Joe, you have 60 minutes to respond to this message - prove what you are saying is true, or you will be banned from this site. Coming on here with "allegations" and a "reliable sources" and sowing mistrust at a time of national emergency is self-indulgent and ridiculous. I am busting my fucking ass here all day long every day. If you don't like it, leave. But do not bring this bullshit into our community. It is 1036pm. You have 60 minutes. And what I have written here again and again and again is that those who are seeking to turn us on each other rather than keeping the focus on Trump and Musk are doing Trump's work for them. That you are forcing me to respond to this is taking me away from far more productive activity. It is corrosive and self-indulgent.
And to be clear I take down posts that I think are offensive or are directing people to actions that are exposing our community to unnecessary risk. I have been very clear about this literally every single day here. Here is what I wrote today, no hide the ball, no games:
A note - while physical protests and rallies are a vital part of how we build our new opposition movement, make sure you only attend or promote events by organizations you know and trust. Please do not support any action - boycott, protest, rally, etc - unless you know and trust the organizers. Given the import of our work now I don’t think it wise or advisable to lend our support to newly formed, opaque organizations without a proven track record of working with Democratic groups and leaders.
Your comment is disappointing. The work we are reporting here is based on the actions that Simon has called for here at Hopium Chronicles and is not focused on protests, rallies and boycotts, especially when the initial sponsor is unknown.
The original commenter was saying how disappointed they are in you, Simon, for not having further coverage of the protests in the Hopium info-letter today.
Deborah I have no idea what you are talking about. You are mixing me up with someone else. I said nothing of the kind. You, on the other hand, scolded me for attending protests with the assumption I did not know the organizer. I do know the organizers. I do not wish to participate in a circular firing squad.
This is what I did yesterday, Presidents Day: a 3,000 person protest at the Colorado state capitol in Denver. Speakers, and then a surprise—the organizers had secured permits for a march and so we marched through downtown as the police closed off the streets!
It was sorely needed. I have been filled with rage and grief, and being with all these like-minded people really helped me.
I’ve been doing my solitary daily actions (calls, emails, texts, donations, Zoom training) but being physically in solidarity with other people is what I’ve been missing.
My sign appears about 50 seconds into this local coverage of the event:
You said it so beautifully, Karen. I joined the protest in Seattle and, like you said, it was heartening, to see fellow Americans pouring into the Federal Building plaza. Very peaceful but emphatic in objection to what’s happening in our country. Also, calling daily, donated to all Hopium campaigns, and now writing postcards for Susan Crawford. Go Hopium team!
my friend went to the march in tampa, fl. she said it was amazing. very well planned. no problems. they even had water & snacks. she was thrilled to be with other people protesting. it gave her courage and strength. she is in her 70's.
Coloradans (or Coloradoans), call Rep. Gabe Evans local offices, and leave a polite message. Greeley office (970) 324-2567, or his Northglenn office (303) 723-6560, or both!
Leave your name and phone number and say you are a Colorado constituent.
Last night, my Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) held a tele-town hall on Zoom and I just want everyone to know that the calls we make matter. Twice during the call, she committed that Democrats would not vote for any Republican budget or government funding bill. As Simon laid out yesterday, this is one of the things in their power. Republicans have the majority and it's up to them to fund the government and pass a budget. If they need D's to help, then the lawlessness and criming have to stop before D's give them one vote. Keep calling your reps and senators. It matters.
I would also give my rep some credit for what she did last night. She's 71 and been in Congress for a long time, but she was out there, trying to get communicate in a new-ish way and reach the voters where they are. She and her staff have a ways to go, but they are trying. Let's keep teaching them and prodding them to do more. Keep up the fight everyone!
It continues to astound me that Trump consistently treats America’s allies as his worst adversaries while treating dictators and adversaries as his closest friends. The international repercussions of this abhorrent lunacy are profound and accelerating.
People believed the lies because they wanted to. Buyers remorse is finally sinking in for some but not enough. We hope that they remember in 2026 and vote accordingly. So grateful for these groups that help us keep our sanity…
I'm not astounded. It's quite natural for him. When involved in a long-time relationship, he gets the feeling that if he doesn't own you, you must be taking advantage of him. Those he has had no relationship with can start off on a "foot" he thinks he can control. I hear North Korea has really nice seafront property.
I believe it displays his personal pathology and dysfunction, aka he's a bully but a weak man. There's no sign that he has either the intelligence or the self control to execute more complicated strategy.
I'm not the least surprised. He is a Putin toady, wants to be him. Remember that board game Risk? After all, Musk may not be the richest man in the world, Putin is. All those secret meetings he had with Putin and his henchmen (including in Saudi Arabia as we speak). Putin is his mentor and is guiding him through the playbook. Remember Reykjavik? The whole thing has been staring us in the face since 2017. Where's the military? They swore an oath and it wasn't to the commander in chief.
Five of us in my little group cannot get through yet to Senators Durbin or Duckworth. We will keep trying. We all sent the email/contact forms very early. Our topics were Patel for FBI and the FAA layoffs.
I was able to leave a voice mail at Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's local office. She is having a town hall here on Wednesday. I requested that the town hall also be available on Google Meet or Zoom. I have a bad cold and will not go in person. Have not heard back yet.
Then I sent Jan Schakowsky a contact form email. Here it is:
"I do not understand how trump/musk could layoff crucial employees in FAA, NIH, HHS, and other agencies. Wasn’t this money already appropriated in the last round of budget negotiations? The next budget negotiations are coming up on March 14. What can be done?
Of course, all of us are deeply concerned by the unconstitutional acts the current administration is taking. We write to Senators Durbin and Duckworth daily. We prepare our scripts for our phone calls and follow up contact form emails ahead of time. We are not giving up. We are also truly grateful Governor Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are participating in many multi-state lawsuits against the current administration."
There were small protests in Evanston and downtown Chicago yesterday. It was 4 degrees and quite windy, bringing the feels like temperature to -20. 50 protested in Evanston; "dozens" in downtown Chicago per the Chicago Sun Times. At this point I do not feel protests are the answer and they are not my "thing". To be continued ....
I can’t reach my senators—Fetterman and McCormick—either. I leave messages on voicemail and constantly write to them. So far, I don’t know if it’s effective, but it’s the best I can do. I intend to keep trying.
I wrote to Fetterman and he is not even my senator, when he voted yes for whoever it was in T's cabinet. I told him I was disappointed. I frequently write to other senators to thank them for their work, but my main 2 are Cornyn and Cruz from TX. I am sure they know my name by now! haha
Linda, your reports are both motivational and inspirational. I continue to glean good ideas for action and wording from your notes. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻💖🇺🇸
Linda - I'm in Peoria and have yet to reach Senators Durbin or Duckworth's office on the phone. I assume it's the volume of calls. But I don't miss using their email contact on their websites daily. Let's keep reminding them that we're relying on them!
I am a new follower and support all you are doing. I am 87 years old and I must tell you how you're referring to Trump as "old" as if that goes along with being reckless and all his other negative qualities bothers me. Please stop the ageism. We can't help our age just like we can't help our race, gender preference, or anything else. It's about character, competence, integrity, and caring about other people--not age!! I'm a lifelong liberal democrat and I can't help it if I'm also 87.
I really hope that this current reality is just a twisted Mel Brook’s comedy (e.g. “The Producers”). PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WIKIPEDIA PASSAGE (the first two paragraphs will work): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Schmitt . Now, again review this article about PT of Palantir (see the section about WHO DOES HE LEARN FROM): https://reason.com/2020/08/02/wait-wasnt-peter-thiel-a-libertarian/ . What a coincidence that his father would go on to spend a number of years to possibly help build a “bomb” to protect SA apartheid. Certain ideologies die hard!
Are WE in the middle of a Marvel or a Bond Movie? Is someone about to jump out and yell, “Heil Hydra” or wear a “Red Skull” mask? Oh, Leon may have already done so - metaphorically, of course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjWl_RNDMSA.
As I’ve shared previously, there was a Bond villain, Drax, in the Fleming book, “Moonraker” (not the 1979 movie). He was a British military contractor with a specialized missile company. In fact, Drax was a secret adherent of “National Socialism” who was working with the Soviets after WWII to destroy The West from the inside. In the book, he fails in his mission, thanks to Mr. Bond and his female sidekick of the moment.
If only, there was something that we could do to get the attention of Leon or his shareholders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-GBkFoeIU . Thank you, Sheryl!! Hopefully, her simple act will start a trend.
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.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
In Illinois we have our own version of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. I'm thinking if musk ever came to Illinois there could be a warrant already prepared so he could be taken in to custody. The staff at Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, already overworked with all the multi-state law suits we are involved in, must think I am nuts. I've not heard back.
thank you Simon - for speaking to the growing realization of an even darker truth - Elon/Project 2025 are going beyond challenging democracy and threatening fascist regime in Ameria, they are SELLING AMERICA OUT - it is life or death now not just for the Constitution, but for the country. Perhaps they see mirroring Russia, with Elon as a new "Putin", as the ultimate power trip - and perhaps they don't care what happens to the majority of Americans who are resisting- only the loyalists can survive, while the rest can just "die out".
I’m thrilled to see reputable sources reporting on how widespread the 50501 organized protests are going and I believe we need to grow these and pass along the information. Massive movement in the streets is getting attention and will move the needle.
50501 supposedly began by person “Evolved_fungi” on Reddit. While original post(s) were deleted, they can still be accessed as shown in the Snopes analysis.
Pamsy, appreciate your strong advocacy for protest - which I share - and for 50501 which I am a bit more skeptical about. Can you do us a favor and help us understand who you think is behind 50501? Who runs it? Funds it? None of that is clear from its site; and two of its three primary partners are also completely anonymous organizations. I am for protest now but feel strongly that they should be run by transparent, known and trusted organizations; and be local if possible, to make it more likely proper permitting is followed and the whole process is more accountable and over time more successful.
Thank you, Simon. Also, on the issue of feeling part of something in addition to Hopium, I mention again Tim Snyder's [anti-fascism] point to getting involved with local orgs. Helps build community beyond the momentary of a demo and build structures in the community even if not all agree on what is to be done at the moment
100%. street protests will bring cameras and attention to electeds. they are a prelude to general strikes where i think we are headed. and bring togetherness to the rest of us. just keep it civil.
The second part of my report: Yesterday I received urgent emails and texts from Wis Dems asking for more donations for Judge Crawford. Now musk is pouring a great deal of money into the campaign of her opponent, a really horrible human being, Brad Schimel. I'm already giving $$$ monthly. I mailed 60 postcardstovoters.org for Judge Crawford this morning. I think that brings my total to 350 since the lists came out.
I'm also of course doing the other donations: Abigail Spanberger, DNC, etc. I'm also already donating to three 2026 Senate races, Jon Ossoff-GA, Cory Booker-NJ, and Tina Smith-MN. It's quite upsetting to think about how much dark money the other side could put in to these races. Thinking about the losses of Sherrod Brown, Jon Tester, and Bob Casey.
To ask her and Doug to fund raise through their wealthy donors for Ken Martin/DNC. Steve Spielberg, George Clooney others. Doug is an entertainment attorney after all.
I appreciate that you focused on what now seems to be the US-Russia axis. I saw a quote from the FT this morning written by Gideon Rachman that brought tears to my eyes, "It is clear that the US can no longer be regarded a a reliable ally for the Europeans." More than a catastrophe, this is a tragedy of epic proportions if Trump/Musk are allowed to continue down this road. Every effort big or small is worth it in order to stop this dystopian duo. Thank you, Simon, for all that you are doing to help us hang together for the good of our country.
HELL YEAH! INFOWAR!!!!!
Joe, you have 60 minutes to respond to this message - prove what you are saying is true, or you will be banned from this site. Coming on here with "allegations" and a "reliable sources" and sowing mistrust at a time of national emergency is self-indulgent and ridiculous. I am busting my fucking ass here all day long every day. If you don't like it, leave. But do not bring this bullshit into our community. It is 1036pm. You have 60 minutes. And what I have written here again and again and again is that those who are seeking to turn us on each other rather than keeping the focus on Trump and Musk are doing Trump's work for them. That you are forcing me to respond to this is taking me away from far more productive activity. It is corrosive and self-indulgent.
And to be clear I take down posts that I think are offensive or are directing people to actions that are exposing our community to unnecessary risk. I have been very clear about this literally every single day here. Here is what I wrote today, no hide the ball, no games:
A note - while physical protests and rallies are a vital part of how we build our new opposition movement, make sure you only attend or promote events by organizations you know and trust. Please do not support any action - boycott, protest, rally, etc - unless you know and trust the organizers. Given the import of our work now I don’t think it wise or advisable to lend our support to newly formed, opaque organizations without a proven track record of working with Democratic groups and leaders.
Your comment is disappointing. The work we are reporting here is based on the actions that Simon has called for here at Hopium Chronicles and is not focused on protests, rallies and boycotts, especially when the initial sponsor is unknown.
I know the sponsors. But I don’t know you.
Maureen, can you provide context here? I know Deborah, and can vouch for her.
The original commenter was saying how disappointed they are in you, Simon, for not having further coverage of the protests in the Hopium info-letter today.
Deborah I have no idea what you are talking about. You are mixing me up with someone else. I said nothing of the kind. You, on the other hand, scolded me for attending protests with the assumption I did not know the organizer. I do know the organizers. I do not wish to participate in a circular firing squad.
PS If I'm the one who got mixed up, and you were commenting on someone else's page, I apologize.
Well yeah, because that isn't what this place is for! Good grief...
Hical, we are raising money for her through Hopium. Please use this link - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hopiumwiklercrawford and head back to today's post for me. Thank you - S
Thank you for all that great info. Any chance democrats can push for this too? Congressional Reform Act. https://www.facebook.com/share/15Hkb21792/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I refuse to do Facebook. Is there another source for this? Is this a recent proposal?
This is what I did yesterday, Presidents Day: a 3,000 person protest at the Colorado state capitol in Denver. Speakers, and then a surprise—the organizers had secured permits for a march and so we marched through downtown as the police closed off the streets!
It was sorely needed. I have been filled with rage and grief, and being with all these like-minded people really helped me.
I’ve been doing my solitary daily actions (calls, emails, texts, donations, Zoom training) but being physically in solidarity with other people is what I’ve been missing.
My sign appears about 50 seconds into this local coverage of the event:
https://youtu.be/XvPuICXD92o?si=hdaaqZ85Rdt5GVj4
Fantastic, Karen. So proud of you all. Love your post and thanks for sharing a clip of local news coverage! 👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾
You said it so beautifully, Karen. I joined the protest in Seattle and, like you said, it was heartening, to see fellow Americans pouring into the Federal Building plaza. Very peaceful but emphatic in objection to what’s happening in our country. Also, calling daily, donated to all Hopium campaigns, and now writing postcards for Susan Crawford. Go Hopium team!
Thank you!! Such great news to hear.
Where do you find out about Seattle events?
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/02/17/denver-protest-donald-trump-climate-immigration-raids-firings-democracy/?share=i7wimrtsncpiuprmiea1 AND https://www.denverpost.com/2025/02/17/rmnp-save-our-park-protest-estes-park/?share=ostrs77thareaereova0
The Denver rally and march was amazing! Great energy and response from the public.
Also, a group showed up at Rocky Mountain National Park to protest firings.
We are contacting new freshman Rep. Gabe Evans' offices in neighboring CO CD8 about all the Bad DOGe actions!
my friend went to the march in tampa, fl. she said it was amazing. very well planned. no problems. they even had water & snacks. she was thrilled to be with other people protesting. it gave her courage and strength. she is in her 70's.
That is great, David. I’m in CD-6 (Jason Crow) so thank you for contacting Gabe Evans. I was heartbroken that he defeated Caraveo.
Coloradans (or Coloradoans), call Rep. Gabe Evans local offices, and leave a polite message. Greeley office (970) 324-2567, or his Northglenn office (303) 723-6560, or both!
Leave your name and phone number and say you are a Colorado constituent.
Yay!!! Thank you and everyone who was out at an event!!!
You’re awesome!!!
💖
Last night, my Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) held a tele-town hall on Zoom and I just want everyone to know that the calls we make matter. Twice during the call, she committed that Democrats would not vote for any Republican budget or government funding bill. As Simon laid out yesterday, this is one of the things in their power. Republicans have the majority and it's up to them to fund the government and pass a budget. If they need D's to help, then the lawlessness and criming have to stop before D's give them one vote. Keep calling your reps and senators. It matters.
I would also give my rep some credit for what she did last night. She's 71 and been in Congress for a long time, but she was out there, trying to get communicate in a new-ish way and reach the voters where they are. She and her staff have a ways to go, but they are trying. Let's keep teaching them and prodding them to do more. Keep up the fight everyone!
Thank you. The new budget negotiations are coming up on March 14. I asked my Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky the same thing this morning.
I love that!
It continues to astound me that Trump consistently treats America’s allies as his worst adversaries while treating dictators and adversaries as his closest friends. The international repercussions of this abhorrent lunacy are profound and accelerating.
Trump has zero understanding of history or macroeconomics.
And yet he is the elected president of the United States of America.
Meaning he's not the only one with limited understanding.
People believed the lies because they wanted to. Buyers remorse is finally sinking in for some but not enough. We hope that they remember in 2026 and vote accordingly. So grateful for these groups that help us keep our sanity…
Fits in perfect, neither do his supporters
I'm not astounded. It's quite natural for him. When involved in a long-time relationship, he gets the feeling that if he doesn't own you, you must be taking advantage of him. Those he has had no relationship with can start off on a "foot" he thinks he can control. I hear North Korea has really nice seafront property.
I believe it displays his personal pathology and dysfunction, aka he's a bully but a weak man. There's no sign that he has either the intelligence or the self control to execute more complicated strategy.
I'm not the least surprised. He is a Putin toady, wants to be him. Remember that board game Risk? After all, Musk may not be the richest man in the world, Putin is. All those secret meetings he had with Putin and his henchmen (including in Saudi Arabia as we speak). Putin is his mentor and is guiding him through the playbook. Remember Reykjavik? The whole thing has been staring us in the face since 2017. Where's the military? They swore an oath and it wasn't to the commander in chief.
He’s not an American. He’s a Richie. No one in his family served in uniform. He thinks that is for suckers. More should be made of this …
My report:
Five of us in my little group cannot get through yet to Senators Durbin or Duckworth. We will keep trying. We all sent the email/contact forms very early. Our topics were Patel for FBI and the FAA layoffs.
I was able to leave a voice mail at Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's local office. She is having a town hall here on Wednesday. I requested that the town hall also be available on Google Meet or Zoom. I have a bad cold and will not go in person. Have not heard back yet.
Then I sent Jan Schakowsky a contact form email. Here it is:
"I do not understand how trump/musk could layoff crucial employees in FAA, NIH, HHS, and other agencies. Wasn’t this money already appropriated in the last round of budget negotiations? The next budget negotiations are coming up on March 14. What can be done?
Of course, all of us are deeply concerned by the unconstitutional acts the current administration is taking. We write to Senators Durbin and Duckworth daily. We prepare our scripts for our phone calls and follow up contact form emails ahead of time. We are not giving up. We are also truly grateful Governor Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul are participating in many multi-state lawsuits against the current administration."
There were small protests in Evanston and downtown Chicago yesterday. It was 4 degrees and quite windy, bringing the feels like temperature to -20. 50 protested in Evanston; "dozens" in downtown Chicago per the Chicago Sun Times. At this point I do not feel protests are the answer and they are not my "thing". To be continued ....
I can’t reach my senators—Fetterman and McCormick—either. I leave messages on voicemail and constantly write to them. So far, I don’t know if it’s effective, but it’s the best I can do. I intend to keep trying.
Congressional staff do a stroke count on the calls regarding issues. I always leave a message and often write as well. It does count.
I wrote to Fetterman and he is not even my senator, when he voted yes for whoever it was in T's cabinet. I told him I was disappointed. I frequently write to other senators to thank them for their work, but my main 2 are Cornyn and Cruz from TX. I am sure they know my name by now! haha
Linda, your reports are both motivational and inspirational. I continue to glean good ideas for action and wording from your notes. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻💖🇺🇸
Linda - I'm in Peoria and have yet to reach Senators Durbin or Duckworth's office on the phone. I assume it's the volume of calls. But I don't miss using their email contact on their websites daily. Let's keep reminding them that we're relying on them!
We started calling at 8:45 am and still have no luck
could be as Kent says due to volume of calls. I leave telephone messages
I am a new follower and support all you are doing. I am 87 years old and I must tell you how you're referring to Trump as "old" as if that goes along with being reckless and all his other negative qualities bothers me. Please stop the ageism. We can't help our age just like we can't help our race, gender preference, or anything else. It's about character, competence, integrity, and caring about other people--not age!! I'm a lifelong liberal democrat and I can't help it if I'm also 87.
Your point is well taken, but I feel obligated to point out that when he says "old," he almost certainly doesn't mean it like that.
My husband is calling our senators ( CA) and representative every day. I call and write couple times a week. Schiff has been very
responsive with personal responses and how to let him know our concerns. Writing our state AG to file against Musk and Trump.
Simon et al.:
I really hope that this current reality is just a twisted Mel Brook’s comedy (e.g. “The Producers”). PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WIKIPEDIA PASSAGE (the first two paragraphs will work): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Schmitt . Now, again review this article about PT of Palantir (see the section about WHO DOES HE LEARN FROM): https://reason.com/2020/08/02/wait-wasnt-peter-thiel-a-libertarian/ . What a coincidence that his father would go on to spend a number of years to possibly help build a “bomb” to protect SA apartheid. Certain ideologies die hard!
Are WE in the middle of a Marvel or a Bond Movie? Is someone about to jump out and yell, “Heil Hydra” or wear a “Red Skull” mask? Oh, Leon may have already done so - metaphorically, of course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjWl_RNDMSA.
As I’ve shared previously, there was a Bond villain, Drax, in the Fleming book, “Moonraker” (not the 1979 movie). He was a British military contractor with a specialized missile company. In fact, Drax was a secret adherent of “National Socialism” who was working with the Soviets after WWII to destroy The West from the inside. In the book, he fails in his mission, thanks to Mr. Bond and his female sidekick of the moment.
If only, there was something that we could do to get the attention of Leon or his shareholders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-GBkFoeIU . Thank you, Sheryl!! Hopefully, her simple act will start a trend.
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.: Here are some ideas for BLACK HISTORY MONTH: https://time.com/charter/6253458/black-history-month-how-to-observe/ . From the “Middle Passage” (chained in the holds of slave ships) to more recent history (a POTUS and a VPOTUS), think about their perseverance! Take their example.
Please say more specifically about what a criminal referral should look like.
In Illinois we have our own version of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. I'm thinking if musk ever came to Illinois there could be a warrant already prepared so he could be taken in to custody. The staff at Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, already overworked with all the multi-state law suits we are involved in, must think I am nuts. I've not heard back.
"Introduction to Criminal Referrals by Congress" by the Congressional Research Service 2022
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10879
thank you Simon - for speaking to the growing realization of an even darker truth - Elon/Project 2025 are going beyond challenging democracy and threatening fascist regime in Ameria, they are SELLING AMERICA OUT - it is life or death now not just for the Constitution, but for the country. Perhaps they see mirroring Russia, with Elon as a new "Putin", as the ultimate power trip - and perhaps they don't care what happens to the majority of Americans who are resisting- only the loyalists can survive, while the rest can just "die out".
I’m thrilled to see reputable sources reporting on how widespread the 50501 organized protests are going and I believe we need to grow these and pass along the information. Massive movement in the streets is getting attention and will move the needle.
https://contrarian.substack.com/p/see-americans-celebrate-no-kings?triedRedirect=true
Here is some history to consider. "Reliable Sources" are joining unvetted protesters.
https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/02/04/anti-trump-state-capitol-protests-february-5/
50501 supposedly began by person “Evolved_fungi” on Reddit. While original post(s) were deleted, they can still be accessed as shown in the Snopes analysis.
thank you, very useful
Pamsy, appreciate your strong advocacy for protest - which I share - and for 50501 which I am a bit more skeptical about. Can you do us a favor and help us understand who you think is behind 50501? Who runs it? Funds it? None of that is clear from its site; and two of its three primary partners are also completely anonymous organizations. I am for protest now but feel strongly that they should be run by transparent, known and trusted organizations; and be local if possible, to make it more likely proper permitting is followed and the whole process is more accountable and over time more successful.
Thank you, Simon. Also, on the issue of feeling part of something in addition to Hopium, I mention again Tim Snyder's [anti-fascism] point to getting involved with local orgs. Helps build community beyond the momentary of a demo and build structures in the community even if not all agree on what is to be done at the moment
100%. street protests will bring cameras and attention to electeds. they are a prelude to general strikes where i think we are headed. and bring togetherness to the rest of us. just keep it civil.
The second part of my report: Yesterday I received urgent emails and texts from Wis Dems asking for more donations for Judge Crawford. Now musk is pouring a great deal of money into the campaign of her opponent, a really horrible human being, Brad Schimel. I'm already giving $$$ monthly. I mailed 60 postcardstovoters.org for Judge Crawford this morning. I think that brings my total to 350 since the lists came out.
I'm also of course doing the other donations: Abigail Spanberger, DNC, etc. I'm also already donating to three 2026 Senate races, Jon Ossoff-GA, Cory Booker-NJ, and Tina Smith-MN. It's quite upsetting to think about how much dark money the other side could put in to these races. Thinking about the losses of Sherrod Brown, Jon Tester, and Bob Casey.
I still plan to write an email to kamalaharris.com/connect but have not drafted the email yet.
Linda, so appreciate your tireless efforts to get the word out. I see you everywhere!! Thank you so much!!
I'm writing with Postcards to Voters this afternoon! What is the email to Kamala's website about? I missed that one.
To ask her and Doug to fund raise through their wealthy donors for Ken Martin/DNC. Steve Spielberg, George Clooney others. Doug is an entertainment attorney after all.
This does seem like a good idea!
I appreciate that you focused on what now seems to be the US-Russia axis. I saw a quote from the FT this morning written by Gideon Rachman that brought tears to my eyes, "It is clear that the US can no longer be regarded a a reliable ally for the Europeans." More than a catastrophe, this is a tragedy of epic proportions if Trump/Musk are allowed to continue down this road. Every effort big or small is worth it in order to stop this dystopian duo. Thank you, Simon, for all that you are doing to help us hang together for the good of our country.