The man’s name is Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He is a legal Citizen of the United States 🇺🇸, being held at CeCOT Prison in El Salvador, against his wishes. The Supreme Court has ruled that the trump administration must facilitate his return to USA. ICE kidnapped and refused to release Mr. Abrego Garcia. He then was taken to El Salvador. Thankfully after many days of not knowing whether Abrego Garcia was dead or alive. Sen. Chris Van Hollen was allowed to visit with with him. His name is Kilmar!
He's a legal resident. He's not a citizen of the United States. But yes it was a kidnapping and the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 against the administration.
I agree that the "citizen" comment needs to be corrected. We don't want to be spreading misinformation about this case. We need to take care with our messages. Yes the man is important, but when it comes to these violations of the Constitution it doesn't matter at all who he is or what his skin color is or whether he has tattoos or whether he was a citizen or whether he beat up his wife or belonged to a gang or anything. The 5th amendment demands ALL PERSONS receive due process and he is a PERSON.
The REPUBLICANS want you to fight on the details because they know they can twist the details to get their followers defending deportation because "PERSON BAD", but he is a PERSON no matter what he did. The FSU shooter suspect is getting due process and is not in CECOT. The guy who allegedly burned the PA gov's mansion to try and unalive Josh Shapiro and immediately confessed is getting due process and is not in another country.
Hi all - self reporting this morning. I asked my three electeds to work harder to bring all illegally deported people back to the US for due process. I really expect more outrage from elected reps - those kidnapped and thrown on a plane for a foreign prison could be any of us. Thanks for the political home, y'all. Kent
Watching pundits (and, according to Axios, some Dem politicians) say that Dems should just let this go makes me absolutely sick. This is not a game. I’d like to ask them who needs to be thrown into a concentration camp for them to decide Dems should act.
If anything, the kidnapping should be at the forefront of what the Dems are trying to stop. Not "let it go". That would be political malpractice and totally wrong.
First of all, protecting and defending the Constitution is the first priority of their position. Second, the rapid fall with hispanic voters I think will be cemented by showing empathy with the affected communities.
So it's the right thing to do, and at least this time, it lines up perfectly with what helps us politically.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't pound the other things, like tariffs, because that is also important and for some voters might be more likely to move them.
Totally agree Annie. We need every Dem to be fighting like hell - however you can do it. I’m temporarily disabled, so I can’t march or even gather right now, but I’m doing everything I can from my chair.
SUCCINCT EXPLANATION: Trump’s policies are not good for American businesses or high income earners. His policies are for the specific benefit of his inner circle – which just happens to include America’s foreign adversaries.
Yes, yes yes. Great post. My goal is to see all 23 governors give a state of the state under Trump address every single month on the same day, highlighting the damage that Trump is doing to their state. Also, to point out to Republican representatives and senators that Trump‘s threat to primary them means nothing because if they don’t get it together, they’re not going to be reelected anyway. And if they are afraid of going against him, go against him collectively and impeach him. Lisa Murkowski said yesterday that many are afraid. United we stand…, Lisa!
I was concerned about Murkowski’s comment yesterday, since she’s one of the people in Congress more likely to speak up. From here on, I plan to accompany my asks from my Republican senators and representative with something about the urgency of this moment—that we don’t have the luxury of time for making a stand.
Tim Miller of the Bulwark had a podcast on it yesterday. He said, Hey Lisa, if you are that frightened, quit the GOP and come work for pro-democracy, like he and many others have.
I called her office and suggested that she and the other white Senate Republicans who are getting their first threats of violence reach out to Ilhan Omar, Jasmine Crockett, and AOC for tips.
Love this simultaneous monthly state of the states idea! Some echoes of how good governors kept the public up to date during the first, worst part of covid. They may be able to use some of the same logistics for this.
Thanks, I’m presently working on a proposal to the Democratic Governors Association, which is very disappointing in terms of how they coordinate with people who get on their mailing list. Basically you just get a barrage of the same old fundraising messages. What we really need, and monthly appearances by 23 governors if coordinated,would provide, is a united front with the same type of impact that attracts the media. Both a campaign opportunity, but not with campaign speeches, but Ginuwine reports of people hurting and sacrificing and fiercely, courageously fighting. I’m talking speeches like Churchill, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall. Rallies to the cause!
Let’s try spelling, “genuine” and not making me look like an idiot! 🤓Anyway, just to add that a monthly barrage would have more impact than reports of rallies and Town halls, which are ignored by the media or forgotten too soon.
Rondi, you can edit your original posting. The 3 dots on the upper right of each post is a drop down menu, and for your own posts there is an edit button.
I like your idea of involving the states more. I'm going to call my AG today.
Maybe this idea would even work on a small scale, with multiple or all towns in a county or all suburbs on the west (or whatever) side of the city doing simultaneous special meetings, town halls, or events. Once it gets rolling, others would join. There's extra power in the timing without it being any more work or anything new to figure out.
$20 million to depose outdated Democratic incumbents
David Hogg, recently elected Vice Chair of the DNC, has announced that his outside group, Leaders We Deserve, will spend $20 million to elect younger primary challengers to older incumbents in safely Democratic districts. (NB. Hogg is not targeting battleground-district members.)
The 25-year-old Parkland Massacre survivor and gun control activist described a "culture of seniority politics" that has made the Democratic Party less effective.
Needless to say, this effort has no shortage of critics, especially from current members of Congress. Congressional Democrats are bracing for a deluge of primary challenges from younger insurgents who say older and more established incumbents aren't effective foils to President Trump.
I think David Hogg’s caution is worth noting. He is not targeting any Congressional representatives from battleground district – which means he’s carefully avoiding putting any seats at risk.
That said, there is no denying that what his outside group is doing here is controversial.
I guess I don't know the details so I probably shouldn't comment at all. But in the broadest sense, some pressure I think is never a bad thing. That was my only point.
I do worry about purity tests or anything that drives people to extremes that will result in unelectable candidates. We have to have people that can represent and win in their districts, which is going to look different.
I am continuing to support Leaders We Deserve, and David Hogg.
I'm a baby boomer, but it is time to turn it over to the next generation who have the most to gain or lose because their expected lifespans are decades longer than my generation and because they are in general more adaptable to a changing world and can bring a necessary fierce energy to the fray. Who do you like, Cory Booker or Chuck Schumer to lead us forward?
I'm not saying discard the old bags, I'm saying they need to step aside in leadership and mentor the next generation. That is wisdom based on a forward looking perspective. We have a talented and dedicated caucus.
Nancy Pelosi had the sense to step away and turn it over to Jeffries. Biden and Schumer... not so much.
I thought it might be helpful to get it from the horses mouth. Here is a brief excerpt from David Hogg's ask ... fyi.
"With all its flaws, the Democratic Party has played a critical role for progress in this country. Revitalizing and rebuilding it is important work. This party is worth fighting for, and not just for the sake of opposing Trump. What that looks like right now is electing younger leaders who have the energy, passion, and vision to meet this moment with the urgency our country deserves.
Through all of this, some incumbents will rise to the challenge and emerge stronger. Others will demonstrate why they should be replaced.
David Hogg seems to be equating youth with better leadership and that is not always the case. On the other hand, there are those in Congress, in my opinion, that have passed their expiration date so to speak. But I don't equate that with age. I could say youth lacks wisdom, patience and expertise for how to actually win and then get things done. Excitement and big crowds don't always translate into general election victories. In the past, David Hogg has made comments that I really did not agree with but I also see that primaries are a good thing - except when the losing candidate doesn't bow out graciously. I can think of someone in particular that really hurt our chances in the past.
I hope you consider using OATH to facilitate the donations from the Hopium community. Their model which help to prevent excessive spamming of donors is really important.
Simon is familiar. Go to oath.vote. it is a fund raising platform like ActBlue but they shield your personal contact info from the campaigns so you don't get blasted with addl requests.
The official line on Kilmar Abrego Garcia seems to have gone from "No one can see or speak with him and he's definitely never coming back" to "Now that we've proven we're totally not torturing him and the libs are screaming about nothing as usual, he's definitely never coming back." I think this is something of a win already because we made them modify their position at all, even though the "he's never coming back" part is still in there. It shows again that they don't put their money where their mouths are. I hope this leads to more protest, not less.
This meshes with something I have been thinking about. The idea that Democrats should fight like Republicans is powerful, but how? We can’t do it with violence and cruelty and lawlessness.
But I was struck by how the GOP acted like they “won” when the Atlantic changed Jeffrey Goldberg’s wording of what he saw from “war plans” to “battle plans.” Republican leaders treat this country like a reality TV show, as if there were no real stakes except their own wealth. They score points by making Democrats upset and by making us change our wording. We should try to score points back.
You are 100% right that Sen. Van Hollen seeing Mr. Abrego Garcia is a victory we should press hard. They flinched. Let’s take advantage of it.
And when it comes to defying the courts, Trump is throwing others under the bus. "I'm not involved, talk to the lawyers" is WEAK AS HELL. WEAK WEAK WEAK SCARED LITTLE BABY MAN.
Now everyone involved risks their bar licenses and Trump risks having to pardon people who defied the courts OR people will have second thoughts about carrying out orders they know are unconstitutional. It forces them to back down or escalate in an even more unpopular way.
BOOST THE PRESSURE MORE. THIS FAR AND NO FARTHER.
Oh, and threatening El Salvador with human rights violations means facing possible international actions against the country. ATTACH THESE BUSINESSES TO THE GULAG.
"There are 225 U.S. subsidiaries in El Salvador from 105 U.S. parent companies. U.S. companies with a market presence include AES Corp, Citibank, Chevron, Hanesbrands, Delta, Equifax, FedEx, Fruit of the Loom, Google, Kimberly-Clark, Microsoft, PriceSmart, SBA Communications, United, Walmart, and many others, as well as dozens of U.S franchises."
Simon, the link you sent out for Founding Members' Zoom is for April 11th. Will that work for today's chat? Senator Van Hollen's phone number is (202) 224-4654. I'm thanking him today for using the power he has in a new way to meet this new situation. He could have just given speeches and introduced bills. Those are good, but traveling to El Salvador and forcing a meeting is geared to be effective in this unprecedented situation. Members of a co-equal branch need to act co-equal. My theory is that Trump told El Salvador to allow the meeting because yesterday's court orders are scaring him. Bullies always fold.
In my calls today I challenged all 3 of my fed reps to find a way to break into the national news cycle and rob Trump and the GOP of their ability to control it.
You know Trump was weak when he said "I'm not involved, talk to the lawyers". That means many people involved risk being outed as in contempt, and Trump has to risk the terrible optics of pardoning people who directly and plainly violated the Constitution. MAKE HIM DO IT or make him DOJ go back on its "NEVER COMING BACK" tweets the man back for his due process.
I bet they put that out in social media partly to control the response of people involved. "Are you gonna go back on the promise from the official White House account?" type of stuff.
I think the states should also consider arresting anyone involved in kidnapping and human trafficking. There should be in states where they are doing this arrest warrants for Noem, Homan, and others. The agents themselves are wearing masks which to me indicates a level of understanding the illegality of their actions. Since when does law enforcement wear masks?
Maybe there are Attorneys General working out strong cases for charging these kidnappers before showing their hands? It’s not something to carry out without a lot of preparation and contingency plans, as much as I’m eager to see Bondi doing a perp walk.
He was the one I watched who got me thinking along those lines. It's obviously an extreme step. But, at some point, when laws are being broken and rights violated, someone has to take action to do the right thing.
So I think he has a point. The problem with that step is that it could easily escalate to the point where federal agents are rounding up for the gulag many other people as a reprisal.
If they escalate it will become incredibly unpopular. They have to make that choice.
One person I follow said we need radical acceptance of where we are. They compared it to childbirth in the sense that it's a painful process that becomes MUCH more painful if you tense up and try to stop it or ignore it. If you accept the inevitable process then you can focus on what needs to be done and you can focus on the potential happy outcome that awaits you on the other side.
Whatever the hell this country is trying to "give birth to" at this moment is going to be born either way. It's up to us to decide what it's gonna be. Is it gonna be a new nation conceived in lies, hate and corruption? Or will it be a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal? The administration is ALL IN, and so we must also be all in...or face the shame of what our country becomes.
What they fear, they’re really not talking about. They are trying to shift power before their potential audience of “white” people becomes a mere plurality rather than a majority over the next twenty years. I.e. they want to set up a South Africa style minority white Apartheid system to retain themselves as rulers.
Yes! I spoke with someone in my Attorney General’s office yesterday to ask for more aggressive action on these abductions and filing of criminal charges. I was told they are talking with their lawyers and it is something they are already working on. This is here in Massachusetts.
Here are five must-watch segments for this Holy (Happy Easter) extended weekend from JOY REID, EZRA KLEIN, EDDIE GLAUDE, AND HEATHER COX RICHARDSON. Admittedly, Joy understood the seriousness of the situation years before Ezra and many other folks in the MSM. At least, he now understands the stakes. Professors Cox Richardson and Glaude are simply brilliant. One can see why Sieg Heel and others on the Right want to end our current higher education system.
During her Substack Lives, Joy shares some strong observations about White America’s voting proclivities and the pigmentation of the nascent protest movement. She is now unbound on certain levels (timestamps - 6:30, 14:45, 17:45, 19:30, 25:50, 33:30, 34:45, 37:45, 44:30, 48:15 on courage): https://the.ink/p/watch-joy-reid-on-black-americas . Actually, Joy’s final suggestions to the White citizenry of the nation are similar to that shared by the historian Barbara Walters (timestamp 10:01): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6TLoj6lQC4 . Also, Ahmed Baba has been reporting on Project 2025 since at least 2023. Here is the link (timestamps - 31:29, 33:15, 34:28*, 37:29*, 38:38, 40:28, 43:40, and 45:00): https://www.joyannreid.com/p/a-conversation-with-joy-reid . The whole interview is worthwhile if you have the time.
Eddie Glaude, in an interview with Wajahat Ali, seems to cover the “racial rage” that Simon mentioned a few weeks ago. Professor Glaude says that this current government is an explicit “White Nationalist Project”; therefore, the ECONOMICS DO NOT MATTER. They have bigger fish (or people) to fry than worry about 10-year rates (timestamps - 9:28, 11:45, 13:00, 16:18, 17:10*, 19:18, 20:25, 23:14, 24:58, 27:00, and 29:28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZqCfDv8_hc&list=TLPQMTcwNDIwMjUd6wug-JZR4g .
Heather Cox Richardson in another interview with Wajahat Ali discusses the merger of the sins of “greed” and “racism” at the beginning of the Republic. The professor explores the concept of exploiting people for cash and this possibly leading to the return of child labor (Arkansas?). She suggests that there needs to be a replication of the “Ice Bucket Challenge” relative to the pain of everyday citizens with the new Administration (regime?). Here is the link (timestamps: 8:46, 10:35, 12:50, 13:50, 15:50, 18:35, 20:24, 23:29, 24:45*, 26:35, 27:10*, 31:05**, 33:45, 41:05, and 44:35): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaFnbdlHGO8&list=TLPQMTcwNDIwMjUd6wug-JZR4g .
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. : 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.
I wholeheartedly agree with Simon’s thoughts today on federalism. It’s likely our strongest bulwark to Trump’s authoritarian ambitions. Score another for the founding fathers.
It’s why, as a NJ resident, I am so keen on our gubernatorial election this year. Thanks to Andy Kim, the Democratic primary is actually competitive. Many I know are undecided (myself included), but actually watching the debates and attending meet & greets. Go democracy!!!
Made my calls focusing on due process (context Kilmar Garcia) and Murkowski’s comments. While she has been part of the enabling GOP a bit too often, I don’t think we can have reconciliation without enough republicans breaking from the death grip. Courage should be encouraged, not shamed.
Finally in this season of renewal I want to share HCR’s Letter from 4/17. There’s hope. 🐣
Inspired by Simon, I made a contribution to the Democratic Attorneys General Association (https://dems.ag), which is is the only committee solely dedicated to electing and supporting Democratic state Attorneys General.
I am retired on a fixed income and a small donor. When I think an organization or campaign deserves greater support, I often make a recurring contribution.
The only reason I did not make a recurring contribution to DAGA is that I think DAGA would be a great organization for Hopium to raise funds for, and I would prefer to make a recurring contribution in that context. So, Simon, you make want to consider raising froms for DAGA.
Next month, I will make a recurring contribution, either on my own or through Hopium.
Does anyone else agree that the Kilmar Abrego Garcia “deportation” is sounding more and more fishy by the day? 🤔
Sen. Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador on Wednesday and asked to meet with President Bukele, which was denied as Bukele was (allegedly) out of the country. Sen. Van Hollen was then granted an interview with Vice President Ulloa, who denied his request to meet with Mr. Abrego Garcia. Then suddenly on Thursday, Sen. Van Hollen was allowed to meet with Mr. Abrego Garcia in a nearby restaurant. Photos taken by ??? showed Mr. Abrego Garcia looking quite fit and healthy in street clothes. Later on Thursday, President Bukele mocked their meeting with a Stephen Miller-esque post on X:
“Kilmar Abrego Garcia, miraculously risen from the “death camps” & “torture”, now sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador. Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.”
(Just a quibble that the photos showed no cocktails in the table, but rather coffee cups and water.)
What the heck is going on here? I look forward to Sen. Van Hollen’s return to the U.S., when he provides more details of his trip to El Salvador and meeting with Mr. Abrego Garcia.
Agreed! I am eager to hear what Se. Van Hollen has to say.
Spanish lesson here: It's either Mr. Abrego or Mr. Abrego Garcia. Pretend Spanish speakers hyphenate their names. (This comment is not to target you, Punkette, just to educate anyone reading this. Spanish professor chiming in here.)
Kasparov makes a lot of excellent points. However, when he says this —
“The American opposition should spend less time criticizing the content of the administration’s executive actions—eliciting sympathy for a deported individual, say, or decrying the impact of Trump’s tariffs on 401(k) plans—than focusing on its suspect methods.”
— I must respectfully disagree. I think we must do both. Mr. Abrego Garcia is a perfect illustration of what happens when the somewhat abstract concept of due process is gone. Amber Thurman provided proof that abortion bans kill people.
Americans get more invested in injustice to individuals than groups, even if the group is “everyone in America.” It helps show that, yes, it could happen to you. Fortunately, telling the two parts together is often easier than separating them.
Kasparov concern is the loss of focus on the power grab if too much attention is paid on content. I think he has a point even if the two things are not strictly separable, but you need both.
I am concerned about the Garcia case and others that there may not be a clear point at which the public widely recognizes that the Trump administration has clearly up ended the constitution. As things drag on and there’s a lot of to and fro I see that as a risk. So we need to make more people aware.
I have observed that Republicans appeal to emotion, especially fear. This tactic needs to be countered. I do not think we can counter the emotional Repug argument (They're coming to get us!!) with statistics (i. e. immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes) The fact that Senor Abrego Garcia's spouse is out there, loudly calling for the return of her husband, is very powerful. An American citizen was swept up by ICE yesterday in Florida, then released. Powerful photos were published of the man's mother hugging him after his release. This type of media engenders sympathy for those targeted by the current regime and action on their behalf
Overall I agree but I think there are different people/groups that can do both to the appropriate communities. Both are important, but both don't need to be mentioned in every single communication. Some people will be persuaded by a combination of both. Some will be persuaded by the Constitutional argument only. His story matters and it also doesn't matter. It matters because it humanizes it and gives a human story for people who care. We have to have radical acceptance that not everyone cares about the man as a human being and those people need to have a message that their selfish/childish "it'll never happen to me" brain can understand.
People need to understand that THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS to the 5th amendment or law enforcement simply does not have to prove anything in any court for anyone. The rule of law can cease to exist at their whims. That was one of the grievances in the Declaration of Indpendence. It's powerful on its own and it stands on its own. The radical right WANTS YOU TO FIGHT THE DETAILS because they can lie about the details to the public and they can persuade their base that any person is a "terrorist", but they have a much harder time lying about the Constitution's plain text that says "ALL PERSONS", which includes terrorists. In that sense, the details of his case get in the way of the ONLY potential persuasive argument for those people because he could be the worst person in history and it wouldn't change his Constitutional rights.
That is well put. Considering the audience and focusing the topic are definitely important.
I do wish the plain text of the Constitution was a better foundation. An insurrectionist got sworn in as President. The Establishment Clause barely exists anymore. The power to tariff has apparently been moved to Article 2. So any prisoner’s Constitutional rights are in a precarious position.
I am not giving up on the Constitution, just wishing the government it establishes treated it with a bit of respect.
Thank you. I totally agree, but we always knew the man wasn't going to abide by the Constitution and the guardrails would NEVER be internal to Trump's brain or his inner circle (nor the vast majority of the GOP as long as his poll numbers are high enough). He has no respect for such things and will go as far as he is allowed. It's up to everyone else to say NO. We're doing it and like Simon and others I believe it's working. Not as fast as any of us would like, but we're potentially starting to see the pieces moving in the right direction and we should be encouraged by that.
As for tariffs (and other econ stuff), I think we should all check out this interview with Elizabeth Warren on CNBC. It's excellent and I'm going to call and thank her and encourage more. She really schools the anchors and shows why none of this is business as usual.
I’m trying to absorb the significance of AOC and Bernie packing events in RED states like Montana, Idaho and Utah. Simon has said something to the effect that we shouldn’t focus exclusively on the oligarchs trying to sabotage our democracy to feast off of us.
I agree, of course. And the importance of the Letter to America is the conversation… highlighting SOME of the major threats and connecting the dots to help
people see the crisis in real time. And how they and their families are affected.
Just let AOC and Bernie keep doing what they are doing? Be grateful they are focusing on ONE of the crisis points?
Gary, I've been pondering these rallies myself. I believe they are valuable in how they bring lots of people together, energize them, give them hope, and suggest concrete actions they can take.
There were some remarkable speeches at these rallies by local people who addressed issues of regional concern. I learned that the mayor of Boise is defying the Idaho legislature by continuing to fly the pride flag, which is now illegal in Idaho in public spaces. I was blown away by the soaring rhetoric of union leader Sara Nelson at the Missoula rally. I was struck by the organizing prowess of Indivisible leader Sarah Buck at the Salt Lake City rally. And Caroline Gleich: she was something else. How can someone be so hopeful about Utah?
Trump didn't create the oligarchy. Corporations/big money have had increasing control over the political process and all the institutions of society. The result has been increasing wealth inequality. the American dream receding for more people etc. The life level of dissatisfaction -- the stress of living from paycheck to paycheck -- opens the door to characters like Trump.
Jimmy Carter said 15 years ago that we were already living in an Oligarchy and that we needed to step up and reclaim democracy that works for everyone. You are right it's been lurking for awhile. 47 has simply legitimized it.
Simon, you can add another People's Town Hall to the list: April 25, 5:30-7:30pm, Spokane Community College (in Washington's 5th Congressional District). Hosted by the WA Democrats and featuring Congresswoman Emily Randall. Watch the livestream on the WA Democrats YouTube channel or sign up to attend: http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffoJoQ2KxU2BndzDiMjtXaK-o5fDM8Jiwtb_QxfqS07mBwgA/viewform
The man’s name is Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He is a legal Citizen of the United States 🇺🇸, being held at CeCOT Prison in El Salvador, against his wishes. The Supreme Court has ruled that the trump administration must facilitate his return to USA. ICE kidnapped and refused to release Mr. Abrego Garcia. He then was taken to El Salvador. Thankfully after many days of not knowing whether Abrego Garcia was dead or alive. Sen. Chris Van Hollen was allowed to visit with with him. His name is Kilmar!
I fixed the typo online. Thank you.
He's a legal resident. He's not a citizen of the United States. But yes it was a kidnapping and the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 against the administration.
I agree that the "citizen" comment needs to be corrected. We don't want to be spreading misinformation about this case. We need to take care with our messages. Yes the man is important, but when it comes to these violations of the Constitution it doesn't matter at all who he is or what his skin color is or whether he has tattoos or whether he was a citizen or whether he beat up his wife or belonged to a gang or anything. The 5th amendment demands ALL PERSONS receive due process and he is a PERSON.
The REPUBLICANS want you to fight on the details because they know they can twist the details to get their followers defending deportation because "PERSON BAD", but he is a PERSON no matter what he did. The FSU shooter suspect is getting due process and is not in CECOT. The guy who allegedly burned the PA gov's mansion to try and unalive Josh Shapiro and immediately confessed is getting due process and is not in another country.
ALL PERSONS
Hi all - self reporting this morning. I asked my three electeds to work harder to bring all illegally deported people back to the US for due process. I really expect more outrage from elected reps - those kidnapped and thrown on a plane for a foreign prison could be any of us. Thanks for the political home, y'all. Kent
Watching pundits (and, according to Axios, some Dem politicians) say that Dems should just let this go makes me absolutely sick. This is not a game. I’d like to ask them who needs to be thrown into a concentration camp for them to decide Dems should act.
If anything, the kidnapping should be at the forefront of what the Dems are trying to stop. Not "let it go". That would be political malpractice and totally wrong.
First of all, protecting and defending the Constitution is the first priority of their position. Second, the rapid fall with hispanic voters I think will be cemented by showing empathy with the affected communities.
So it's the right thing to do, and at least this time, it lines up perfectly with what helps us politically.
Doesn't mean we shouldn't pound the other things, like tariffs, because that is also important and for some voters might be more likely to move them.
Totally agree Annie. We need every Dem to be fighting like hell - however you can do it. I’m temporarily disabled, so I can’t march or even gather right now, but I’m doing everything I can from my chair.
SUCCINCT EXPLANATION: Trump’s policies are not good for American businesses or high income earners. His policies are for the specific benefit of his inner circle – which just happens to include America’s foreign adversaries.
It’s good for kleptocrats!!
Yes, yes yes. Great post. My goal is to see all 23 governors give a state of the state under Trump address every single month on the same day, highlighting the damage that Trump is doing to their state. Also, to point out to Republican representatives and senators that Trump‘s threat to primary them means nothing because if they don’t get it together, they’re not going to be reelected anyway. And if they are afraid of going against him, go against him collectively and impeach him. Lisa Murkowski said yesterday that many are afraid. United we stand…, Lisa!
I was concerned about Murkowski’s comment yesterday, since she’s one of the people in Congress more likely to speak up. From here on, I plan to accompany my asks from my Republican senators and representative with something about the urgency of this moment—that we don’t have the luxury of time for making a stand.
Hey DNC reach out to Senator Murkowski. We are a big tent group😁
Tim Miller of the Bulwark had a podcast on it yesterday. He said, Hey Lisa, if you are that frightened, quit the GOP and come work for pro-democracy, like he and many others have.
I called her office and suggested that she and the other white Senate Republicans who are getting their first threats of violence reach out to Ilhan Omar, Jasmine Crockett, and AOC for tips.
You can give them your ideas here. https://democrats.org/contact-us/
Love this simultaneous monthly state of the states idea! Some echoes of how good governors kept the public up to date during the first, worst part of covid. They may be able to use some of the same logistics for this.
Thanks, I’m presently working on a proposal to the Democratic Governors Association, which is very disappointing in terms of how they coordinate with people who get on their mailing list. Basically you just get a barrage of the same old fundraising messages. What we really need, and monthly appearances by 23 governors if coordinated,would provide, is a united front with the same type of impact that attracts the media. Both a campaign opportunity, but not with campaign speeches, but Ginuwine reports of people hurting and sacrificing and fiercely, courageously fighting. I’m talking speeches like Churchill, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall. Rallies to the cause!
great idea
Let’s try spelling, “genuine” and not making me look like an idiot! 🤓Anyway, just to add that a monthly barrage would have more impact than reports of rallies and Town halls, which are ignored by the media or forgotten too soon.
Rondi, you can edit your original posting. The 3 dots on the upper right of each post is a drop down menu, and for your own posts there is an edit button.
I like your idea of involving the states more. I'm going to call my AG today.
Maybe this idea would even work on a small scale, with multiple or all towns in a county or all suburbs on the west (or whatever) side of the city doing simultaneous special meetings, town halls, or events. Once it gets rolling, others would join. There's extra power in the timing without it being any more work or anything new to figure out.
I like this idea too. When I finish my proposal, I’m going to publish it on my Substack and hope it will be shared widely.
Thanks, Michael! I figured that out after I posted for the second time, but then wanted to add stuff anyway.
$20 million to depose outdated Democratic incumbents
David Hogg, recently elected Vice Chair of the DNC, has announced that his outside group, Leaders We Deserve, will spend $20 million to elect younger primary challengers to older incumbents in safely Democratic districts. (NB. Hogg is not targeting battleground-district members.)
The 25-year-old Parkland Massacre survivor and gun control activist described a "culture of seniority politics" that has made the Democratic Party less effective.
Needless to say, this effort has no shortage of critics, especially from current members of Congress. Congressional Democrats are bracing for a deluge of primary challenges from younger insurgents who say older and more established incumbents aren't effective foils to President Trump.
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/18/house-democrats-david-hogg-primary-dnc
(Edited)
At a minimum, if it makes some of them more eager to do their job and grind things to a halt, it is a good thing.
I think David Hogg’s caution is worth noting. He is not targeting any Congressional representatives from battleground district – which means he’s carefully avoiding putting any seats at risk.
That said, there is no denying that what his outside group is doing here is controversial.
I guess I don't know the details so I probably shouldn't comment at all. But in the broadest sense, some pressure I think is never a bad thing. That was my only point.
I do worry about purity tests or anything that drives people to extremes that will result in unelectable candidates. We have to have people that can represent and win in their districts, which is going to look different.
I am continuing to support Leaders We Deserve, and David Hogg.
I'm a baby boomer, but it is time to turn it over to the next generation who have the most to gain or lose because their expected lifespans are decades longer than my generation and because they are in general more adaptable to a changing world and can bring a necessary fierce energy to the fray. Who do you like, Cory Booker or Chuck Schumer to lead us forward?
I'm not saying discard the old bags, I'm saying they need to step aside in leadership and mentor the next generation. That is wisdom based on a forward looking perspective. We have a talented and dedicated caucus.
Nancy Pelosi had the sense to step away and turn it over to Jeffries. Biden and Schumer... not so much.
I thought it might be helpful to get it from the horses mouth. Here is a brief excerpt from David Hogg's ask ... fyi.
"With all its flaws, the Democratic Party has played a critical role for progress in this country. Revitalizing and rebuilding it is important work. This party is worth fighting for, and not just for the sake of opposing Trump. What that looks like right now is electing younger leaders who have the energy, passion, and vision to meet this moment with the urgency our country deserves.
Through all of this, some incumbents will rise to the challenge and emerge stronger. Others will demonstrate why they should be replaced.
Either way, we all win."
I unsubscribed from Hogg’s emails and texts. What he’s doing is a conflict of interest in my opinion.
I definitely see your point.
I have mixed feelings about David Hogg. But, to be honest, I have not really paid much attention to David Hogg lately.
I too have mixed feelings about what he is doing – especially the conflict of interest that Marlisse points out
David Hogg seems to be equating youth with better leadership and that is not always the case. On the other hand, there are those in Congress, in my opinion, that have passed their expiration date so to speak. But I don't equate that with age. I could say youth lacks wisdom, patience and expertise for how to actually win and then get things done. Excitement and big crowds don't always translate into general election victories. In the past, David Hogg has made comments that I really did not agree with but I also see that primaries are a good thing - except when the losing candidate doesn't bow out graciously. I can think of someone in particular that really hurt our chances in the past.
I understand. I have mixed feelings about David Hogg and about some of his phrasing.
I hope you consider using OATH to facilitate the donations from the Hopium community. Their model which help to prevent excessive spamming of donors is really important.
Hi what is Oath
Simon is familiar. Go to oath.vote. it is a fund raising platform like ActBlue but they shield your personal contact info from the campaigns so you don't get blasted with addl requests.
The official line on Kilmar Abrego Garcia seems to have gone from "No one can see or speak with him and he's definitely never coming back" to "Now that we've proven we're totally not torturing him and the libs are screaming about nothing as usual, he's definitely never coming back." I think this is something of a win already because we made them modify their position at all, even though the "he's never coming back" part is still in there. It shows again that they don't put their money where their mouths are. I hope this leads to more protest, not less.
This meshes with something I have been thinking about. The idea that Democrats should fight like Republicans is powerful, but how? We can’t do it with violence and cruelty and lawlessness.
But I was struck by how the GOP acted like they “won” when the Atlantic changed Jeffrey Goldberg’s wording of what he saw from “war plans” to “battle plans.” Republican leaders treat this country like a reality TV show, as if there were no real stakes except their own wealth. They score points by making Democrats upset and by making us change our wording. We should try to score points back.
You are 100% right that Sen. Van Hollen seeing Mr. Abrego Garcia is a victory we should press hard. They flinched. Let’s take advantage of it.
well, there are others in Kilmar Abrego Garcia's situation also T paying El Salvador for this is illegal - https://migrantinsider.com/p/us-payment-to-el-salvador-for-imprisonment
so we're just at step 1 right now. Does anyone on the comments know how the payments to El Salvador are being made?
And when it comes to defying the courts, Trump is throwing others under the bus. "I'm not involved, talk to the lawyers" is WEAK AS HELL. WEAK WEAK WEAK SCARED LITTLE BABY MAN.
Now everyone involved risks their bar licenses and Trump risks having to pardon people who defied the courts OR people will have second thoughts about carrying out orders they know are unconstitutional. It forces them to back down or escalate in an even more unpopular way.
BOOST THE PRESSURE MORE. THIS FAR AND NO FARTHER.
Oh, and threatening El Salvador with human rights violations means facing possible international actions against the country. ATTACH THESE BUSINESSES TO THE GULAG.
"There are 225 U.S. subsidiaries in El Salvador from 105 U.S. parent companies. U.S. companies with a market presence include AES Corp, Citibank, Chevron, Hanesbrands, Delta, Equifax, FedEx, Fruit of the Loom, Google, Kimberly-Clark, Microsoft, PriceSmart, SBA Communications, United, Walmart, and many others, as well as dozens of U.S franchises."
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/el-salvador-market-overview
Simon, the link you sent out for Founding Members' Zoom is for April 11th. Will that work for today's chat? Senator Van Hollen's phone number is (202) 224-4654. I'm thanking him today for using the power he has in a new way to meet this new situation. He could have just given speeches and introduced bills. Those are good, but traveling to El Salvador and forcing a meeting is geared to be effective in this unprecedented situation. Members of a co-equal branch need to act co-equal. My theory is that Trump told El Salvador to allow the meeting because yesterday's court orders are scaring him. Bullies always fold.
In my calls today I challenged all 3 of my fed reps to find a way to break into the national news cycle and rob Trump and the GOP of their ability to control it.
You know Trump was weak when he said "I'm not involved, talk to the lawyers". That means many people involved risk being outed as in contempt, and Trump has to risk the terrible optics of pardoning people who directly and plainly violated the Constitution. MAKE HIM DO IT or make him DOJ go back on its "NEVER COMING BACK" tweets the man back for his due process.
I bet they put that out in social media partly to control the response of people involved. "Are you gonna go back on the promise from the official White House account?" type of stuff.
I think the states should also consider arresting anyone involved in kidnapping and human trafficking. There should be in states where they are doing this arrest warrants for Noem, Homan, and others. The agents themselves are wearing masks which to me indicates a level of understanding the illegality of their actions. Since when does law enforcement wear masks?
Stuart Stevens of Lincoln Square wrote brilliantly about this strategy on April 9th:
https://www.lincolnsquare.media/p/trump-and-co-are-breaking-laws-arrest
Maybe there are Attorneys General working out strong cases for charging these kidnappers before showing their hands? It’s not something to carry out without a lot of preparation and contingency plans, as much as I’m eager to see Bondi doing a perp walk.
He was the one I watched who got me thinking along those lines. It's obviously an extreme step. But, at some point, when laws are being broken and rights violated, someone has to take action to do the right thing.
So I think he has a point. The problem with that step is that it could easily escalate to the point where federal agents are rounding up for the gulag many other people as a reprisal.
But it is still I thin worth considering.
If they escalate it will become incredibly unpopular. They have to make that choice.
One person I follow said we need radical acceptance of where we are. They compared it to childbirth in the sense that it's a painful process that becomes MUCH more painful if you tense up and try to stop it or ignore it. If you accept the inevitable process then you can focus on what needs to be done and you can focus on the potential happy outcome that awaits you on the other side.
Whatever the hell this country is trying to "give birth to" at this moment is going to be born either way. It's up to us to decide what it's gonna be. Is it gonna be a new nation conceived in lies, hate and corruption? Or will it be a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal? The administration is ALL IN, and so we must also be all in...or face the shame of what our country becomes.
What they fear, they’re really not talking about. They are trying to shift power before their potential audience of “white” people becomes a mere plurality rather than a majority over the next twenty years. I.e. they want to set up a South Africa style minority white Apartheid system to retain themselves as rulers.
Yes! I spoke with someone in my Attorney General’s office yesterday to ask for more aggressive action on these abductions and filing of criminal charges. I was told they are talking with their lawyers and it is something they are already working on. This is here in Massachusetts.
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.:
Here are five must-watch segments for this Holy (Happy Easter) extended weekend from JOY REID, EZRA KLEIN, EDDIE GLAUDE, AND HEATHER COX RICHARDSON. Admittedly, Joy understood the seriousness of the situation years before Ezra and many other folks in the MSM. At least, he now understands the stakes. Professors Cox Richardson and Glaude are simply brilliant. One can see why Sieg Heel and others on the Right want to end our current higher education system.
During her Substack Lives, Joy shares some strong observations about White America’s voting proclivities and the pigmentation of the nascent protest movement. She is now unbound on certain levels (timestamps - 6:30, 14:45, 17:45, 19:30, 25:50, 33:30, 34:45, 37:45, 44:30, 48:15 on courage): https://the.ink/p/watch-joy-reid-on-black-americas . Actually, Joy’s final suggestions to the White citizenry of the nation are similar to that shared by the historian Barbara Walters (timestamp 10:01): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6TLoj6lQC4 . Also, Ahmed Baba has been reporting on Project 2025 since at least 2023. Here is the link (timestamps - 31:29, 33:15, 34:28*, 37:29*, 38:38, 40:28, 43:40, and 45:00): https://www.joyannreid.com/p/a-conversation-with-joy-reid . The whole interview is worthwhile if you have the time.
Ezra Klein calls the El Salvador scenario an “emergency”. It is now an obvious wake-up call for many in society. Here is the link (it is only 12 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN1oBfg0fwI&list=TLPQMTcwNDIwMjVO3ncwwXbgdQ .
Eddie Glaude, in an interview with Wajahat Ali, seems to cover the “racial rage” that Simon mentioned a few weeks ago. Professor Glaude says that this current government is an explicit “White Nationalist Project”; therefore, the ECONOMICS DO NOT MATTER. They have bigger fish (or people) to fry than worry about 10-year rates (timestamps - 9:28, 11:45, 13:00, 16:18, 17:10*, 19:18, 20:25, 23:14, 24:58, 27:00, and 29:28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZqCfDv8_hc&list=TLPQMTcwNDIwMjUd6wug-JZR4g .
Heather Cox Richardson in another interview with Wajahat Ali discusses the merger of the sins of “greed” and “racism” at the beginning of the Republic. The professor explores the concept of exploiting people for cash and this possibly leading to the return of child labor (Arkansas?). She suggests that there needs to be a replication of the “Ice Bucket Challenge” relative to the pain of everyday citizens with the new Administration (regime?). Here is the link (timestamps: 8:46, 10:35, 12:50, 13:50, 15:50, 18:35, 20:24, 23:29, 24:45*, 26:35, 27:10*, 31:05**, 33:45, 41:05, and 44:35): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaFnbdlHGO8&list=TLPQMTcwNDIwMjUd6wug-JZR4g .
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. : 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.P.S: For those observing Passover, be well!
Awesome clips, thanks for posting!
Thanks for the links!
I wholeheartedly agree with Simon’s thoughts today on federalism. It’s likely our strongest bulwark to Trump’s authoritarian ambitions. Score another for the founding fathers.
It’s why, as a NJ resident, I am so keen on our gubernatorial election this year. Thanks to Andy Kim, the Democratic primary is actually competitive. Many I know are undecided (myself included), but actually watching the debates and attending meet & greets. Go democracy!!!
Made my calls focusing on due process (context Kilmar Garcia) and Murkowski’s comments. While she has been part of the enabling GOP a bit too often, I don’t think we can have reconciliation without enough republicans breaking from the death grip. Courage should be encouraged, not shamed.
Finally in this season of renewal I want to share HCR’s Letter from 4/17. There’s hope. 🐣
https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/april-17-2025?r=366pw4&utm_medium=ios
Inspired by Simon, I made a contribution to the Democratic Attorneys General Association (https://dems.ag), which is is the only committee solely dedicated to electing and supporting Democratic state Attorneys General.
I am retired on a fixed income and a small donor. When I think an organization or campaign deserves greater support, I often make a recurring contribution.
The only reason I did not make a recurring contribution to DAGA is that I think DAGA would be a great organization for Hopium to raise funds for, and I would prefer to make a recurring contribution in that context. So, Simon, you make want to consider raising froms for DAGA.
Next month, I will make a recurring contribution, either on my own or through Hopium.
Does anyone else agree that the Kilmar Abrego Garcia “deportation” is sounding more and more fishy by the day? 🤔
Sen. Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador on Wednesday and asked to meet with President Bukele, which was denied as Bukele was (allegedly) out of the country. Sen. Van Hollen was then granted an interview with Vice President Ulloa, who denied his request to meet with Mr. Abrego Garcia. Then suddenly on Thursday, Sen. Van Hollen was allowed to meet with Mr. Abrego Garcia in a nearby restaurant. Photos taken by ??? showed Mr. Abrego Garcia looking quite fit and healthy in street clothes. Later on Thursday, President Bukele mocked their meeting with a Stephen Miller-esque post on X:
“Kilmar Abrego Garcia, miraculously risen from the “death camps” & “torture”, now sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador. Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.”
(Just a quibble that the photos showed no cocktails in the table, but rather coffee cups and water.)
What the heck is going on here? I look forward to Sen. Van Hollen’s return to the U.S., when he provides more details of his trip to El Salvador and meeting with Mr. Abrego Garcia.
Agreed! I am eager to hear what Se. Van Hollen has to say.
Spanish lesson here: It's either Mr. Abrego or Mr. Abrego Garcia. Pretend Spanish speakers hyphenate their names. (This comment is not to target you, Punkette, just to educate anyone reading this. Spanish professor chiming in here.)
Thanks, Elizabeth. I made corrections.
Thank you so much for that!
Kasparov makes a lot of excellent points. However, when he says this —
“The American opposition should spend less time criticizing the content of the administration’s executive actions—eliciting sympathy for a deported individual, say, or decrying the impact of Trump’s tariffs on 401(k) plans—than focusing on its suspect methods.”
— I must respectfully disagree. I think we must do both. Mr. Abrego Garcia is a perfect illustration of what happens when the somewhat abstract concept of due process is gone. Amber Thurman provided proof that abortion bans kill people.
Americans get more invested in injustice to individuals than groups, even if the group is “everyone in America.” It helps show that, yes, it could happen to you. Fortunately, telling the two parts together is often easier than separating them.
True Good point.
I think it’s a question of balance.
Kasparov concern is the loss of focus on the power grab if too much attention is paid on content. I think he has a point even if the two things are not strictly separable, but you need both.
I am concerned about the Garcia case and others that there may not be a clear point at which the public widely recognizes that the Trump administration has clearly up ended the constitution. As things drag on and there’s a lot of to and fro I see that as a risk. So we need to make more people aware.
I have observed that Republicans appeal to emotion, especially fear. This tactic needs to be countered. I do not think we can counter the emotional Repug argument (They're coming to get us!!) with statistics (i. e. immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes) The fact that Senor Abrego Garcia's spouse is out there, loudly calling for the return of her husband, is very powerful. An American citizen was swept up by ICE yesterday in Florida, then released. Powerful photos were published of the man's mother hugging him after his release. This type of media engenders sympathy for those targeted by the current regime and action on their behalf
Trouble is….the MSM isn’t showing these videos/photos. Not enough exposure.
Overall I agree but I think there are different people/groups that can do both to the appropriate communities. Both are important, but both don't need to be mentioned in every single communication. Some people will be persuaded by a combination of both. Some will be persuaded by the Constitutional argument only. His story matters and it also doesn't matter. It matters because it humanizes it and gives a human story for people who care. We have to have radical acceptance that not everyone cares about the man as a human being and those people need to have a message that their selfish/childish "it'll never happen to me" brain can understand.
People need to understand that THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS to the 5th amendment or law enforcement simply does not have to prove anything in any court for anyone. The rule of law can cease to exist at their whims. That was one of the grievances in the Declaration of Indpendence. It's powerful on its own and it stands on its own. The radical right WANTS YOU TO FIGHT THE DETAILS because they can lie about the details to the public and they can persuade their base that any person is a "terrorist", but they have a much harder time lying about the Constitution's plain text that says "ALL PERSONS", which includes terrorists. In that sense, the details of his case get in the way of the ONLY potential persuasive argument for those people because he could be the worst person in history and it wouldn't change his Constitutional rights.
That is well put. Considering the audience and focusing the topic are definitely important.
I do wish the plain text of the Constitution was a better foundation. An insurrectionist got sworn in as President. The Establishment Clause barely exists anymore. The power to tariff has apparently been moved to Article 2. So any prisoner’s Constitutional rights are in a precarious position.
I am not giving up on the Constitution, just wishing the government it establishes treated it with a bit of respect.
Thank you. I totally agree, but we always knew the man wasn't going to abide by the Constitution and the guardrails would NEVER be internal to Trump's brain or his inner circle (nor the vast majority of the GOP as long as his poll numbers are high enough). He has no respect for such things and will go as far as he is allowed. It's up to everyone else to say NO. We're doing it and like Simon and others I believe it's working. Not as fast as any of us would like, but we're potentially starting to see the pieces moving in the right direction and we should be encouraged by that.
As for tariffs (and other econ stuff), I think we should all check out this interview with Elizabeth Warren on CNBC. It's excellent and I'm going to call and thank her and encourage more. She really schools the anchors and shows why none of this is business as usual.
https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/04/17/watch-cnbcs-full-interview-with-senator-elizabeth-warren.html
I’m trying to absorb the significance of AOC and Bernie packing events in RED states like Montana, Idaho and Utah. Simon has said something to the effect that we shouldn’t focus exclusively on the oligarchs trying to sabotage our democracy to feast off of us.
I agree, of course. And the importance of the Letter to America is the conversation… highlighting SOME of the major threats and connecting the dots to help
people see the crisis in real time. And how they and their families are affected.
Just let AOC and Bernie keep doing what they are doing? Be grateful they are focusing on ONE of the crisis points?
I am also grateful that those two are making news, showing that there are Democrats in *every* state, and bringing people together.
Gary, I've been pondering these rallies myself. I believe they are valuable in how they bring lots of people together, energize them, give them hope, and suggest concrete actions they can take.
There were some remarkable speeches at these rallies by local people who addressed issues of regional concern. I learned that the mayor of Boise is defying the Idaho legislature by continuing to fly the pride flag, which is now illegal in Idaho in public spaces. I was blown away by the soaring rhetoric of union leader Sara Nelson at the Missoula rally. I was struck by the organizing prowess of Indivisible leader Sarah Buck at the Salt Lake City rally. And Caroline Gleich: she was something else. How can someone be so hopeful about Utah?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye_rgkItMZQ
Extremely interesting observation, David. Thanx for sharing. This is good.
Trump didn't create the oligarchy. Corporations/big money have had increasing control over the political process and all the institutions of society. The result has been increasing wealth inequality. the American dream receding for more people etc. The life level of dissatisfaction -- the stress of living from paycheck to paycheck -- opens the door to characters like Trump.
Jimmy Carter said 15 years ago that we were already living in an Oligarchy and that we needed to step up and reclaim democracy that works for everyone. You are right it's been lurking for awhile. 47 has simply legitimized it.
Simon, you can add another People's Town Hall to the list: April 25, 5:30-7:30pm, Spokane Community College (in Washington's 5th Congressional District). Hosted by the WA Democrats and featuring Congresswoman Emily Randall. Watch the livestream on the WA Democrats YouTube channel or sign up to attend: http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffoJoQ2KxU2BndzDiMjtXaK-o5fDM8Jiwtb_QxfqS07mBwgA/viewform