British skier Gus Kenworthy will not be punished after appearing to urinate a graphic message about the United States' immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) in the snow, then posting a photograph of it online.
Kenworthy shared the image - in which 'ICE' was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he is due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy. A spokesperson from the International Olympic Committee told the Press Association that Kenworthy would not be punished for the post.
"During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts," they said.
In his Instagram post, Kenworthy [who has lived most of his life in the United States] added: "Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can't wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities."
What's really interesting about this, AS, is that for a *century*--even during the Berlin Games of 1936‐‐the IOC has been on a very high horse about keeping politics out of the Games (to the disgrace of one Avery Brundage in '36). What does it say about what Trump has wrought that an Olympian basically writes FUCK THE US in urine (at least that's how the Muricans in MAGA will read it), and the pooh-bahs basically said "go for it." Don't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe both.
Hi everyone, this is my fifth reposting of my comment from Monday's post regarding Resist and Unsubscribe. Want to get this in front as many eyes as possible. The more people who can unsubscribe from just one of the list companies, the more leverage we generate. Please continue to share this your people/ group/ social circle. Max pressure needs to be applied. Thank you. 🚨🚨This action is gaining some real momentum, please help it accelerate even more! 🚨🚨
********************************************
The another area that is not getting enough attention is the complete silence of Corporate America. What is the purpose of "f*ck you money", if you don't tell this Administration to f*ck off? We need to call out their silence and inaction and put real pressure on them. It is time for them to stand up, be accountable, and tell this Administration to stop this un-American actions.
Please check out this site. resistandunsubscribe.com This is an organized, sane way for the average person to apply the only pressure that Corporate America understands, money. Simply unsubscribe from as many of the listed services as you can. Does not matter on how many you can unsubscribe from, just one is great. Each of us have are own circumstances, do what you/ your household can do. The key is duration. It needs to be a minimum of a month. Hope you will check it out, act and share.
FYI: Don't think this kind of pressure campaign doesn't work? The most recent example of how well this works is when ABC cancelled Kimmel, million of subscribers cancel Hulu. All of a sudden Kimmel is back on the air.
Thanks! You encouraged me. I am going to delete Amazon and figure out how to cancel Prime. I have been using it less and less and feel relief of getting rid of the ick feeling when I buy something!
Happy to encourage you. The http://resistandunsubscribe.com/ gives instructions on how to cancel the various services. I did not have to talk to anyone. Was also able to leave a written reason why I was leaving.
That abhorrent and racist Obama video on Trump’s "Truth Social" (sic) was definitely NOT mistakenly posted by a White House staffer. From the latest blog published by Heather Cox Richardson:
"Later tonight on Air Force One, Trump said that he had posted it himself.
When a reporter asked if he would apologize, he said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”"
So NBC has joined Fox, CBS, and ABC in cowardice. Maybe their broadcast licenses should be given to non-profits who understand that with rights come responsibilities.
Sorry to repeat but it so applies to Trump. How do you know when Trump is lying? His lips are moving. Trump is a racist. He hates Obama bc Obama, a Black former president, is beloved worldwide. Oh and Obama has a Nobel Peace Prize that he did not have to beg or threaten to get.
I’m sorry Simon… feeling beyond frustrated and so sad today…Have to share with my Hopium gang. Just when you think DT can’t sink any lower in the sewage pile, he shows he truly can.
And no one stops him.
I have hope, however, and will continue to take the small resistance actions I’ve been taking. I’m thankful for this uplifting online community .
I took heart actually that some Rs did speak up along with T-voters who felt disgusted, and that he was forced to delete the post. It would have taken a lot of voices to make that happen. Nobody stops him ahead of time, true. So he shows who he is, and now more people react.
And gets questioned from press about the vile posting rather than new release of Epstein documents out. He’s very very consistent to swivel attention. So glad R Garcia ever so fiercely on it and won’t be dissuaded. trump knows we have to address something so vile.
i am beginning to think that we just need to ignore satan. he is term limited, sundowning, physically falling apart, just grifting now and seeking his name on everything. he's just a prop they roll out. so let's focus on what can make a difference: elected house & senate repubs. they are the ones that can stop him. so let's laser focus on them. with dems, independents, non maga repubs demanding they stop him now. and let's try and get some repubs to caucus with dems to create an interim ruling coalition. we are almost a majority in the house and there are a few senators who could join us for the next three years. and who knows, we might win house & senate in midterms. these repubs do this to keep their jobs. they think their jobs/paychk/power are more important than saving the United States of America. let's show them what patriotism means.
I think we should make sure, actively, that he brings down as many of those soul-less sycophants with him when he topples, and make sure he topples sooner rather than later. No backing down.
So, again, this brings to mind something I commented about a few days ago. And I keep hearing it in my head - it gets triggered every day by something.
Michael Wolff (uh-huh, I approach what he says/writes cautiously, too, because he has his own self-interests to attend to) said this about Trump: He will not let another Republican succeed him. He will sabotage the Repub candidate for 2028. He needs a DEM to succeed him so he can be the real ruler, in exile, down at MaL when he leaves the WH (which he will). He will not be outshone by one of his own because he is nonpareil. MAGA is not a cult - it is a fan club.
And if you watch Joe Scarborough (yes, again, I know, another guy with his self-interests to attend to), he kvetches and yells in the mornings that Trump/his enablers keep stepping on the shovel, hitting themselves in the head, ensuring that fewer and fewer people will vote Repub in the coming elections.
And, more and more, I see this reality pulling together.
It seems to me that the racist piggy in the WH and his dead pedophile comrade JE are one and the same person. Wonder who flipped whom!?? Grateful to Poland’s President Donald Tusk beginning an investigation into JE, Russia. I fully expect the racist piggy’s name will also appear!
I heard last night (perhaps on PBS Newshour) that the Democrats have already caved on the proposed REQUIREMENT THAT ICE AGENTS ARE FORBIDDEN TO WEAR MASKS AND MUST HAVE PLAINLY VISIBLE IDs ON THEIR UNIFORMS.
If Congressional Democrats cave on this basic requirement - what are they good for???
In another text chain I mentioned hearing about the fact that Senate Democrats had already caved on requiring the unmasking of ICE agents. You asked me to supply the source. I just found it. Last night, on the PBS News Hour - in the absences of Brooks and Capehart, the show featured Atkins-Stores and Parker. The segment can be found directly from the PBS App. At around minute 7 of that segment - a discussion begins with Jeff Bennett saying: “..it appears that the Democrats have folded on their demand that ICE agents not wear masks…going on to reference a comment by Chuck Schumer.
So what you wrote above was "caving" on masks and IDs. So not IDs? Just masks?
Here is the context to this. In an interview yesterday Schumer acknowledged they may have to carve out in the law exceptions to the no mask policy as there may be circumstances where it would be appropriate for ICE to wear masks. Let's see what comes out in the legislative text of the bills when released.
People on line went insane over this. I do not read it as a retreat. It remains the second item on their joint agenda, and is something we are all still fighting for.
The impulse in the family to seek ways to undermine and degrade our leaders has become a corrosive sickness. Schumer and Jeffries did what everyone wanted this week. Take the fucking win brother and please correct/amend your post for it has false and misleading information in it.
We’re fighting fascism after losing the battle in 2024.
I get very tired of the we caved, we’re going to lose, etc., outlook.
I am to your left, but totally agree with your focus on unity during these horrible times. As in WW II, to defeat fascism, we should welcome all opponents. And put our energy to fight fascism and protect people.
Hakeem Jeffries doesn't seem to be in a mood to compromise with Republicans right now.
“This disgusting video, posted by the so-called president, was done intentionally. F*ck Donald Trump and his vile, racist, and malignant behavior. This guy is an unhinged bottom feeder. President Obama and Michelle Obama are brilliant, caring, and patriotic Americans. They represent the best of this country. It’s time for John Thune, Mike Johnson, and Republicans to denounce this serial fraudster, who’s sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue pretending to be the president of the United States.”
Headed to nearby Red Bank, NJ where they are hosting an event in which folks are patronizing immigrant-owned restaurants and businesses that have taken a hit due to the ICE activity in town. It's 15 degrees with 40 MPH wind gusts, but we're not letting that stop us from helping out when and where we can.
Great tele-town hall last night w Sen. Kim on the fight to restore funding for the Gateway Tunnel project; he went in-depth on how damaging this is to NJ/NY economies and to the nation as a whole. Every single train that travels along the Northeast corridor passes through that tunnel, and if it's not fixed, people will die--to say nothing of the long overdue expansion of rail capacity that's essential to our economy nationwide. He's in DC staying engaged w the DHS negotiations, while Sen. Booker has been out and about around the state speaking out re ICE abuses. And got to love Leader Jeffries dropping the F bomb on Orange. More please! Keep going!
Dress for wind and cold, Lisa. It's brutal here in NYC near the Hudson, can just imagine what it's like by Red Bank.
This a.m., on MSnow, Jeffries was being pushed to call Trump a racist. I really appreciated the nuanced way he chose to handle it. Instead of just calling him a racist, he commented that he's acting like one. Because the devil is in the details: we can call people names - where does it get us - back/forth - he said/she said? Like children. And we know Trump is the oldest child of them all.
But keeping the focus on the BEHAVIOR that speaks for itself -- that was really effective to me. I applauded him for doing that.
I listened to the Town Hall, too!! Andy Kim just embodies what public service should be. His 2 guests, one of whom is a GOP Mayor of one of our “rail towns,” were so informative. The questions from the 3 voters were encouraging. An inexpensive way to inform voters outside the propaganda machines of MSM.
In fact I used some of the economic statistics this morning with a new acquaintance. She works in NYC 4x per week and is dependent on the train. She wasn’t aware of the national economic effect of Trump’s chaos, but she is now. One at a time, folks, one at a time!!!
we had an earthquake in nj 11 this week....i like tom malinowski; and while people are blaming aipac, which spent a few million against him, i''ve got a hunch mejia turned out a huge minority vote, and she is less friendly to israel than malinowski....the cynic in me thinks they would rather an r in that district; i don't know how a bernie sanders backed dem is going to do in a general....but if this is any kind of bell weather, r's are gonna lose to dems that are going to be more aggressive and hostile to them than they are used to.....steve schmidt thinks a lot of them are going to jail if that happens. we can hope. as one tx voter who voted trump said in the recent election there, she was tired of the insane shit every day from trump...andy backed malinowski in nj 11 and some are calling him mainstream as opposed to mejia, but tom is a solid progressive. i think he would have won in a walk in the general, not so sure now, change is coming, it seems.....
in a small election i don't think he can overcome that deficit. he will probably concede. too bad, i liked the guy. we will have to hope mejia will not be portrayed as a wild eyed radical leftist. but with her views on gaza, they are going to throw the kitchen sink at her. she is to the left of that district. i don't see her holding the suburbs long term. we'll see.
Ron Filipowski wrote an interesting piece yesterday that included a discussion of AOC’s maturation. She is advising moderates, including Pat Ryan who represents the more purple Hudson Valley. I hope Analilia taps into the smarts of AOC and Mikie Sherrill and is strategic about the diversity of this district. Her reputation is very good.
I live in CD-11 and was bombarded with the AIPAC bullshit ads. There is no question the ads hurt Malinowski bigly. I personally know voters who moved away from Malinowski because of them. Hurting Malinowski, an Israel supporter, served no purpose other than to demand complete unquestioning fidelity to Israel.
While it looks like Mejia is going to win (her lead is up to 868), I hope the Democrats unite behind her to hold the seat if that comes to pass.
I don’t agree with every position of any politician. I agree with enough of Mejia’s positions to vote for her if she prevails.
Such an interesting contrast in the two pieces Simon posted! On the one hand, an ordinary American who realizes he made a mistake and wants to apologize for it. On the other hand, Trump who simply can't say the words, "I made a mistake and I apologize." Can't do it. And he can't do it even though, once you say "I made and mistake and I apologize," that usually takes the issue off the front page and stops it from metastasizing.
I am glad to see the issue taking off, though. I think it shows his weakness and, as Simon has pointed out, the Republicans' exhaustion with defending the indefensible. A few months ago, I think few if any of them would have said anything. And, it weakens him even more when he IS attacked by his own party. Other sharks can smell blood in the water.
I am encouraging my elected representatives to talk about this issue in terms of his overall mental incompetence and unfitness for office. I'm writing postcards to NC voters.
He's such a toxic use of carbon. I'm so sick of him.
Have to say it is entertaining watching trump’s team spend all day doing damage control only to have it all undone by one of his statements, then seeing MAGA scrambling to keep up with what talking point to use next
It's just dangerous as hell to give any kind of power to someone as sick and depraved as Trump. We'll get through it but reading stories like the one here about the person with an organ transplant are just so infuriating.
I am going to attend a voter registration event tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it. Registering voters, if it can be done without legal jeopardy to the people doing it, is something I really want to get involved in here in FL.
I come from a family with a genetic kidney disease that has claimed my uncle, mom, and little sister, who had two kidney transplants before she died. That story is devastating. First, they ram his car and break his window. Both against the law. Then they deport him to Texas for no good reason, then require a doctor's note even after someone brings his meds to him. This illegality and disgusting cruelty must stop. Keep being loud, friends.
Why, Why, Why do they always break the window? They should have to pay to have it replaced. I swear, they get off on their inhumanity, cruelness and threatening tactics.
That's one of the key differences between a real, legitimate prison and a concentration camp. The Nazis didn't ask what meds anyone was on or provide them, either.
Eh, never mind. Trump will probably distract from it by posting another picture, this time of his great friend, Gov Greg Abbott, holding a tin cup and a bunch of pencils.
Simon, any insight on whether the GOP is God forbid close to passing the SAVE Act? Surely, this could be detrimental ahead of the midterms. I remain cautiously optimistic but I can’t lie just the same…stressing a bit to see how we can overcome such a hurdle if passed. We know voter turnout wont be enough unfortunately. Holding onto hope for both our Dem Governors and Dem Attorneys General.
This issue kept me up last night. I think HCR may have brought it up in her letter last night. I did take heart that The Hill seemed skeptical it could clear all the hurdles in both the House and Senate (new piece this morning). I’m not sure they have the votes in either one.
Nonetheless, we here at Hopium should be prepared just incase. Also, if HCR remains cautiously optimistic towards the future in general in spite of all going…no reason why we can’t keep that same sentiment.
Pretty sure the House passed it last year and it died in the Senate, where Thune knows he can't get 60 votes for it to overcome a D filibuster. Hopefully, the same outcome this year if House passes it, but definitely worth calling Reps/Senators about it.
I was horrified to read the story in today’s post about Mr. Abreu-Vasquez’ detention. As a RN who has cared for kidney transplant recipients, deliberately withholding anti-rejection medication can lead to organ rejection and other consequences. So glad I made calls this week to congresspeople about ICE.
Thank you Simon for bringing up the Russian connection. I recall in the earlier release, seeing an email from Epstein to a Russian official, offering to introduce him to Trump! I suspect there’s more to be uncovered.
Simon, what do you think of Aziz Huq’s suggestion that we encourage Minnesotans (and elsewhere) to start suing ICE for property damage? Or is this already happening? If not, is it something dems can somehow be suggested to pursue?
I liked the idea because it seems so simple and actionable. Yes it’s not the satisfaction of holding ICE accountable for their inhumanity, but it is perhaps a more straightforward legal way to make them feel consequences, whereas civil rights actions are highly unlikely under current qualified immunity standards?
And editing just to add, thanks Simon for all you do, and everyone at hopium! Called my NC senators yesterday, seems they are both feeling the pressure on reining in ICE.
Good thought. The Federal Tort Claims Act could be another avenue. It allows two years to file a claim for damages , so there could be a wave of them down the road
OLYMPICS – precision pissing on ICE
British skier Gus Kenworthy will not be punished after appearing to urinate a graphic message about the United States' immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) in the snow, then posting a photograph of it online.
Kenworthy shared the image - in which 'ICE' was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he is due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy. A spokesperson from the International Olympic Committee told the Press Association that Kenworthy would not be punished for the post.
"During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts," they said.
In his Instagram post, Kenworthy [who has lived most of his life in the United States] added: "Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can't wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cew8wk7ygwno
The new sport of Precision Pissing!😄
What's really interesting about this, AS, is that for a *century*--even during the Berlin Games of 1936‐‐the IOC has been on a very high horse about keeping politics out of the Games (to the disgrace of one Avery Brundage in '36). What does it say about what Trump has wrought that an Olympian basically writes FUCK THE US in urine (at least that's how the Muricans in MAGA will read it), and the pooh-bahs basically said "go for it." Don't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe both.
Hi everyone, this is my fifth reposting of my comment from Monday's post regarding Resist and Unsubscribe. Want to get this in front as many eyes as possible. The more people who can unsubscribe from just one of the list companies, the more leverage we generate. Please continue to share this your people/ group/ social circle. Max pressure needs to be applied. Thank you. 🚨🚨This action is gaining some real momentum, please help it accelerate even more! 🚨🚨
********************************************
The another area that is not getting enough attention is the complete silence of Corporate America. What is the purpose of "f*ck you money", if you don't tell this Administration to f*ck off? We need to call out their silence and inaction and put real pressure on them. It is time for them to stand up, be accountable, and tell this Administration to stop this un-American actions.
Please check out this site. resistandunsubscribe.com This is an organized, sane way for the average person to apply the only pressure that Corporate America understands, money. Simply unsubscribe from as many of the listed services as you can. Does not matter on how many you can unsubscribe from, just one is great. Each of us have are own circumstances, do what you/ your household can do. The key is duration. It needs to be a minimum of a month. Hope you will check it out, act and share.
FYI: Don't think this kind of pressure campaign doesn't work? The most recent example of how well this works is when ABC cancelled Kimmel, million of subscribers cancel Hulu. All of a sudden Kimmel is back on the air.
Scott Galloway, who is behind this plan-of-action, explains his reasoning in greater detail in this podcast, Pivot (his co-host is Kara Swisher). Take a listen. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1073226719?i=1000747336642
Thanks! You encouraged me. I am going to delete Amazon and figure out how to cancel Prime. I have been using it less and less and feel relief of getting rid of the ick feeling when I buy something!
Canceling Prime is a pain in the rear. They tried to charge me multiple times before I got a supervisor.
Happy to encourage you. The http://resistandunsubscribe.com/ gives instructions on how to cancel the various services. I did not have to talk to anyone. Was also able to leave a written reason why I was leaving.
That abhorrent and racist Obama video on Trump’s "Truth Social" (sic) was definitely NOT mistakenly posted by a White House staffer. From the latest blog published by Heather Cox Richardson:
"Later tonight on Air Force One, Trump said that he had posted it himself.
When a reporter asked if he would apologize, he said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”"
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-6-2026
I show his comments in the video. It's worth watching.
Indeed! Both of those top videos are excellent! So damn telling.
As for JD Vance getting booed, The Guardian reported that those jeers were censored from NBC’s Olympic coverage.
Of course they were censored. 😡. So, are you watching Kid Rock or Bad Bunny tomorrow? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
GREEN DAY and Bad Bunny
Yes, of course. Green Day!
We don’t have a TV. But perhaps I’ll find video of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio’s performance that I can watch after the fact.
Pretty sure it will go viral soon afterwards.
Great comment on a Post article this AM. Kid Rock? Isn't that the name of Epstein's island?
I was watching the NBC coverage and they definitely censored the boos
So NBC has joined Fox, CBS, and ABC in cowardice. Maybe their broadcast licenses should be given to non-profits who understand that with rights come responsibilities.
Of course they were. NBC bending the knee again.
Sorry to repeat but it so applies to Trump. How do you know when Trump is lying? His lips are moving. Trump is a racist. He hates Obama bc Obama, a Black former president, is beloved worldwide. Oh and Obama has a Nobel Peace Prize that he did not have to beg or threaten to get.
I’m sorry Simon… feeling beyond frustrated and so sad today…Have to share with my Hopium gang. Just when you think DT can’t sink any lower in the sewage pile, he shows he truly can.
And no one stops him.
I have hope, however, and will continue to take the small resistance actions I’ve been taking. I’m thankful for this uplifting online community .
Sending healing and positive vibes. Stay in the fight - we need you!
Watch the Michelle Obama video and Vance getting booed. Will make you feel better!
I took heart actually that some Rs did speak up along with T-voters who felt disgusted, and that he was forced to delete the post. It would have taken a lot of voices to make that happen. Nobody stops him ahead of time, true. So he shows who he is, and now more people react.
And gets questioned from press about the vile posting rather than new release of Epstein documents out. He’s very very consistent to swivel attention. So glad R Garcia ever so fiercely on it and won’t be dissuaded. trump knows we have to address something so vile.
Take today. Come back tomorrow. We’re all human and need to recharge. I got you today. ❤️☮️
i am beginning to think that we just need to ignore satan. he is term limited, sundowning, physically falling apart, just grifting now and seeking his name on everything. he's just a prop they roll out. so let's focus on what can make a difference: elected house & senate repubs. they are the ones that can stop him. so let's laser focus on them. with dems, independents, non maga repubs demanding they stop him now. and let's try and get some repubs to caucus with dems to create an interim ruling coalition. we are almost a majority in the house and there are a few senators who could join us for the next three years. and who knows, we might win house & senate in midterms. these repubs do this to keep their jobs. they think their jobs/paychk/power are more important than saving the United States of America. let's show them what patriotism means.
I think we should make sure, actively, that he brings down as many of those soul-less sycophants with him when he topples, and make sure he topples sooner rather than later. No backing down.
So, again, this brings to mind something I commented about a few days ago. And I keep hearing it in my head - it gets triggered every day by something.
Michael Wolff (uh-huh, I approach what he says/writes cautiously, too, because he has his own self-interests to attend to) said this about Trump: He will not let another Republican succeed him. He will sabotage the Repub candidate for 2028. He needs a DEM to succeed him so he can be the real ruler, in exile, down at MaL when he leaves the WH (which he will). He will not be outshone by one of his own because he is nonpareil. MAGA is not a cult - it is a fan club.
And if you watch Joe Scarborough (yes, again, I know, another guy with his self-interests to attend to), he kvetches and yells in the mornings that Trump/his enablers keep stepping on the shovel, hitting themselves in the head, ensuring that fewer and fewer people will vote Repub in the coming elections.
And, more and more, I see this reality pulling together.
we'll take the win!!
It seems to me that the racist piggy in the WH and his dead pedophile comrade JE are one and the same person. Wonder who flipped whom!?? Grateful to Poland’s President Donald Tusk beginning an investigation into JE, Russia. I fully expect the racist piggy’s name will also appear!
I heard last night (perhaps on PBS Newshour) that the Democrats have already caved on the proposed REQUIREMENT THAT ICE AGENTS ARE FORBIDDEN TO WEAR MASKS AND MUST HAVE PLAINLY VISIBLE IDs ON THEIR UNIFORMS.
If Congressional Democrats cave on this basic requirement - what are they good for???
Find confirmation of this please. Otherwise it is a rumor.
These are items 2 and 3 on the ten part plan. Why would they abandon it?
Peter here is what you posted elsewhere:
In another text chain I mentioned hearing about the fact that Senate Democrats had already caved on requiring the unmasking of ICE agents. You asked me to supply the source. I just found it. Last night, on the PBS News Hour - in the absences of Brooks and Capehart, the show featured Atkins-Stores and Parker. The segment can be found directly from the PBS App. At around minute 7 of that segment - a discussion begins with Jeff Bennett saying: “..it appears that the Democrats have folded on their demand that ICE agents not wear masks…going on to reference a comment by Chuck Schumer.
So what you wrote above was "caving" on masks and IDs. So not IDs? Just masks?
Here is the context to this. In an interview yesterday Schumer acknowledged they may have to carve out in the law exceptions to the no mask policy as there may be circumstances where it would be appropriate for ICE to wear masks. Let's see what comes out in the legislative text of the bills when released.
People on line went insane over this. I do not read it as a retreat. It remains the second item on their joint agenda, and is something we are all still fighting for.
The impulse in the family to seek ways to undermine and degrade our leaders has become a corrosive sickness. Schumer and Jeffries did what everyone wanted this week. Take the fucking win brother and please correct/amend your post for it has false and misleading information in it.
Thank you.
We do not have the luxury of internal fights now.
We’re fighting fascism after losing the battle in 2024.
I get very tired of the we caved, we’re going to lose, etc., outlook.
I am to your left, but totally agree with your focus on unity during these horrible times. As in WW II, to defeat fascism, we should welcome all opponents. And put our energy to fight fascism and protect people.
All the more reason to get on the horn with our MoC-s
Hakeem Jeffries doesn't seem to be in a mood to compromise with Republicans right now.
“This disgusting video, posted by the so-called president, was done intentionally. F*ck Donald Trump and his vile, racist, and malignant behavior. This guy is an unhinged bottom feeder. President Obama and Michelle Obama are brilliant, caring, and patriotic Americans. They represent the best of this country. It’s time for John Thune, Mike Johnson, and Republicans to denounce this serial fraudster, who’s sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue pretending to be the president of the United States.”
https://bsky.app/profile/owillis.bsky.social/post/3me7vxpf7fc2z
Headed to nearby Red Bank, NJ where they are hosting an event in which folks are patronizing immigrant-owned restaurants and businesses that have taken a hit due to the ICE activity in town. It's 15 degrees with 40 MPH wind gusts, but we're not letting that stop us from helping out when and where we can.
Great tele-town hall last night w Sen. Kim on the fight to restore funding for the Gateway Tunnel project; he went in-depth on how damaging this is to NJ/NY economies and to the nation as a whole. Every single train that travels along the Northeast corridor passes through that tunnel, and if it's not fixed, people will die--to say nothing of the long overdue expansion of rail capacity that's essential to our economy nationwide. He's in DC staying engaged w the DHS negotiations, while Sen. Booker has been out and about around the state speaking out re ICE abuses. And got to love Leader Jeffries dropping the F bomb on Orange. More please! Keep going!
Dress for wind and cold, Lisa. It's brutal here in NYC near the Hudson, can just imagine what it's like by Red Bank.
This a.m., on MSnow, Jeffries was being pushed to call Trump a racist. I really appreciated the nuanced way he chose to handle it. Instead of just calling him a racist, he commented that he's acting like one. Because the devil is in the details: we can call people names - where does it get us - back/forth - he said/she said? Like children. And we know Trump is the oldest child of them all.
But keeping the focus on the BEHAVIOR that speaks for itself -- that was really effective to me. I applauded him for doing that.
One of my favorite lines about how to call someone a racist is what Andrew Gillum said about Ron DeSantis - 'the racists think he's a racist'.
Good one!
I listened to the Town Hall, too!! Andy Kim just embodies what public service should be. His 2 guests, one of whom is a GOP Mayor of one of our “rail towns,” were so informative. The questions from the 3 voters were encouraging. An inexpensive way to inform voters outside the propaganda machines of MSM.
In fact I used some of the economic statistics this morning with a new acquaintance. She works in NYC 4x per week and is dependent on the train. She wasn’t aware of the national economic effect of Trump’s chaos, but she is now. One at a time, folks, one at a time!!!
we had an earthquake in nj 11 this week....i like tom malinowski; and while people are blaming aipac, which spent a few million against him, i''ve got a hunch mejia turned out a huge minority vote, and she is less friendly to israel than malinowski....the cynic in me thinks they would rather an r in that district; i don't know how a bernie sanders backed dem is going to do in a general....but if this is any kind of bell weather, r's are gonna lose to dems that are going to be more aggressive and hostile to them than they are used to.....steve schmidt thinks a lot of them are going to jail if that happens. we can hope. as one tx voter who voted trump said in the recent election there, she was tired of the insane shit every day from trump...andy backed malinowski in nj 11 and some are calling him mainstream as opposed to mejia, but tom is a solid progressive. i think he would have won in a walk in the general, not so sure now, change is coming, it seems.....
I would assume a recount is coming anyway, no?
in a small election i don't think he can overcome that deficit. he will probably concede. too bad, i liked the guy. we will have to hope mejia will not be portrayed as a wild eyed radical leftist. but with her views on gaza, they are going to throw the kitchen sink at her. she is to the left of that district. i don't see her holding the suburbs long term. we'll see.
That’s why we need ranked choice voting IMHO.
Ron Filipowski wrote an interesting piece yesterday that included a discussion of AOC’s maturation. She is advising moderates, including Pat Ryan who represents the more purple Hudson Valley. I hope Analilia taps into the smarts of AOC and Mikie Sherrill and is strategic about the diversity of this district. Her reputation is very good.
I don’t think NJ automatically does recounts. Someone can challenge but they have to pay for it, and are reimbursed only if they prevail.
I live in CD-11 and was bombarded with the AIPAC bullshit ads. There is no question the ads hurt Malinowski bigly. I personally know voters who moved away from Malinowski because of them. Hurting Malinowski, an Israel supporter, served no purpose other than to demand complete unquestioning fidelity to Israel.
While it looks like Mejia is going to win (her lead is up to 868), I hope the Democrats unite behind her to hold the seat if that comes to pass.
I don’t agree with every position of any politician. I agree with enough of Mejia’s positions to vote for her if she prevails.
Such an interesting contrast in the two pieces Simon posted! On the one hand, an ordinary American who realizes he made a mistake and wants to apologize for it. On the other hand, Trump who simply can't say the words, "I made a mistake and I apologize." Can't do it. And he can't do it even though, once you say "I made and mistake and I apologize," that usually takes the issue off the front page and stops it from metastasizing.
I am glad to see the issue taking off, though. I think it shows his weakness and, as Simon has pointed out, the Republicans' exhaustion with defending the indefensible. A few months ago, I think few if any of them would have said anything. And, it weakens him even more when he IS attacked by his own party. Other sharks can smell blood in the water.
I am encouraging my elected representatives to talk about this issue in terms of his overall mental incompetence and unfitness for office. I'm writing postcards to NC voters.
He's such a toxic use of carbon. I'm so sick of him.
I think floating the idea that a staffer did it shows weakness yeah. I think that is right.
But it's perfect for the ultimate specimen of goodness, righteousness, wisdom, and morality that is Sen Tim Scott.
Ok - I get it - wink wink
He's such a piece o' work. At 60 years old, can you imagine the reality he lives in?
So it's true that Trump is actually a carbon based life form? lol
Have to say it is entertaining watching trump’s team spend all day doing damage control only to have it all undone by one of his statements, then seeing MAGA scrambling to keep up with what talking point to use next
That's because one of them is a real man and the other just plays one on TV
It's just dangerous as hell to give any kind of power to someone as sick and depraved as Trump. We'll get through it but reading stories like the one here about the person with an organ transplant are just so infuriating.
I am going to attend a voter registration event tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it. Registering voters, if it can be done without legal jeopardy to the people doing it, is something I really want to get involved in here in FL.
I come from a family with a genetic kidney disease that has claimed my uncle, mom, and little sister, who had two kidney transplants before she died. That story is devastating. First, they ram his car and break his window. Both against the law. Then they deport him to Texas for no good reason, then require a doctor's note even after someone brings his meds to him. This illegality and disgusting cruelty must stop. Keep being loud, friends.
Why, Why, Why do they always break the window? They should have to pay to have it replaced. I swear, they get off on their inhumanity, cruelness and threatening tactics.
I would give anything to see a group of tough guys knock these bullies out with one punch for picking on women and kids
That's one of the key differences between a real, legitimate prison and a concentration camp. The Nazis didn't ask what meds anyone was on or provide them, either.
I'm a nurse. I've cared for many renal pts. They are vulnerable. A note for what? I hope his doctor's note demands his release immediately.
Good for you! I'm rooting for Florida. I know one day it will be blue due to all of your hard work!!!
Gee, what's Howard Lutnick going to do when Trump posts a video of him with a hook nose, a yarmulke, and payes?
Rationalize.
Eh, never mind. Trump will probably distract from it by posting another picture, this time of his great friend, Gov Greg Abbott, holding a tin cup and a bunch of pencils.
I'm sure the Repubs won't mind.
Simon, any insight on whether the GOP is God forbid close to passing the SAVE Act? Surely, this could be detrimental ahead of the midterms. I remain cautiously optimistic but I can’t lie just the same…stressing a bit to see how we can overcome such a hurdle if passed. We know voter turnout wont be enough unfortunately. Holding onto hope for both our Dem Governors and Dem Attorneys General.
This issue kept me up last night. I think HCR may have brought it up in her letter last night. I did take heart that The Hill seemed skeptical it could clear all the hurdles in both the House and Senate (new piece this morning). I’m not sure they have the votes in either one.
God willing! From your lips…
Nonetheless, we here at Hopium should be prepared just incase. Also, if HCR remains cautiously optimistic towards the future in general in spite of all going…no reason why we can’t keep that same sentiment.
Pretty sure the House passed it last year and it died in the Senate, where Thune knows he can't get 60 votes for it to overcome a D filibuster. Hopefully, the same outcome this year if House passes it, but definitely worth calling Reps/Senators about it.
Too bad TACO won't go to the super bowl. We'd love to see him react to furious booing and the many ovations for Bad Bunny.
I was horrified to read the story in today’s post about Mr. Abreu-Vasquez’ detention. As a RN who has cared for kidney transplant recipients, deliberately withholding anti-rejection medication can lead to organ rejection and other consequences. So glad I made calls this week to congresspeople about ICE.
Thank you Simon for bringing up the Russian connection. I recall in the earlier release, seeing an email from Epstein to a Russian official, offering to introduce him to Trump! I suspect there’s more to be uncovered.
Simon, what do you think of Aziz Huq’s suggestion that we encourage Minnesotans (and elsewhere) to start suing ICE for property damage? Or is this already happening? If not, is it something dems can somehow be suggested to pursue?
I liked the idea because it seems so simple and actionable. Yes it’s not the satisfaction of holding ICE accountable for their inhumanity, but it is perhaps a more straightforward legal way to make them feel consequences, whereas civil rights actions are highly unlikely under current qualified immunity standards?
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/02/ice-lawsuit-property-damage-minneapolis-immunity.html
And editing just to add, thanks Simon for all you do, and everyone at hopium! Called my NC senators yesterday, seems they are both feeling the pressure on reining in ICE.
Good thought. The Federal Tort Claims Act could be another avenue. It allows two years to file a claim for damages , so there could be a wave of them down the road