I frequently emphasize this in my calls to my GOP senators. One of the reasons NC is growing so much is because of our superb universities. They are major economic drivers for the state. This growth is now in jeopardy.
Can you imagine Trump resigning in shame because of Don Jr’s lavish hunting trips or the son’s expensive gifts to wife or mistress? Me neither.
But this is essentially what has happened in Mongolia. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai has resigned after losing a vote of confidence in parliament – because of his son’s lavish spending.
"Protests have been fuelled by allegations the prime minister’s family are enjoying wealth far beyond the level of a civil servant. The fiancee of the prime minister’s 23-year-old son, Temuuleni, posted pictures on her Instagram account showing luxury bags, an expensive ring and even a Mercedes-Benz, prompting anger."
Naturally there is more to the story... The situation is being exploited by a politician with almost no sense of shame, Mongolia’s President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükhto, and his wealthy supporters. They’re eager to maintain their control of the nation’s resources and not forfeit income to the sovereign wealth fun that had been planned by PM Oyun-Erdene and his government.
I believe there is something significant that has taken place by someone like a Leonard Leo instigating a public fight with Trump. It could well lead to Trump leaving the scene. He has served their purposes very well.
My impression is that Leonard Leo’s ambition is to remake the USA into an orderly, culturally conservative theocracy – not a chaotic, Fascist kakistocracy.
In the final analysis, I don’t think Leo is a Trumpist, although he was happy to use him to remake America’s judiciary.
That said, given that he was given 1.6 billion dollars to re-fashion America, and is using it effectively, I consider Leonard Leo to be one of the most dangerous people in the nation. Right up there with Curtis Yarvin.
I called Senators Cruz and Cornyn and urged each to vote No on the reconciliation bill and to take back the tariff responsibility before the economy declines even more for TX residents.
Self report: I left voicemail for Sen. Ernst and Grassley urging them to oppose the budget reconciliation bill. I emphasized the provision provision limiting contempt of court enforcement. This evening I will write postcards to PA. I signed up today for Postcards to Swing States' new News Boosting postcard effort.
According to estimates, 51,000 additional preventable deaths will occur each year thanks to the Big Ugly Pro-billionaire bill.
"Altogether, we project that these changes will result in over 51,000 preventable deaths", according to a study by experts at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania.
If Republicans were really concerned about the deficit, they would not extend the tax cuts for billionaires and corporations.
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
― Frank Herbert, Dune
I don’t know if this is “tough love”, but RICK WILSON seems to be correct about the unintentional educational bias of many in the Democratic political class (he is also funny): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU6b2fv8Uww . In addition, Mr. Wilson makes a serious reference to the rise of the Third Reich. In terms of 1930s Germany, I have previously shared (search Hopium for “ON REPEAT”) the extremism research of Dr. Julia Ebner, a native of Austria and now based in the UK, relative to our current politics.
Simon et al.:
PLEASE READ. This link provides an excellent take on Sieg Heel: https://broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-dark-lord-of-silicon-valley . As I have shared with the Hopium community in past notes, both he and Leon have big plans - for themselves. One wants to live forever. The other wants to create a Technate (i.e. following the crazy aspirations of his Canadian grandfather who chose South Africa as a place to raise a family) on Mars. Yes, the goals are quite MAD and infeasible (timestamp - 14:50): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NrDCvKp5-k .
To accomplish their goals, they need to appropriate the resources (think wealth and intellectual capital) of the world’s most powerful nation-state without the messiness of democratic intervention. Therefore, the movement toward a Palantir-managed database of every US citizen is central to their short, medium, and long-term goals. In the Gulf States of the Middle East, this process is called the “transparent citizen” (the government can see through you) as a means of extreme control: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/new-power-in-the-gulf-the-rise-of-mbz/id1593634121?i=1000645997390 .
I don’t know if real estate is a sign of putting down roots (for someone with possibly 4 passports?), but Sieg Heel now has a large mansion in DC. He just might want to be close to his best investments (i.e. VPOTUS and POTUS). I guess that the bunker in New Zealand would probably be too much of a commute (yes, a private Network State): https://nypost.com/2022/08/19/peter-thiels-plans-for-dream-home-in-new-zealand-are-gone/.
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S. : Dolos or the nation, you can only have one! The other side must choose! The madness will only subside until the next urge for “narcissistic supply” arises. This is not 4-D chess. It is most likely a form of something else. The new media must promote mental health practitioners— like the MSM has lawyers and other professionals.
P.P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.P.S.: Every local office of the Democratic Party and of the elected officials (including state representatives on up) must become a site for civic teach-ins and a clearing house for needed services (with Federal departments being sabotaged). The fact is that Democrats believe in the value of government and of government service, and the other side (i.e. the MAGAts and the illiberals) simply doesn’t. This engagement process will make registering partisan voters and teaching civics much easier.
I called the Missouri senators asking them to vote no on the reconciliation bill and mentioned my opposition to healthcare and food assistance cuts. On Threads I saw clips from the appearance of the head of Education, as she’s struggling to answer questions before the Senate. I’ve been thinking that, among other things, this administration seems to be executing a war on children in public health, education, higher ed opportunities—along with pulling out from supporting children around the world. This is so horrific. I hope the Democrats hold them accountable on this.
Simon, on growing Hopium subscribers, I am subscribed to way too many Substacks, but one way people get more subscribers is doing lives with like-minded Substackers and blatantly asking people to subscrbe to both. Is that something you are willing to do? Maybe that is one purpose of the live you have scheduled with Stuart Stephen's tomorrow? If so, I approve and encourage you to do more.
Vox has a very illuminating article about how the bond market is a real force for stopping a 3 trillion dollar deficit MAGA MURDER BUDGET. Let me know if you are stopped by a paywall and I will see what I can do to get a gift article.
Flipping the Senate will require putting more states in play. Out of the 4 Democrats most likely have a chance to win in (Ohio, Iowa, Texas, and Florida), Democrats need to flip 2 of the 4, or find something else on the map (the closest idea outside those 4 would be Alaska).
Maine and North Carolina are counted as battlegrounds. I'm thinking more about the GOP-leaning states where we have lost ground in recent years for clarification.
It looks like Fetterman is bailing to MAGA. Which R Senators are big on science or any related issues? We all should call them whether we live in their states or not. The diminishment of science in our culture is a major disaster.
You need friends in PA to put the pressure on Senator Fetterman somehow. Understand that he does have a history of medical issues from the stroke to depression, but I wouldn't want to take it for granted. I think Simon would have more advice on what to do there. It's complicated.
Since you asked the question, I can give you one name in mind: Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. Probably the top leader on science for the Senate GOP.
Hi Barbara. Fetterman is not "bailing to MAGA." He is on the same team with us. Hopium focuses on the wins, and strives not to be perpetually disappointed by our colleagues. It is a choice, and we choose Hopium. Simon talks about this a lot, and there are many posts at least back to December 2024. For example: https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/happy-new-year-all-in-2025-lets-take
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/fighting-hard-fighting-smart-notes
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/not-letting-trumps-madness-become
"If we become a movement of the perpetually disappointed we are handing this country over to them" [maga].
Well said! This is vitally important.
I don't think it is harmful to point out a weakness here and there. Maybe he is borderline. We are not a cult, we need to be honest. Maybe he is unreliable at times. Maybe he has other issues. Maybe it is just an "independent streak." He voted for Pam Bondi. Ugh. I'd like to expect better.
I don't know. Fetterman going to Mar A Lago, criticizing Dems, blaming Biden on immigration, etc. sounds pretty MAGA to me.
Calling senators if you’re out of district is useless…they don’t count the calls or pay any attention. Asking folks you know who DO live in those states to make the calls is a great idea. Participate in a phonebank to folks in red states that will connect them directly to their senators, urging them to vote No on the reconciliation budget bill, and while you’re having these conversations you can add in something about the fight to destroy science…I’ve had great conversations with people when I do phonebanking! I believe Indivisible is sponsoring regular phonebanks throughout this month on this, look it up!
And so we are betrayed by a populist once again. As hypocritical as it may sound coming from me, one who has preached against intra-party fighting since I got into politics, Fetterman needs to be on whatever list of 2026 Senate targets already exists. (To think, we could've had Lamb instead of this recreant, but no...)
Yes, I agree that NC's Thom Tillis is quite vulnerable, especially if former governor Roy Cooper runs against him. Tillis is going to have to tack to the middle to counter Cooper, who is very popular, which will anger the MAGAs. Tillis is not MAGA enough for the MAGAs, so he's already in trouble with them.
Georgia will also be a key state -- in that Democratic senator Jon Ossoff is up for re-election. The one such Democrat in a state won by Trump.
I just read that Ossoff may be really endangered in GA…I’m worried about that one! I believe we should be contributing to his campaign.
No statewide race in Georgia is easy for a Democrat. My gut feel is that most Georgians across a wide spectrum have respect for Ossoff. "Really endangered?" -- I would not go anywhere near that far.
Shout out to Tim Walz for his speech before Dems in South Carolina on Saturday. Meidas Touch has lengthy clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9shYzSrm_Y
LOVED it.
Simon - please do what you can on your end to ensure that DNC and state party chairs message to their individual state's Dem party members/volunteers that money should be coming to the states soon - they need to know to expect help so they can plan. This is imperative in VA and NJ since we have statewide elections this year. I have reached out to our NJ state Dem chair, but our state party comms kind of suck, so I'm not overly optimistic he'll even see my email. Thanks!
Attended another local No Kings planning meeting last night, it's coming together well! I am working on voter reg, will be creating signage with QR codes to register voters and push elex info. Called Booker, demanded he hire more staff to do better constituent outreach, also messaged on rec and tariffs. Called Kim, thanked him on great comms team, also messaged on rec & tariffs. Rep. Chris Smith (Traitor-NJ04) got a not so nice email from me on his Yes vote on reconciliation and on his silence on tariffs/abductions of our citizens to gulags.He claims to be an advocate v. internatioinal human trafficking--total hypocrisy to remain silent on this. Jerk.
Just signed up for Postcards to Swing States' new program that pushes different types of voter outreach messaging to encourage participation. As an academic librarian and data geek, this is right up my alley, and I'm very excited to see what happens with this! You can sign up here: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/14fDCyPW1OS9poJ6cnSLhxLcAq?domain=click.everyaction.com
Details of the DNC funding plans are on their website. https://democrats.org/news/dnc-and-asdc-announces-organize-everywhere-win-anywhere-strategy-largest-ever-monthly-dnc-investment-into-democratic-state-and-territory-parties/
Every state Democratic Party has its own representatives on the DNC, and you can contact them for information, or you contact the DNC directly at https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Thanks, I'll give it a shot - have not thought about reaching out to the NJ reps to DNC. I have reached out to party chairs in the past, no one ever replies. All I know is, the local Dems don't know diddly right now bc they are too busy doing on the ground organizing, and state/DNC folks are not pushing out the messaging , so time is of the essence. I can guarantee you local Dems aren't checking the DNC website - and we get emails from the state party chair, but we have heard bupkis about the funding. Also, it's hard finding contact info for these folks - I found the chair's email on the Facebook page, was not on the website.
.
Here are your newly-elected representatives to the DNC:
https://newjerseyglobe.com/campaigns/n-j-democratic-national-committee-members-re-elected/
nj dems are a breed apart; they have held the statehouse so long they don't respond so well; this has been my experience with local reps; mine have not lifted a finger on any issue i have contacted them on, all local stuff. but sometimes it makes a difference; a local dem official had a trump sign flying from his business for a long time; i called the county and complained, i asked if they thought we should have a committeeman who flies a trump flag on the ballot; they said no. well, he is off the ballot ( it was a noncompetitive office) and the sign is finally gone. i'd like to think i had a hand in that.
Great job! That's the only way to make change. We have an excellent example in Andy Kim.
You are so right about the NJ Democratic Party. Asleep at the wheel. When I asked my town party committee about Democratic voter registration I was met with blank stares and then some comment about how people don’t want extremists, which left me scratching my head given GOP inroads in NJ. Anyway as noted yesterday currently working with the activist groups to register Democratic voters.
Lisa, Peri Kessler is part of this Hopium community and works at the DNC. How about making your request through her? kesslerp@dnc.org I understand your situation; MA's Dems do not communicate well either. I'd have no idea about current DNC strategy, funding, or energy if not for communications from the DNC itself or from Simon or his interviews, especially with Jane Kleeb. Maybe this speaks to another needed prong of state-based training.
Also, love reading about your organizing!
Thank you, Simon!
Good news about a Dem candidate in Iowa and fantastic news about Ukraine! I've been smiling all weekend about the brilliant military strategy. I think this one will go down in the history books. What a buffoon Trump now looks, having sat there in the Oval Office taunting Zelenskyy that he didn't "hold any cards." Every thing Trump tries to do to look strong ends up making him look even more weak and foolish. Any other US president would have known what Ukraine was planning. Not Trump -- because no one trusts him.
I'm also enjoying watching MAGA-world begin to turn on itself. Trump and Musk are feuding and my bet for Musk's black eye is Stephen Miller. Trump has turned on Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society. Some of the MAGAts are now mad that Trump and Bondi won't release the Epstein tapes (and I think the rest of us know why). Republicans in disarray!
I'm writing postcards to voters in North Carolina today. I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen about the tariffs and the big beautiful budget buster.
Self report from WI
calls have been made to R elected members of congress - reconciliation bill and ICE and attacks on academia/science research. I attended a street rally yesterday. It was a small crowd but those driving by were supportive - lots of waves, thumbs up and happy honks.
NSF appears to me to be in a state of chaos. The proposed cuts are going to decimate research, which will have very serious long-term economic impacts. I understand the focus on NiH cuts, but in my view there is not enough attention paid to other science cuts. We might not feel much pain in the short-term with these cuts, but the long-term damage will be very severe.
One big problem, in addition to major cuts in overall funding, is the proposal to implement a 15% indirect rate. This is going to devastate public universities. There are already widespread hiring freezes across academia. The best people won't wait around. They'll just go elsewhere.
https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/indirect-cost-rate
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/science-research-policy/2025/06/03/new-details-trumps-budget-cuts-alarm-researchers
Self-report: I will call my "Senators" today about the terrible budget bill.
The cuts for science are devastating. Sawing off the branch we are sitting on. I watched much of the “100 Hours for Saving America’s Forecasts” which generated more than 8,000 calls to senators. Here is the one presentation that has been posted - gripping, riveting, and eloquent about Hurricane Hunters flying into Hugo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N3ywDoJW8Q
Hurricane hunters are on the chopping block as the season begins? WTF?
I agree about the science cuts (that aren’t NIH) needing more attention. It’s very alarming. But at least NIH has captured public attention, and apparently understanding. That’s rare for science.
So many of the commenters on Hopium have science degrees, careers, and/or hobbies that it seems obvious to us why it’s terrible. But it is not obvious to everyone.
I’ve wasted way too much time arguing (online and in person) with evangelicals who frame science as a godless religion. I’ve been attacked by multiple people who said I couldn’t appreciate beauty, or wasn’t fully human, because I love math and science. Lately I have seen atheists attacked exactly that way and a conflating of atheism and science. Hating science is at least in part a religious problem.
And of course science in TV and movies is so often portrayed as evil or done by awkward and lonely people. These stereotypes do a lot of harm. People are genuinely afraid to feel enthusiasm for science, because it challenges their self-image and social status.
David Anderegg wrote a book called “Nerds” in 2007, in which he traces American anti-intellectualism back to before the country was founded. It’s nothing new.
The fact that so many here are talking to their electeds about funding and teaching science is so great, because that hasn’t historically been a big talking point in America, except among the scientific community. I think it represents a real change, or at least the start of one.
You might point out their frequent use of science. Like the internet.
Maybe they should give up electricity, which came from "godless religion" too. Or their truck which is needed to hang their Truck Nutz on.
Heh, yeah.
My point though isn’t to try to win arguments with them. Like I said, I have done that for years, including with lists of ways they use science every day. They aren’t going to change their minds because I use a “gotcha” argument.
My point is that it won’t be easy or quick to convince people that science should be funded, because it is viewed with such hostility. However, the fact that this is now a topic in the news *at all* is a great start.
I frequently emphasize this in my calls to my GOP senators. One of the reasons NC is growing so much is because of our superb universities. They are major economic drivers for the state. This growth is now in jeopardy.
IMAGINE TRUMP RESIGNING...
Can you imagine Trump resigning in shame because of Don Jr’s lavish hunting trips or the son’s expensive gifts to wife or mistress? Me neither.
But this is essentially what has happened in Mongolia. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai has resigned after losing a vote of confidence in parliament – because of his son’s lavish spending.
"Protests have been fuelled by allegations the prime minister’s family are enjoying wealth far beyond the level of a civil servant. The fiancee of the prime minister’s 23-year-old son, Temuuleni, posted pictures on her Instagram account showing luxury bags, an expensive ring and even a Mercedes-Benz, prompting anger."
Naturally there is more to the story... The situation is being exploited by a politician with almost no sense of shame, Mongolia’s President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükhto, and his wealthy supporters. They’re eager to maintain their control of the nation’s resources and not forfeit income to the sovereign wealth fun that had been planned by PM Oyun-Erdene and his government.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/27/mongolia-protests-prime-minister-luvsannamsrai
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/03/mongolia-pm-resigns-luvsannamsrai-confidence-vote-protests
"Can you imagine Trump resigning..."
I believe there is something significant that has taken place by someone like a Leonard Leo instigating a public fight with Trump. It could well lead to Trump leaving the scene. He has served their purposes very well.
My impression is that Leonard Leo’s ambition is to remake the USA into an orderly, culturally conservative theocracy – not a chaotic, Fascist kakistocracy.
In the final analysis, I don’t think Leo is a Trumpist, although he was happy to use him to remake America’s judiciary.
That said, given that he was given 1.6 billion dollars to re-fashion America, and is using it effectively, I consider Leonard Leo to be one of the most dangerous people in the nation. Right up there with Curtis Yarvin.
I called Senators Cruz and Cornyn and urged each to vote No on the reconciliation bill and to take back the tariff responsibility before the economy declines even more for TX residents.
Today is the first day to sign up for Progressive Turnout Project's new News Boosting Postcards effort. Details and sign-up form are here.
https://secure.everyaction.com/q6C58scJOUeWJJy_rcEQkA2?emci=43ce7885-ac3f-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&emdi=cd3e0cbc-8b40-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&ceid=20533405
Thanks for that.
Just posted about it above - thanks for mentioning!
Self report: I left voicemail for Sen. Ernst and Grassley urging them to oppose the budget reconciliation bill. I emphasized the provision provision limiting contempt of court enforcement. This evening I will write postcards to PA. I signed up today for Postcards to Swing States' new News Boosting postcard effort.
According to estimates, 51,000 additional preventable deaths will occur each year thanks to the Big Ugly Pro-billionaire bill.
"Altogether, we project that these changes will result in over 51,000 preventable deaths", according to a study by experts at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania.
If Republicans were really concerned about the deficit, they would not extend the tax cuts for billionaires and corporations.
https://substack.com/@luisfierro/note/c-122543651?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=127mk6
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
― Frank Herbert, Dune
I don’t know if this is “tough love”, but RICK WILSON seems to be correct about the unintentional educational bias of many in the Democratic political class (he is also funny): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU6b2fv8Uww . In addition, Mr. Wilson makes a serious reference to the rise of the Third Reich. In terms of 1930s Germany, I have previously shared (search Hopium for “ON REPEAT”) the extremism research of Dr. Julia Ebner, a native of Austria and now based in the UK, relative to our current politics.
Simon et al.:
PLEASE READ. This link provides an excellent take on Sieg Heel: https://broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-dark-lord-of-silicon-valley . As I have shared with the Hopium community in past notes, both he and Leon have big plans - for themselves. One wants to live forever. The other wants to create a Technate (i.e. following the crazy aspirations of his Canadian grandfather who chose South Africa as a place to raise a family) on Mars. Yes, the goals are quite MAD and infeasible (timestamp - 14:50): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NrDCvKp5-k .
To accomplish their goals, they need to appropriate the resources (think wealth and intellectual capital) of the world’s most powerful nation-state without the messiness of democratic intervention. Therefore, the movement toward a Palantir-managed database of every US citizen is central to their short, medium, and long-term goals. In the Gulf States of the Middle East, this process is called the “transparent citizen” (the government can see through you) as a means of extreme control: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/new-power-in-the-gulf-the-rise-of-mbz/id1593634121?i=1000645997390 .
I don’t know if real estate is a sign of putting down roots (for someone with possibly 4 passports?), but Sieg Heel now has a large mansion in DC. He just might want to be close to his best investments (i.e. VPOTUS and POTUS). I guess that the bunker in New Zealand would probably be too much of a commute (yes, a private Network State): https://nypost.com/2022/08/19/peter-thiels-plans-for-dream-home-in-new-zealand-are-gone/.
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S. : Dolos or the nation, you can only have one! The other side must choose! The madness will only subside until the next urge for “narcissistic supply” arises. This is not 4-D chess. It is most likely a form of something else. The new media must promote mental health practitioners— like the MSM has lawyers and other professionals.
P.P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
P.P.P.S.: Every local office of the Democratic Party and of the elected officials (including state representatives on up) must become a site for civic teach-ins and a clearing house for needed services (with Federal departments being sabotaged). The fact is that Democrats believe in the value of government and of government service, and the other side (i.e. the MAGAts and the illiberals) simply doesn’t. This engagement process will make registering partisan voters and teaching civics much easier.
I also recommend that Rick Wilson video, and the Lincoln Square Media Substack. The video is in this article: https://open.substack.com/pub/lincolnsquare/p/democrats-the-party-that-forgot-to?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=197kn
Immigration
ICE bail funds in Pa. help undocumented immigrants fight deportations
Studies have shown that immigrants who can get out of immigration detention are far less likely to be deported.
By: Mike Elk - May 30, 2025 3:52 pm
https://penncapital-star.com/immigration/ice-bail-funds-in-pa-help-undocumented-immigrants-fight-deportations/
I called the Missouri senators asking them to vote no on the reconciliation bill and mentioned my opposition to healthcare and food assistance cuts. On Threads I saw clips from the appearance of the head of Education, as she’s struggling to answer questions before the Senate. I’ve been thinking that, among other things, this administration seems to be executing a war on children in public health, education, higher ed opportunities—along with pulling out from supporting children around the world. This is so horrific. I hope the Democrats hold them accountable on this.
absolutely right. and climate, too. Not to mention SNAP and safety net provisions.
Simon, on growing Hopium subscribers, I am subscribed to way too many Substacks, but one way people get more subscribers is doing lives with like-minded Substackers and blatantly asking people to subscrbe to both. Is that something you are willing to do? Maybe that is one purpose of the live you have scheduled with Stuart Stephen's tomorrow? If so, I approve and encourage you to do more.
Stewart Steven's, sorry
Grr! Auto correct... Stevens
Vox has a very illuminating article about how the bond market is a real force for stopping a 3 trillion dollar deficit MAGA MURDER BUDGET. Let me know if you are stopped by a paywall and I will see what I can do to get a gift article.
https://www.vox.com/policy/414874/bond-market-treasuries-tax-big-beautiful-bill-trump?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email