Wow -- thank you for posting..... the video description said : "Sen. Garrett's speech was so powerful that Senate Republicans moved to STRIKE the speech from the official Senate record. So we're posting the entirety of it here." So glad I heard it -- wow Susan B Anthony -- that really takes me back to a talk I gave in High School ... Did they succeed in striking the speech from the record? or not? Just curious.
Happy to get your feedback. And spread the word! As you can see from my blog, I have tried to write consistently on this issue for a while, waiting for a day like this.
Am checking in with recent calls. Called my republican senators and told them how upset I am about the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and that if they don’t start standing up to Trump, they will be out of power for decades (hoping). Also called my Dem Senators to give them kudos for standing up more firmly lately! Keep it up!
Hi everyone. I have decided to call Thune, as leader of the senate, every day and shame him (respectfully, of course). I'm also calling my Massachusetts peeps too. Im coming down on the illegals: Killing fisherman in the Caribbean, demolishing the east wing, not getting a budget done, NOT stopping the tariffs, militarizing our cities, abandoning Ukraine. I am currently very upset. Heading to Colorado for the month of Nov. for a dose of desert hiking, family and old friends. I will keep calling from there.
What I would really like to see from you, Simon, before I even CONSIDER giving to candidates, is that you join the campaign to get money out of Dem primaries. SO much money is wasted on them (Yes I am looking at Maine). The party organs like the DNC are not listening to their voters who want money out of politics. It would begin with the Dems saying candidates should NOT take outside money. It's a great way of weakening the influence of AIPAC and other big money interests that so distort our political life. What do you say?
Simon is asking for donations to candidates who are running in the general election such as Spanberger, Sherrill, etc. While you're running your purity test, please do donate to candidates in the general.
Catherine, I understand the distinction, I was trying to raise awareness of a strategy open to the Dems (of whom Simon is an influential member) to help get money out of politics and hence restore faith in our electeds. Yes, those who can should give to candidates but should also be mindful of the need for system change.
In the year and a half I've been with Hopium, Simon has never taken a position in the primaries. Primaries are a central part of democracy. We the People get to choose who makes it to the general in our two party system. Parties are not in the Constitution, but it has been in our political landscape for centuries.
As far as money out of politics, it goes back to Citizens United, passed in 2010. SCOTUS created this playing field, that corporations are persons with first amendment rights and money is speech.
I agree we have to get money out of politics but we can't do it unilaterally; that is surrender.
Eliminating dark money and unlimited contributions from the wealthy and business community is a part of the John Lewis voting rights act which was first introduced in 2019 and overwhelmingly supported by Democrats ever since. If memory serves it would have already been passed if Democratic Senators Kristen Sinema and Joe Manchin would have agreed to override the filibuster to pass that bill. But they wanted the big money to keep flowing into their own pockets. Sinema from pharmaceutical industry, and Manchin from fossil fuel intetersts.
The Blue team needs to get control of House, Senate and Presidency to eliminate big money, dark money, PAC money, and reverse the horrible, democracy-killing impacts of Citizens United. Until then... this is the playing field we are on.
No, it is emphatically NOT damaging to Dems to get PAC money out of Dem primaries since primaries are intra-party. Primaries are currently a way for corporate and special interests to influence which candidates go on face their Republican rivals (as you rightly state, as a result of Citizens United). Encouraging Dem primary candidates to eschew such money, and party organs such as the DNC backing up the request would save the money that could be spent instead on the campaign of the winning primary candidate against his or her Republican opponent. So many current Dems are beholden to big corporate and AIPAC money that they don't truly represent the interests of their constituents or the country as a whole. It is partly what led to Trump.
I think it's important to remember that there are a ton of fights that need to be fought, and Simon is fighting very hard to save our democracy from the extremely pressing threat of authoritarianism . Of course money is politics is a massive issue, and there are spaces where that's the focus, but this space and Simon's energies are devoted to something else. And that's okay! We need all kinds of fighters doing all kinds of things. The point of giving money to Democratic candidates isn't about one person, but about winning elections to save our democracy.
I wanted to raise the issue because it is germane to why people are disaffected from Dems. You have a very good point and an excellent defence of Simon. Thank you.
I realize in reading this thread that I do need to make it easier to understand the strategy behind our endorsements, and my general policy towards primaries. This is an important conversation, and I will kick off my involvement in it with a few initial notes....1) Jennifer as virtuous as your ambition is here it is not easy in practice. If we tried to ban PAC endorsements in primaries would that include Labor, Emily's List, and ideological PACs like the Justice Democrats? In competitive primaries candidates work very hard to get endorsed by leading politicians and political and civic orgs of all kinds. It is a vibrant part of our political system. I don't know that there is an easy line to draw here in a free and open democracy. 2) The DNC has adopted a rule that no officer of the DNC - essentially the leadership - can endorse in a primary. This was a reform Ken Martin championed. This rule was a reason David Hogg decided not to run the second time - for it would have been prevented him from running his organization, Leaders We Deserve, which endorses in Democratic primaries. 3) The statement that many Democrats are beholden to corporate PAC money or AIPAC money is in my view an overstatement based on my many years working with Democrats of all types, and people who make this argument need to be a bit more careful. We have a big tent in our family, and making a standing argument that people don't vote the way I want because they are corrupt and can be bought is a heavy thing to say inside our family.
So yes this is a healthy discussion to have, and one we should have here, internally, in the respectful and thoughtful way we try to conduct all of our discussions.
Like Sinema and Machin. Both of them saw that their corrupt corporate alliance was going to likely get them voted out anf they both retired, which reiterates that we the people hold the power. If Dem candidates take contributions from Target or Disney (people underestimate the Kimmel saga) that could be made into an issue against them in rhe primary.
Maga essentially feels the same way about corporate corruption and too much money in politics as we do, but project it on to Democrats.
Its not that big a pivot to see us v them, where "them" is greedy corrupting oligarchic billionaires, and "we" are every body else.
Held my nose to call Congressman Burtchett's office along with the offices of MAGA US Senators Blackburn and Hagerty. So much to complain about but today's Senate calls focused on the kick in the head to TN farmers from 1) $20 billion give-away to Argentina, who then turned around and quit buying our soybeans and started buying them from China!; and 2) Trump's "plan" to buy Argentine beef, severely undercutting the prices for TN cattle and giving a double middle finger to TN agriculture already struggling with drought, tariffs, etc.
Burtchett's call was to "thank" him for the front-page story in yesterday's local paper that quoted him as saying, "well, there's nothing I can do" about more than 55,000 of his constituents likely to lose SNAP benefits in November--which is only a week away. If you can't do anything, then give up your big salary and lifetime health insurance so that someone else can do your job!
PROGRESSIVE candidates must be supported. They MUST be supported. Support Progressive Democrats. The Democrats will continue to LOSE if they don't support PROGRESSIVES. Full stop. Endorse Zohran Mamdani.
Here are some things Mamdani has said that may explain why some Dems won't endorse him (yet):
About NYPD: “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” Said they should be defunded (reversed that position recently)
Refused to say that Hamas should lay down its arms, (reversed that last week)
Refuses to denounce "Globalize the antifada", which is widely interpreted as a rallying cry against Jewish people
Refused to endorse Kathy Hochul, even after she endorsed him
I'm not saying Dems should or shouldn't endorse him. If a Dem doesn't like what he says or he/she thinks his policies, such as raising taxes on New Yorkers by $9B, will cause harm, then there's no need to endorse him, although you can definitely say he's the best choice out of the remaining candidates. As long as no one actively campaigns against him, so what?
Furthermore, for those who think he's "authentic" and "not a typical politician", look at how he's reversed his recent statements. I applaud him for changing what is an obviously wrong course, but he's not as pure and authentic as everyone seems to believe.
Just giving some reasons why there is some hesitation. If progressives can have purity tests, so can everyone else.
It's voting vs endorsing. I would hope all Dems vote for him, even if they don't endorse him. Again, you can say he's the best alternative, but you don't have to give him an endorsement. I wouldn't vocally support someone who says defund the police. But, I'd vote for him given the alternatives.
1) Some cops surely are some or all of those things, as there will be those people in every reasonably sized population. But he didn't say that. There is no credible evidence to suggest NYPD is systematically any of those things.
2) A blanket statement like that almost always false. Saying that all of an organization of that size has specific attributes, positive or negative, is rarely, if ever, true.
3) The vast majority of cops must not be any of those things, otherwise there would be many more instances of police brutality, corruption, and violence. There would be many more investigations, including by the DOJ.
It's like saying humans are evil. If that were the case, civilization would collapse. It is just self-evidently not true.
I'm not going to engage in a prolonged internet argument. I will say that I'm a white homeowner in Brooklyn. So I have less contact with NYPD than others might. But I've had enough to know that the department is full of reprobate thugs. And Eric Adams accelerated those tendencies in the leadership. Violent, unprincipled rank-and-file who know the contents of the Patrol Guide less than I, a civilian, do. Take a look at how much of our tax money goes to settlements for (systemic) misconduct year after year after year after year.
Thanks for sharing your experiences as a NYC resident.
If he meant, NYPD has too many misconduct complaints, and it needs to be dealt with and get back to 2021 numbers ASAP, that's an acceptable and easily defendable position. That's not what he said. Again, if he can't really tell people what he wants to do, why should everyone endorse him to govern the largest city in the US?
There were 1079 misconduct complaints filed against an organization of 36,000 uniformed officers. Even if that number is increased by a factor of 10, to 10,790, it would be less than 33% of the number of uniformed officers. Now, that's an objectively terribly high number, but it still wouldn't be anywhere near a majority, let alone having the whole organization indicted.
This site doesn't endorse candidates. It supports Democrats running in competitive elections. But the mayorship of NYC isn't in danger of going to a republican.
Democrats need to endorse the PRIMARY WINNERS in the Party, right? Right? VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO (unless their policies fly in the face of BIG DONORS)...and the DNC would be cool with Cuomo who has credibly been accused of sexual harassment as long as he's BLUE? Big nope. Flawed reasoning.
Vote vs Endorse. Donors have nothing to do with it. People can disagree with policies (such as defund the police) and decide to not endorse, but still vote for the candidate, and not actively campaign against him/her. For example, I'd not endorse Bernie Sanders for president if he were the candidate, but I'd 100% vote for him if the alternative were a MAGA or far-right candidate.
Defund the police just means to DE-MILITARIZE them. There is NO NEED for cops to have TANKS available to them for law enforcement or to use lethal force on someone having a mental heatlh crisis because they are not trained to do that. It means STOP GIVING THEM WEAPONS OF WAR to use against (MOSTLY) poor people and other people in crisis. It means routing out corruption in police departments and putting an end to POLICE GANGS and "qualified immunity" which is just another name for "avoid accountability for illegal behavior/excessive force."
His statement about NYPD-- racist, anti-queer, and threat to public safety-- is disparaging and insulting a ton of people who put their lives on the line to protect the public. It's entitled and elitist. Why not say "Demilitarize the police?" If he can't explain what he really wants to do, how is he going to govern? Not saying he can't or won't, but it would give me pause from shouting from the rooftops for him.
if you're explaining you're losing' 'defund the police ' hurt us enormously in key elections, and almost no dems ever said it or endorsed it. but they all got tarred with it. a number of teachers in nyc stopped that portion of their union contributions that would be used to support him; teachers are not a conservative voting bloc; they are overwhelmingly democrats. source; brian lehrer interview with randi weingarten on wnyc. right across the river in nj he is kryptonite with many democrats. maybe that is unfair, but that's the way it is.
I consider myself a leftist, but I have to say that "defund the police" has been one of the worst slogans to convey this message. All people hear is "end policing." There has to be a better way to state this. It's a major liability. If you have to explain this position, the slogan must change.
If you have to explain what a slogan means, you've lost the argument. Many people heard/hear "defund the police" and think it means stop giving them money period. It was and is a terrible choice of words. Respectfully, you chose to use all caps to explain what defund the police means. All caps and all the explaining in the world will not help sway people bc the very people you are trying to "get to understand" either won't or just don't agree with you no matter how well intended the idea was behind "defund the police".
I agree with you. As someone who has done a lot of work on sexual harassment people flocking to endorse and promote Cuomo despite it makes me absolutely furious. (Do not get me started on the New York Times.) And I believe Democrats should endorse primary winners, using whatever caveats they wish, and note that no one hesitates to endorse people when they're to the far right of the party. But also, that's simply not what this site is for. Simon doesn't endorse candidates--he fundraises for Democrats in key specific elections, and is careful to not spread things too thin. Does that make sense?
The comments often have people telling Simon what he should/must be doing, but it's really crucial to focus on what the purpose of the site is. There are lots of other sandboxes that do different things, but THIS sandbox has a very specific purpose.
I understand. Anyone raising money for Democrats should raise money for all (I would normally put "all" in all caps for emphasis, but I have been reprimanded like a school child) Democrats. That is my main point here. And, we have been polite all the way to Fascism in this country. We are righteously angry and tone policing sucks. Simon is letting F-bombs fly in his videos...and I support that 100%.
Susan, a few notes: 1) we are a small community and our emphasis here has been on expansion and winning races that will take power away from MAGA. The NY Mayor's race has not fit into that bucket. 2) We are not the Party and do not have to support/endorse in every race. I try to make recommendations on where people's time and money can make the most difference. 3) This is a voluntary community. If you are unhappy with what we are doing here you can leave. I hope you stay, and engage respectfully with the rest of the community but I understand if you feel that this not the right place for you. 4) We have community guidelines here about discourse, and one of the most important is that we discuss here, respectfully, we do not argue or attack others. Onward - Simon
Just wanted to share an update on the Resolution of Condemnation I’ve been working on for submission to the city council in Evanston, Il, home of Northwestern University. I was able to get the support of Indivisible Evanston, a very productive and large organizing group here, whose No Kings Day rally brought 6,000 people to our downtown Fountain Square on SAturday!
I finally finished both a background document explaining the project itself, and the actual Resolution for Evanston, IL…I modeled it after a handful of resolutions that have already passed in Massachusetts and in New Mexico.
I had spoken with our mayor before I got going on the project to see what he thought of the idea, and he was very supportive. He referred me to two specific aldermen he thought would be enthusiastic.
Once I completed the documents, I sent them to both aldermen, and left phone messages for them. After also sending them to the mayor, who said he’d reach out to the aldermen right away, I got an email back from one of the aldermen saying he loved the idea but had some concerns it might be viewed in a similar way to a failed resolution against the Gaza invasion a year or two ago because of it “not being related to local issues.”
I found that strange, since I had included in the resolution itself a handful of examples of how the Trump admin’s actions are currently harming Evanston residents, including ICE abductions that have happened on our own streets, and our own mayor having been teargassed while peacefully protesting at an
ICE facility…I explained all of this in detail to him in a response email. I HOPE he will proceed to try to get this introduced and passed in Evanston, which prides itself as being a progressive community.
I am waiting until Monday of next week to reach out again to see what is happening in this regard. We shall see!
Any suggestions re how to be more persuasive would be appreciated. I also got a handful of residents of these aldermen’s wards to volunteer to call them to voice their support for the resolution, and I sent them a reminder to please make those calls.
Great work Nancy. I've also been involved on a Resolution and one of the County Supervisors felt that the resolution was too partisan. The response is that supporting the Constitutional framework of 3 branches of government balance of powers, and the bill of rights for all, is a non-partisan issue that all electeds take an oath to defend, and it is also a responsibility for plucky patriot citizenry.
Simon has indicated that we write the draft, and electeds and public (through public comment at hearings) have a chance to make edits to get it across the finish line.
That's great Nancy. Can you provide a link to the background document you created?
On relating back to local issues, are there any examples of cuts to research grants or other types of cuts, where trump refuses to spend money Congress has appropriated, that have had a local effect? Alternatively, any examples of the impacts of trump's illegal tariffs, e.g. from local small business owners who are struggling. If nothing else the impact on local prices could be highlighted.
Forgot this: Northwestern must be affected by loss of international students, postdocs, and perhaps faculty. International students are usually really important to university budgets, because they pay higher tuition.
Northwestern has joined a Mutual Academic Defense Compact as part of the Big Ten. The resolutions don't necessarily compel administration to follow them, but the resolutions are very similar to our Resolutions Project.
I've been keeping track by following the website below which has all the groups that have generated similar compacts. I've been trying to start work on this myself, which is why I've been looking around.
Each of the nine Evanston City Councilmembers were required to take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office to defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Here they are doing that on April 28, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRlgsV5ZtDQ at 13:36
I [name], having been elected to the office of [#] Ward Council Member in the City of Evanston in the County of Cook, do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of [#] Ward Council Member to the best of my ability.
Those duties they are required to fulfill include safeguarding the people in their jurisdiction. You are a constituent bringing forward concerns about yourself and your community. Evanston also has a "Welcoming City" Ordinance passed by the City Council on January 13, 2025. https://www.cityofevanston.org/Home/Components/News/News/6498/249
You can specifically ask the Aldermen recommended by the Mayor to sponsor the resolution so it can be introduced and discussed at a City Council meeting. The Mayor can write a statement in support of the resolution and deliver it at the hearing of the resolution. That was done for the Village of Corrales, and it was very powerful (Sep. 9, 2025).
The Village Council discussion, Mayor’s remarks and vote start at 1:36:16. – 1:45:07
You can also point to specific lawsuitsand amicus briefs filed by your Democratic Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul against the Executive Branch for unlawful actions that are harming the people of your state and the City of Evanston. Here are press releases about them. https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/News-Room/
And some just for this month of Oct. 2025
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS MULTISTATE OPPOSITION TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ATTEMPT TO SUBPOENA SENSITIVE HOSPITAL RECORDS. Oct 22, 2025
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER 7th CIRCUIT DENIES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO UNDO DISTRICT COURT’S ORDER PREVENTING TROOP DEPLOYMENT. Oct. 16, 2025
I called the Washington phone number and he answered. He answered.
HE LIED TO ME.
He said he had never heard President Trump say that he wouldn't touch the actual building of the East Wing.
He said the President has full authority to do whatever he wants with the White House.
I am not kidding you. It was Moreno himself because I recognized his smirking voice.
He tried to give me every Trump talking point. How beautiful the ballroom will be. How much better the Rose Garden is now. And finally, that Trump has full authority and permission to do whatever he wants because the National Park Service reports to him.
I am so, so, so very angry.
MORENO WILL NOT BUDGE. HE IS ENTRENCHED.
So what now? I am tired of hitting my head against this brick wall.
I recommend summarizing your call as you’ve done here and spread it through all your channels, e.g. Facebook & other social media, especially your Ohio network. Encourage them to start making noise. Apologies if you’re already doing so.
And a letter to the editor, and cc him on it. IF you are just one, he can blow you off, but if he knows your putting it out in the public sphere... that's another animal
In backing up what Madam Geoffrin has suggested, I would also share this on Bluesky. When you do, the people you follow and who are following you will reshare this and spread it far and wide. They need to know what a POS Bernie is. And while you're at it, encourage more people to call, e-mail, and text.
And finally, I understand totally how frustrating it is to call your FOP (Fascist Old Party) senators; I have Cruz and Cornyn, and I've sometimes felt frustrated. But I'm still calling them, and I will NOT let them hear the end of it. Before you call again, though, do spread the word among your social media and make sure everyone you know what Bernie is and have them contact him--CONSTANTLY. ALL OF YOU call him, and even if he doesn't budge, it will drive him CRAZY.
he has been on spanish tv spewing his bullshit too. the right wing talking points showing up in spanish media has caught us by surprise; thom hartmann warned about this a while ago.
On next call when you reach a staff member say you understand that the senator isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but please try to explain to him that ... xyz, etc
Hi all. Checking in from the San Francisco Bay Area, the latest city that Tr*mp is threatening to militarize. ICE has just touched down in the East Bay and is being hosted by our Coast Guard. 🙄 Protestors are blocking them in. They already ran over somebody's foot. There's a lot of fear in the community but also so much organization and solidarity taking place behind the scenes. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for activating our National Guard to help with food distribution (surprised that Simon didn't mention it). I am working with a local mutual aid group in Richmond, CA (East Bay) to deliver free groceries to families in hiding. If you're in the area and would like to get involved please comment here. Or if you would like to make a financial donation to our grocery efforts please let me know and we can connect. Thanks to all of the proud plucky patriots for the work you are all doing every day!
Jamelle Bouie had a piece in the NYT recently that suggested that Mississippi might be a good place to invest in party building. Might the “audacious expansion” expand there as well? Seems like a little money would go a long way. Maybe in Montana, too?
charles blow was saying something similar a while back; that it might be worth the effort to flip states that have a lot of african american voters; this was before 2020 and he turned out to be right in georgia; though we could not hold it this cycle. this morning after an encounter with a maga loudmouth, i mean who is still wearing full maga regalia right? i found support from three black women of various ages; all were fully versed in the issues and knew about everything that i brought up; i am an overeducated social worker, but these women were working in retail and had a full grasp of the issues. how could these women have such a grasp of the issues while a couple older white guys could be so angry and misinformed? i do not buy that this is democratic messaging issue; those women had no problem following the message.....funny aside, a couple of the other people in the store started mockingly seig heiling the maga guys.....if people are getting bold enough to mock these idiots, then i think the worm has turned.....maybe i should take up postcards because the street fights are getting too much for me....they thought it was funny i collected change off the floor.. i said thanks for reminding me and i went and cashed in 175 dollars worth of quarters i found and donated it to mikie sherrill. i have 3 other tubs full.....
Montana-- absolutely. They've elected Dem governors in recent history, and it's the home state of the fantastic Mr Jon Tester. I think Montanans really value person freedom and would probably not approve of the current government encroachment on everyone's rights and liberties. Plus, it's become home to some tech mfg companies because of their metal deposits, and lower COL than California, with more progressive employees and founders.
Mississippi is an interesting case. I think there was a governor's race there in 2022 or something that the Dem candidate only lost by around 5% or so. Seems like fertile ground. But nothing can be assumed b/c of demographics. If Dems are going to win it, they have to show up, and make an ultra-strong case for why people should 1) vote, and 2) vote Dem (or at least not R or MAGA)
Happy Birthday Simon!!! So very glad to share this Circle of Life with you!!! You are such a Light in the dark time. Wishing you and your family a sweet celebration!
Your suggested contacts with MOCs is no longer helpful since you have included the same message for months now. It would be more useful if you changed the message, by adding nuances or examples or new language we can use. How many times can I call and say the exact same thing?
Once a day. Or more, I suppose. If they are failures in the same way every day, they can be called out on it every day. And it would be even better if you change the language and explain why it matters to you personally.
But Simon has multiple talking points. Raise just one per call, and circle around. Plus, if you prefer to call about a different topic, go for it. No one is going to criticize you for calling about a local issue or recent event. It shows you, as a voter, are paying attention and it matters to you. And you can always hope you are making their staff tired.
Amazing speech yesterday in the NC State Senate by Michael Garrett! It’s on YouTube. A big dose of inspiration.
Wow -- thank you for posting..... the video description said : "Sen. Garrett's speech was so powerful that Senate Republicans moved to STRIKE the speech from the official Senate record. So we're posting the entirety of it here." So glad I heard it -- wow Susan B Anthony -- that really takes me back to a talk I gave in High School ... Did they succeed in striking the speech from the record? or not? Just curious.
Simon, a correction and a question:
1. New Jersey early in-person voting begins Saturday, October 25, not tomorrow https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-early-voting.shtml (and thanks for promoting it)
2. Any news about the effort to back door the SAVE Act thru the EAC now that the commenting period has ended?
Hello everyone,
Speaking about forcing Rs to defend the indefensible, see my take on the latest WaPo story on Trump's El Salvador scandal: https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/notes-from-underground-12-ms-13-and.
Happy to get your feedback. And spread the word! As you can see from my blog, I have tried to write consistently on this issue for a while, waiting for a day like this.
Am checking in with recent calls. Called my republican senators and told them how upset I am about the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and that if they don’t start standing up to Trump, they will be out of power for decades (hoping). Also called my Dem Senators to give them kudos for standing up more firmly lately! Keep it up!
Hi everyone. I have decided to call Thune, as leader of the senate, every day and shame him (respectfully, of course). I'm also calling my Massachusetts peeps too. Im coming down on the illegals: Killing fisherman in the Caribbean, demolishing the east wing, not getting a budget done, NOT stopping the tariffs, militarizing our cities, abandoning Ukraine. I am currently very upset. Heading to Colorado for the month of Nov. for a dose of desert hiking, family and old friends. I will keep calling from there.
Thank you! Enjoy your hiking, Kate. :-)
It’s not a proper shamin’ if it’s respectful lol
What I would really like to see from you, Simon, before I even CONSIDER giving to candidates, is that you join the campaign to get money out of Dem primaries. SO much money is wasted on them (Yes I am looking at Maine). The party organs like the DNC are not listening to their voters who want money out of politics. It would begin with the Dems saying candidates should NOT take outside money. It's a great way of weakening the influence of AIPAC and other big money interests that so distort our political life. What do you say?
Primaries are good for candidates and the party
Simon is asking for donations to candidates who are running in the general election such as Spanberger, Sherrill, etc. While you're running your purity test, please do donate to candidates in the general.
Catherine, I understand the distinction, I was trying to raise awareness of a strategy open to the Dems (of whom Simon is an influential member) to help get money out of politics and hence restore faith in our electeds. Yes, those who can should give to candidates but should also be mindful of the need for system change.
In the year and a half I've been with Hopium, Simon has never taken a position in the primaries. Primaries are a central part of democracy. We the People get to choose who makes it to the general in our two party system. Parties are not in the Constitution, but it has been in our political landscape for centuries.
As far as money out of politics, it goes back to Citizens United, passed in 2010. SCOTUS created this playing field, that corporations are persons with first amendment rights and money is speech.
I agree we have to get money out of politics but we can't do it unilaterally; that is surrender.
Eliminating dark money and unlimited contributions from the wealthy and business community is a part of the John Lewis voting rights act which was first introduced in 2019 and overwhelmingly supported by Democrats ever since. If memory serves it would have already been passed if Democratic Senators Kristen Sinema and Joe Manchin would have agreed to override the filibuster to pass that bill. But they wanted the big money to keep flowing into their own pockets. Sinema from pharmaceutical industry, and Manchin from fossil fuel intetersts.
The Blue team needs to get control of House, Senate and Presidency to eliminate big money, dark money, PAC money, and reverse the horrible, democracy-killing impacts of Citizens United. Until then... this is the playing field we are on.
No, it is emphatically NOT damaging to Dems to get PAC money out of Dem primaries since primaries are intra-party. Primaries are currently a way for corporate and special interests to influence which candidates go on face their Republican rivals (as you rightly state, as a result of Citizens United). Encouraging Dem primary candidates to eschew such money, and party organs such as the DNC backing up the request would save the money that could be spent instead on the campaign of the winning primary candidate against his or her Republican opponent. So many current Dems are beholden to big corporate and AIPAC money that they don't truly represent the interests of their constituents or the country as a whole. It is partly what led to Trump.
I think it's important to remember that there are a ton of fights that need to be fought, and Simon is fighting very hard to save our democracy from the extremely pressing threat of authoritarianism . Of course money is politics is a massive issue, and there are spaces where that's the focus, but this space and Simon's energies are devoted to something else. And that's okay! We need all kinds of fighters doing all kinds of things. The point of giving money to Democratic candidates isn't about one person, but about winning elections to save our democracy.
I wanted to raise the issue because it is germane to why people are disaffected from Dems. You have a very good point and an excellent defence of Simon. Thank you.
I realize in reading this thread that I do need to make it easier to understand the strategy behind our endorsements, and my general policy towards primaries. This is an important conversation, and I will kick off my involvement in it with a few initial notes....1) Jennifer as virtuous as your ambition is here it is not easy in practice. If we tried to ban PAC endorsements in primaries would that include Labor, Emily's List, and ideological PACs like the Justice Democrats? In competitive primaries candidates work very hard to get endorsed by leading politicians and political and civic orgs of all kinds. It is a vibrant part of our political system. I don't know that there is an easy line to draw here in a free and open democracy. 2) The DNC has adopted a rule that no officer of the DNC - essentially the leadership - can endorse in a primary. This was a reform Ken Martin championed. This rule was a reason David Hogg decided not to run the second time - for it would have been prevented him from running his organization, Leaders We Deserve, which endorses in Democratic primaries. 3) The statement that many Democrats are beholden to corporate PAC money or AIPAC money is in my view an overstatement based on my many years working with Democrats of all types, and people who make this argument need to be a bit more careful. We have a big tent in our family, and making a standing argument that people don't vote the way I want because they are corrupt and can be bought is a heavy thing to say inside our family.
So yes this is a healthy discussion to have, and one we should have here, internally, in the respectful and thoughtful way we try to conduct all of our discussions.
Like Sinema and Machin. Both of them saw that their corrupt corporate alliance was going to likely get them voted out anf they both retired, which reiterates that we the people hold the power. If Dem candidates take contributions from Target or Disney (people underestimate the Kimmel saga) that could be made into an issue against them in rhe primary.
Maga essentially feels the same way about corporate corruption and too much money in politics as we do, but project it on to Democrats.
Its not that big a pivot to see us v them, where "them" is greedy corrupting oligarchic billionaires, and "we" are every body else.
Unfortunately, that horse has not only left the barn, it's been out grazing in the fields for a long time now
Held my nose to call Congressman Burtchett's office along with the offices of MAGA US Senators Blackburn and Hagerty. So much to complain about but today's Senate calls focused on the kick in the head to TN farmers from 1) $20 billion give-away to Argentina, who then turned around and quit buying our soybeans and started buying them from China!; and 2) Trump's "plan" to buy Argentine beef, severely undercutting the prices for TN cattle and giving a double middle finger to TN agriculture already struggling with drought, tariffs, etc.
Burtchett's call was to "thank" him for the front-page story in yesterday's local paper that quoted him as saying, "well, there's nothing I can do" about more than 55,000 of his constituents likely to lose SNAP benefits in November--which is only a week away. If you can't do anything, then give up your big salary and lifetime health insurance so that someone else can do your job!
PROGRESSIVE candidates must be supported. They MUST be supported. Support Progressive Democrats. The Democrats will continue to LOSE if they don't support PROGRESSIVES. Full stop. Endorse Zohran Mamdani.
Here are some things Mamdani has said that may explain why some Dems won't endorse him (yet):
About NYPD: “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety.” Said they should be defunded (reversed that position recently)
Refused to say that Hamas should lay down its arms, (reversed that last week)
Refuses to denounce "Globalize the antifada", which is widely interpreted as a rallying cry against Jewish people
Refused to endorse Kathy Hochul, even after she endorsed him
I'm not saying Dems should or shouldn't endorse him. If a Dem doesn't like what he says or he/she thinks his policies, such as raising taxes on New Yorkers by $9B, will cause harm, then there's no need to endorse him, although you can definitely say he's the best choice out of the remaining candidates. As long as no one actively campaigns against him, so what?
Furthermore, for those who think he's "authentic" and "not a typical politician", look at how he's reversed his recent statements. I applaud him for changing what is an obviously wrong course, but he's not as pure and authentic as everyone seems to believe.
Just giving some reasons why there is some hesitation. If progressives can have purity tests, so can everyone else.
So VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO doesn't apply to Progressives. That's a BIG PROBLEM.
It's voting vs endorsing. I would hope all Dems vote for him, even if they don't endorse him. Again, you can say he's the best alternative, but you don't have to give him an endorsement. I wouldn't vocally support someone who says defund the police. But, I'd vote for him given the alternatives.
point to the lie in his statements about NYPD.
1) Some cops surely are some or all of those things, as there will be those people in every reasonably sized population. But he didn't say that. There is no credible evidence to suggest NYPD is systematically any of those things.
2) A blanket statement like that almost always false. Saying that all of an organization of that size has specific attributes, positive or negative, is rarely, if ever, true.
3) The vast majority of cops must not be any of those things, otherwise there would be many more instances of police brutality, corruption, and violence. There would be many more investigations, including by the DOJ.
It's like saying humans are evil. If that were the case, civilization would collapse. It is just self-evidently not true.
I'm not going to engage in a prolonged internet argument. I will say that I'm a white homeowner in Brooklyn. So I have less contact with NYPD than others might. But I've had enough to know that the department is full of reprobate thugs. And Eric Adams accelerated those tendencies in the leadership. Violent, unprincipled rank-and-file who know the contents of the Patrol Guide less than I, a civilian, do. Take a look at how much of our tax money goes to settlements for (systemic) misconduct year after year after year after year.
John, edit this comment so it does not appear that you are insulting a fellow community member. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your experiences as a NYC resident.
If he meant, NYPD has too many misconduct complaints, and it needs to be dealt with and get back to 2021 numbers ASAP, that's an acceptable and easily defendable position. That's not what he said. Again, if he can't really tell people what he wants to do, why should everyone endorse him to govern the largest city in the US?
There were 1079 misconduct complaints filed against an organization of 36,000 uniformed officers. Even if that number is increased by a factor of 10, to 10,790, it would be less than 33% of the number of uniformed officers. Now, that's an objectively terribly high number, but it still wouldn't be anywhere near a majority, let alone having the whole organization indicted.
This site doesn't endorse candidates. It supports Democrats running in competitive elections. But the mayorship of NYC isn't in danger of going to a republican.
Democrats need to endorse the PRIMARY WINNERS in the Party, right? Right? VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO (unless their policies fly in the face of BIG DONORS)...and the DNC would be cool with Cuomo who has credibly been accused of sexual harassment as long as he's BLUE? Big nope. Flawed reasoning.
Vote vs Endorse. Donors have nothing to do with it. People can disagree with policies (such as defund the police) and decide to not endorse, but still vote for the candidate, and not actively campaign against him/her. For example, I'd not endorse Bernie Sanders for president if he were the candidate, but I'd 100% vote for him if the alternative were a MAGA or far-right candidate.
Defund the police just means to DE-MILITARIZE them. There is NO NEED for cops to have TANKS available to them for law enforcement or to use lethal force on someone having a mental heatlh crisis because they are not trained to do that. It means STOP GIVING THEM WEAPONS OF WAR to use against (MOSTLY) poor people and other people in crisis. It means routing out corruption in police departments and putting an end to POLICE GANGS and "qualified immunity" which is just another name for "avoid accountability for illegal behavior/excessive force."
His statement about NYPD-- racist, anti-queer, and threat to public safety-- is disparaging and insulting a ton of people who put their lives on the line to protect the public. It's entitled and elitist. Why not say "Demilitarize the police?" If he can't explain what he really wants to do, how is he going to govern? Not saying he can't or won't, but it would give me pause from shouting from the rooftops for him.
if you're explaining you're losing' 'defund the police ' hurt us enormously in key elections, and almost no dems ever said it or endorsed it. but they all got tarred with it. a number of teachers in nyc stopped that portion of their union contributions that would be used to support him; teachers are not a conservative voting bloc; they are overwhelmingly democrats. source; brian lehrer interview with randi weingarten on wnyc. right across the river in nj he is kryptonite with many democrats. maybe that is unfair, but that's the way it is.
I consider myself a leftist, but I have to say that "defund the police" has been one of the worst slogans to convey this message. All people hear is "end policing." There has to be a better way to state this. It's a major liability. If you have to explain this position, the slogan must change.
You said what I wanted to say far more succinctly than I did.
If you have to explain what a slogan means, you've lost the argument. Many people heard/hear "defund the police" and think it means stop giving them money period. It was and is a terrible choice of words. Respectfully, you chose to use all caps to explain what defund the police means. All caps and all the explaining in the world will not help sway people bc the very people you are trying to "get to understand" either won't or just don't agree with you no matter how well intended the idea was behind "defund the police".
I agree with you. As someone who has done a lot of work on sexual harassment people flocking to endorse and promote Cuomo despite it makes me absolutely furious. (Do not get me started on the New York Times.) And I believe Democrats should endorse primary winners, using whatever caveats they wish, and note that no one hesitates to endorse people when they're to the far right of the party. But also, that's simply not what this site is for. Simon doesn't endorse candidates--he fundraises for Democrats in key specific elections, and is careful to not spread things too thin. Does that make sense?
The comments often have people telling Simon what he should/must be doing, but it's really crucial to focus on what the purpose of the site is. There are lots of other sandboxes that do different things, but THIS sandbox has a very specific purpose.
I understand. Anyone raising money for Democrats should raise money for all (I would normally put "all" in all caps for emphasis, but I have been reprimanded like a school child) Democrats. That is my main point here. And, we have been polite all the way to Fascism in this country. We are righteously angry and tone policing sucks. Simon is letting F-bombs fly in his videos...and I support that 100%.
Susan, a few notes: 1) we are a small community and our emphasis here has been on expansion and winning races that will take power away from MAGA. The NY Mayor's race has not fit into that bucket. 2) We are not the Party and do not have to support/endorse in every race. I try to make recommendations on where people's time and money can make the most difference. 3) This is a voluntary community. If you are unhappy with what we are doing here you can leave. I hope you stay, and engage respectfully with the rest of the community but I understand if you feel that this not the right place for you. 4) We have community guidelines here about discourse, and one of the most important is that we discuss here, respectfully, we do not argue or attack others. Onward - Simon
Susan, engage here respectfully. All caps implies yelling. Not what we do here.
Okay, Simon.
DNC Chair Ken Martin endorsed Zohran Mamdani in June following his primary victory.
Just wanted to share an update on the Resolution of Condemnation I’ve been working on for submission to the city council in Evanston, Il, home of Northwestern University. I was able to get the support of Indivisible Evanston, a very productive and large organizing group here, whose No Kings Day rally brought 6,000 people to our downtown Fountain Square on SAturday!
I finally finished both a background document explaining the project itself, and the actual Resolution for Evanston, IL…I modeled it after a handful of resolutions that have already passed in Massachusetts and in New Mexico.
I had spoken with our mayor before I got going on the project to see what he thought of the idea, and he was very supportive. He referred me to two specific aldermen he thought would be enthusiastic.
Once I completed the documents, I sent them to both aldermen, and left phone messages for them. After also sending them to the mayor, who said he’d reach out to the aldermen right away, I got an email back from one of the aldermen saying he loved the idea but had some concerns it might be viewed in a similar way to a failed resolution against the Gaza invasion a year or two ago because of it “not being related to local issues.”
I found that strange, since I had included in the resolution itself a handful of examples of how the Trump admin’s actions are currently harming Evanston residents, including ICE abductions that have happened on our own streets, and our own mayor having been teargassed while peacefully protesting at an
ICE facility…I explained all of this in detail to him in a response email. I HOPE he will proceed to try to get this introduced and passed in Evanston, which prides itself as being a progressive community.
I am waiting until Monday of next week to reach out again to see what is happening in this regard. We shall see!
Any suggestions re how to be more persuasive would be appreciated. I also got a handful of residents of these aldermen’s wards to volunteer to call them to voice their support for the resolution, and I sent them a reminder to please make those calls.
Great work Nancy. I've also been involved on a Resolution and one of the County Supervisors felt that the resolution was too partisan. The response is that supporting the Constitutional framework of 3 branches of government balance of powers, and the bill of rights for all, is a non-partisan issue that all electeds take an oath to defend, and it is also a responsibility for plucky patriot citizenry.
Simon has indicated that we write the draft, and electeds and public (through public comment at hearings) have a chance to make edits to get it across the finish line.
Good luck, and congratulations on your progress.
That's great Nancy. Can you provide a link to the background document you created?
On relating back to local issues, are there any examples of cuts to research grants or other types of cuts, where trump refuses to spend money Congress has appropriated, that have had a local effect? Alternatively, any examples of the impacts of trump's illegal tariffs, e.g. from local small business owners who are struggling. If nothing else the impact on local prices could be highlighted.
Fantastic job with this!!
Picking up from John's comment, maybe reach out to local public schools and libraries about programs and funding they use that have been cut?
How about impacts of the shutdown?
Surely Northwestern has been affected by loss of research grants, or perhaps funding related to DEI?
This is a lot of calls, so maybe the local Indivisible folks could help with those?
Good luck and keep at it!
Forgot this: Northwestern must be affected by loss of international students, postdocs, and perhaps faculty. International students are usually really important to university budgets, because they pay higher tuition.
Northwestern has joined a Mutual Academic Defense Compact as part of the Big Ten. The resolutions don't necessarily compel administration to follow them, but the resolutions are very similar to our Resolutions Project.
I've been keeping track by following the website below which has all the groups that have generated similar compacts. I've been trying to start work on this myself, which is why I've been looking around.
https://www.umass.edu/senate/madcs-tracker
this is such a good idea
Each of the nine Evanston City Councilmembers were required to take and subscribe the constitutional oath of office to defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Here they are doing that on April 28, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRlgsV5ZtDQ at 13:36
I [name], having been elected to the office of [#] Ward Council Member in the City of Evanston in the County of Cook, do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of [#] Ward Council Member to the best of my ability.
Those duties they are required to fulfill include safeguarding the people in their jurisdiction. You are a constituent bringing forward concerns about yourself and your community. Evanston also has a "Welcoming City" Ordinance passed by the City Council on January 13, 2025. https://www.cityofevanston.org/Home/Components/News/News/6498/249
You can specifically ask the Aldermen recommended by the Mayor to sponsor the resolution so it can be introduced and discussed at a City Council meeting. The Mayor can write a statement in support of the resolution and deliver it at the hearing of the resolution. That was done for the Village of Corrales, and it was very powerful (Sep. 9, 2025).
The Village Council discussion, Mayor’s remarks and vote start at 1:36:16. – 1:45:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVJj-uUsY20&t=6243s
I made clips, too.
Corrales Mayor Fahey Clip 1
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxNs0dY9rPuW---fuccGstfe2Cbl0gR84T?si=wOBIJpesKwawsx0x
Corrales Mayor Fahey Clip 2
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxOPt7Mvo9eGHXmqkS8uXOjYzwUK0x7wDY?si=VV_esXTC7aDZ1Qnm
Corrales Councilor Woldman explains why this is not partisan, and why it is their job
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxFmh4ftdDktGwvdl4iMJyRrsrchBdzgLf?si=8T8MVoJypaQMrGKy
You can also point to specific lawsuitsand amicus briefs filed by your Democratic Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul against the Executive Branch for unlawful actions that are harming the people of your state and the City of Evanston. Here are press releases about them. https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/News-Room/
And some just for this month of Oct. 2025
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL JOINS MULTISTATE OPPOSITION TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ATTEMPT TO SUBPOENA SENSITIVE HOSPITAL RECORDS. Oct 22, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-joins-multistate-opposition-to-trump-administrations-attempt-to-subpoena-sensitive-hospital-records
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONTIUNES TO FIGHT AGAINST ATTACK ON PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING. Oct. 20, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-contiunes-to-fight-against-attack-on-planned-parenthood-funding
ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL CHALLENGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S UNLAWFUL ATTACKS ON AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY. Oct. 16, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-kwame-raoul-challenges-trump-administrations-unlawful-attacks-on-affordable-clean-energy
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL SECURES ORDER HALTING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PUSH TO USE SNAP INFORMATION FOR MASS SURVEILLANCE AGENDA. Oct. 16, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-secures-order-halting-trump-administrations-push-to-use-snap-information-for-mass-surveillance-agenda-10-16-25
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL DEFENDS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS FOR NONCITIZEN STUDENTS AND FACULTY. Oct. 15, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-defends-first-amendment-protections-for-noncitizen-students-and-faculty
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO STOP UNLAWFUL DEPLOYMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD. October 06, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-files-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-to-stop-unlawful-deployment-of-national-guard
and many statements such as this
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER 7th CIRCUIT DENIES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO UNDO DISTRICT COURT’S ORDER PREVENTING TROOP DEPLOYMENT. Oct. 16, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-issues-statement-after-7th-circuit-denies-trump-administrations-efforts-to-undo-district-courts-order-preventing-troop-deployment
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONDEMNS TRUMP ATTACKS ON NONPROFITS’ FREEDOM OF SPEECH. October 10, 2025
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-condemns-trump-attacks-on-nonprofits-freedom-of-speech
I just talked to Senator Bernie Moreno. REALLY!!
I called the Washington phone number and he answered. He answered.
HE LIED TO ME.
He said he had never heard President Trump say that he wouldn't touch the actual building of the East Wing.
He said the President has full authority to do whatever he wants with the White House.
I am not kidding you. It was Moreno himself because I recognized his smirking voice.
He tried to give me every Trump talking point. How beautiful the ballroom will be. How much better the Rose Garden is now. And finally, that Trump has full authority and permission to do whatever he wants because the National Park Service reports to him.
I am so, so, so very angry.
MORENO WILL NOT BUDGE. HE IS ENTRENCHED.
So what now? I am tired of hitting my head against this brick wall.
I don't want to call his office anymore.
I would be apoplectic and likely have an aneurysm.
i am traumatized just reading it.
No kidding! Thanks, Veronica Z! Courage.
I recommend summarizing your call as you’ve done here and spread it through all your channels, e.g. Facebook & other social media, especially your Ohio network. Encourage them to start making noise. Apologies if you’re already doing so.
And a letter to the editor, and cc him on it. IF you are just one, he can blow you off, but if he knows your putting it out in the public sphere... that's another animal
I called back to the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland offices (and Washington) and I asked his staff to get that video clip to him.
In backing up what Madam Geoffrin has suggested, I would also share this on Bluesky. When you do, the people you follow and who are following you will reshare this and spread it far and wide. They need to know what a POS Bernie is. And while you're at it, encourage more people to call, e-mail, and text.
And finally, I understand totally how frustrating it is to call your FOP (Fascist Old Party) senators; I have Cruz and Cornyn, and I've sometimes felt frustrated. But I'm still calling them, and I will NOT let them hear the end of it. Before you call again, though, do spread the word among your social media and make sure everyone you know what Bernie is and have them contact him--CONSTANTLY. ALL OF YOU call him, and even if he doesn't budge, it will drive him CRAZY.
I wouldn’t want to call his office either! Can you send an email via his website? No need to traumatize yourself just to express your disapproval.
I call and write every single week since joining Hopium, but it's discouraging.
I sent a couple of emails today to sign on to Sherrod Brown's campaign. I am not in his district, hut I am motivated.
he has been on spanish tv spewing his bullshit too. the right wing talking points showing up in spanish media has caught us by surprise; thom hartmann warned about this a while ago.
P.S. Sorry for yelling.
On next call when you reach a staff member say you understand that the senator isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but please try to explain to him that ... xyz, etc
https://www.facebook.com/783125524/posts/pfbid02FvACeUwHFpkELv9opY5jU8w8RQ3khGTRvuhGZnjB7LCyDkQKxUENxQqKXaE7rjarl/?app=fbl So I have been thinking similar things as this well written article. What do you think Simon? How does the House come back into session??
Hi all. Checking in from the San Francisco Bay Area, the latest city that Tr*mp is threatening to militarize. ICE has just touched down in the East Bay and is being hosted by our Coast Guard. 🙄 Protestors are blocking them in. They already ran over somebody's foot. There's a lot of fear in the community but also so much organization and solidarity taking place behind the scenes. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for activating our National Guard to help with food distribution (surprised that Simon didn't mention it). I am working with a local mutual aid group in Richmond, CA (East Bay) to deliver free groceries to families in hiding. If you're in the area and would like to get involved please comment here. Or if you would like to make a financial donation to our grocery efforts please let me know and we can connect. Thanks to all of the proud plucky patriots for the work you are all doing every day!
Sylvia, I'd love to donate. Where should I send $
Thank you so much Kathryn. Here is the info. Please note we are not a non-profit. Just a group of neighbors.
Venmo: @RichmondAreaMutualAid
Zelle: RichmondAreaMutualAid@proton.me (the name Max will populate)
https://www.wegotusrichmond.org/
Hi Sylvia, I am also in the east bay near Richmond and would love to know more. Thanks!
Hi there! Awesome! I think I just sent you a DM here on Substack. Let me know if you don't see it.
Simon,
Jamelle Bouie had a piece in the NYT recently that suggested that Mississippi might be a good place to invest in party building. Might the “audacious expansion” expand there as well? Seems like a little money would go a long way. Maybe in Montana, too?
charles blow was saying something similar a while back; that it might be worth the effort to flip states that have a lot of african american voters; this was before 2020 and he turned out to be right in georgia; though we could not hold it this cycle. this morning after an encounter with a maga loudmouth, i mean who is still wearing full maga regalia right? i found support from three black women of various ages; all were fully versed in the issues and knew about everything that i brought up; i am an overeducated social worker, but these women were working in retail and had a full grasp of the issues. how could these women have such a grasp of the issues while a couple older white guys could be so angry and misinformed? i do not buy that this is democratic messaging issue; those women had no problem following the message.....funny aside, a couple of the other people in the store started mockingly seig heiling the maga guys.....if people are getting bold enough to mock these idiots, then i think the worm has turned.....maybe i should take up postcards because the street fights are getting too much for me....they thought it was funny i collected change off the floor.. i said thanks for reminding me and i went and cashed in 175 dollars worth of quarters i found and donated it to mikie sherrill. i have 3 other tubs full.....
thanks, that's a great anecdote. Do what you can, and we can all do something! Mikie's in the driver's seat!
Montana-- absolutely. They've elected Dem governors in recent history, and it's the home state of the fantastic Mr Jon Tester. I think Montanans really value person freedom and would probably not approve of the current government encroachment on everyone's rights and liberties. Plus, it's become home to some tech mfg companies because of their metal deposits, and lower COL than California, with more progressive employees and founders.
Mississippi is an interesting case. I think there was a governor's race there in 2022 or something that the Dem candidate only lost by around 5% or so. Seems like fertile ground. But nothing can be assumed b/c of demographics. If Dems are going to win it, they have to show up, and make an ultra-strong case for why people should 1) vote, and 2) vote Dem (or at least not R or MAGA)
Wonderful video of the Illinois farmer, he sure gets it and why. I just shared it on FB. Thanks for posting that Simon.
Simon, is today your birthday? If so, many happy returns of the day!
🎂🎉🎈🍾 Yes, Happy Birthday Simon!!!! 🎂🎉🎈🍾
thanks all.....
Have a wonderful birthday, Simon!
Happy Birthday, Simon!! 🎉🎂🥳
Happy Birthday Simon!!! So very glad to share this Circle of Life with you!!! You are such a Light in the dark time. Wishing you and your family a sweet celebration!
Well Happy Birthday! 🎂🎂🎂
Happy birthday, Simon!
Hope you are having a wonderful birthday!!!
Happy birthday! Was not aware. Hope you had a great day.
Your suggested contacts with MOCs is no longer helpful since you have included the same message for months now. It would be more useful if you changed the message, by adding nuances or examples or new language we can use. How many times can I call and say the exact same thing?
Once a day. Or more, I suppose. If they are failures in the same way every day, they can be called out on it every day. And it would be even better if you change the language and explain why it matters to you personally.
But Simon has multiple talking points. Raise just one per call, and circle around. Plus, if you prefer to call about a different topic, go for it. No one is going to criticize you for calling about a local issue or recent event. It shows you, as a voter, are paying attention and it matters to you. And you can always hope you are making their staff tired.
Thanks. I’ve done all that.