Trump continues to escalate - Congressional Dems will return to a capital city under siege in September and must be ready to far more directly challenge our descent into authoritarianism
Barbara, I am taking this post down for any assertion that our work doesn't matter, as we've discussed here many times, is a call for "obeying in advance." It is doing MAGA's work for them, is unwelcome here and disrespectful to all the proud patriots busting their ass every day for our democracy. We need to be doing everything we are doing AND MORE - that is why I've called for us to find a higher gear as a movement and have offered concrete steps for doing so. Feel free to repost with a different approach and we have to remember at all times that "the best way out is through" which means we have to go right at them with all the tools in our toolbox everyday and keep working to create more. Thank you. Simon
Simon, I take your point and have taken another crack at it. I did not mean to leave the impression that our work doesn't matter; I just see a gaping threat that needs to be addressed but I don't know how to address it. So here is the revised alarm:
It’s time to take action on an additional front(s), now, to save the mid-term elections. While battling gerrymandering a la Newsome is a welcome start, Trump is, as we speak, assembling the pieces he needs for full on voter suppression that could make even these efforts ineffective.
Imagine it this way, as Trump does. Expand ICE to be his personal police force while simultaneously mobilizing National Guards to supplement their ranks. Deploy these forces—making sure they are ARMED—to blue states, sure, but also to so-called red states that polls show* may be teetering on the brink of rejecting Trumpism and his apparatchiks. Not just Texas and Florida, but Iowa, Ohio, even South Carolina…meanwhile, do not promote and even fire national military leaders who will not swear their allegiance to Trump rather that the Constitution; or cause them to righteously resign because they don’t agree with his “vision.” All of this inconceivable treason-in-waiting is not just an imagined worse-case scenario; it is happening RIGHT NOW.
Mix in the end of mail-in voting, a coming Trump edict, and what do you get? Swarms of armed military, on the hunt for Latinos and other minorities, lining the polls on election day(s). Of course, Latino voters but also other deportable minority citizens will be intimidated and stay home. Should the remaining white people, dutiful and docile, show up, the Republicans will have their majority in the new, expanded list of battleground states, spawned by unhappiness with the current regime. Should the voters resist the anti-democratic, militarized wing of the Trumpy Republican Party, well, isn’t that an "emergency" that calls for martial law? And Trump won’t have to depend on the local police to handle the first moments of this coup because his army will already in place.
We will need more tactics, ruthlessly effective ones, to safeguard what I believe is coming in the midterms. Who is planning the preemptive countermeasures for this? Anybody? The pieces of a complete authoritarian takeover are being laid NOW. We can’t still play by the old rules if we want to save our democracy. I don’t know what to do about this but I’m counting on people smarter than me to figure that out and get ideas presented to the people who have the power to make it happen. Certainly things on the legal front need to be done preemptively but what other safeguards can we put in place to anticipate and thwart their attempts to prevent a free and fair election? I wish, at the least, that the high ranking military leader who just resigned (I can't remember his name) would go public on what he meant by not agreeing with the direction DOD has decided to go.
While I continue my postcards for NJ Democrats I am curious how others on the ground are seeing the Sherrill-Ciattarelli race. My friends, inclined to worry, keep saying Jack is everywhere and Mikie’s not doing enough. Those sentiments don’t align with what I am seeing on social media and InsiderNJ (online NJ political news aggregator), but I know too well that perception becomes reality. What are you seeing?
Her recent poll numbers are far more believable than the first Eagleton poll and show her ahead. But I am dubious of polls especially with a woman at the top of the ticket. The Bradley effect for the ladies is sadly a reality. Ask Hillary and Kamala. 🥲
it will be a tight race and believe me, ciaterelli is being favored by the press. he is seen as a moderate r. there is no such thing. he will draw a lot of italian american votes, but a lot of that vote is trumper in nj these days. the key is the cities; if they come out for her she can win. if they stay home, she's toast. do not expect a blowout dems have never been super popular in nj and of course, jack is playing the property tax line. the one poll had her ahead by like 6, and that is way too close for comfort; murphy was ahead by a lot more and it turned out to be closer than expected.
Yikes. I have friends in NJ, and they are banking on Sherrill pulling it off. I'll send her more $ in the coming days. I do look at the stats on where our endorsed candidates are in terms of Hopium fundraising and have noted the last few times that Sherrill is lagging (vs, i.e. Spanberger). Perhaps, we have more Hopiates in parts south than in parts north???
You mention that Roy Cooper has the best chance of turning a red Senate seat, but there are several good candidates running against Susan Collins, and I am wondering if that seat might not be up for grabs.
Simon, I agree. I am however, really impressed with Graham Platner, a waterman and harbor master. He makes the case that Collins has been in the Senate for decades, during which time, life has gotten unaffordable for the working class. We'll see what happens, but I think he could beat her. It's time for her to take her "concern" and go.
You are absolutely on the right track with rural America. Iowa has been a bellwether in the past, and I pray they finally come to their senses in 2026 (I am a native Iowan now living in Michigan). Have you considered interviewing Jess Piper? She is a former NW Missouri teacher, a D political activist (formed Dirt Road Democrats), an excellent writer/speaker, and a firecracker! She writes on Substack. I think you would find her to be pragmatic as well as patriotic. Your paid subscriber, Sheila
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the continuous assault on Ukraine by Russia. It is often overlooked that this began in 2014, not 2022. We democratic, anti-autocratic and free peoples of the world had hoped that this illegal and immoral war would have ended with Ukraine’s victory over evil by this, their Independence Day. Instead their brave struggle continues. Tragically, the United States is now also under attack. Even more tragically, it is not an outside invader but our own autocratic regime, oligarchs and those who do not believe in our Constitution.
There is so much more to say but let us aspire to be able to celebrate Ukraine’s continued sovereignty as well as the re-establishment of the rule of law in these, our United States of America.
The MAGA reps in the Texas legislature are realizing they may have messed up with their ad hoc gerrymandering of five new districts. Yes, those new districts are deep red, but in creating them, they took a LOT of "red" out of ten adjoining districts and are now realizing that they have put most of those ten in play. Farron Cousins just posted this an hour ago.
"Texas Republicans Admit They Screwed Up BIG TIME With Gerrymandered Maps"
Amen, as many as possible. But we in this "safe" red district in Georgia are looking to form an "Anti-MAGA coalition" to put up a primary challenger to the cowardly MAGA traitor. Is it too much to ask for a candidate who will put our Constitution above that evil dickweed in the White House?
A sane Republican challenger. Huh, what a notion lol. Even though it would seem futile, I hope the Democrats will have a candidate as well. Run everywhere!
Katie Phang has a fantastic interview with DNC vice chair Malcolm Kenyatta. He explains the repercussions of the recent defunding of PA public transit (traffic is going to increase for everyone in Philadelphia, among other horrifying things) and the crucial role the DNC is playing nationwide. I feel inspired!
How Democrats hope to use SEPTA cuts to flip the state Senate for the first time in 31 years (click “Continue reading”)
“With planned SEPTA cuts days away, the future of transit in Pennsylvania is dominating public discussion in a way state budget issues rarely do — so much so that the topic could become a focal point in Pennsylvania’s 2026 midterms.”
Story by Julia Terruso, Katie Bernard, Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer
I wanted to report that Maryland's House Majority Leader, Democrat David Moon, has introduced "legislation to automatically redraw our state’s eight congressional districts, but if and only if another state actually goes rogue and creates new lines off-schedule." He says, "I strongly believe all 50 states need to have the same schedule and flexibility for redistricting – at least for the U.S. House, where we rely on 50 states rules to combine and elect a single body." His proposal includes other elements, such as federal redistricting reform. I've been contacting Gov. Moore urging him to support redistricting. I'm now going to be contacting my Maryland reps and asking them to give Leader Moon's proposal their strong support. Any other folks here from the Free State?
I'm reposting this from late yesterday. Greg Landsman (D-Oh) is one of my newly found favorite democrats. Interviewed here by Tim Miller of the Bulwark. He has a ten point plan to fix America and it makes a lot of sense. What we are for, not just what we are against.
Good interview and I clicked through to Landsman's article. He only lays out five points there, but that's fine. I'm reading here on my phone or I would copy over some of Landsman's text to add to Simon's page of similar content on where the Democratic party needs to focus now. The other thought that comes to mind is how this could augment the Articles of Condemnation efforts. Statements could include both how much harm T and Rs are doing and how Ds plan to make things better. Idk, is that idea too out there?
My main interest in posting this is the idea that Landsman got the idea from 1994 GOP Contract for (i prefer on) America, which also had 10 points about how to fix it and they gained over 70 seats in the House that cycle. A ten point plan that reflect Democratic and Constitutional values, widely promoted, is a very good strategy to putting the blue team on offense. He is more aligned with my values than Slotkin's plan. but they could blend the two. By the end of this year, the Dems need to coalesce around something like this.
I was invited to attend a very small gathering with Ken Martin the chair of the DNC yesterday. He stated that if you only had a limited amount of resources you should fully focus on:
1.Mikie Sherrill running for governor in New Jersey, 2.Abigail Spanberger running for governor in Virginia and 3. The retention of Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue (D), Kevin M. Dougherty (D), and David N. Wecht .
Ken Martin is a brilliant and engaging person. He is very concerned about our country and is doing his damndest to make sure we take back the house and senate!! Much like you and this community Simon.
There really is a new and vastly improved DNC and Ken Martin has set the pace. I still see comments elsewhere ragging on the DNC based on previous leadership. Those commenters are not paying attention.
people from the Dem coalition stayed home in 2024. They are called skippers. The sentiment was that Democrats were perceived as not doing anything or communicating what they were doing for average working people. Dems have their own billionaire problem. check out charting the way forward on sub stack for lessons learned.
Here is a fantastic take on the “internet machine” and its now negative societal impact by the Long Shadow Podcast team (a 7-part series): https://longshadowpodcast.com/podcasts/breaking-the-internet/episode-01-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it . With an excellent presentation by the journalist and historian, Garrett Graff, it is worth a binge listen (especially episodes 4 and 7). We do not want to become the next Myanmar. So, please spread the podcast far and wide.
Without affirmative action (see what I did there), the situation will only get worse. Yes, beyond the work of Dolos, our international adversaries are certainly exploiting the obvious tools of “anger and fear” to promote discord amongst the populace. Unfortunately, it seems that Dolos (being on-brand) is assiduously dismantling the nation’s ability to defend itself against disinformation and cyber-security: https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2025-08-22/kelly-gallego-call-on-trump-administration-to-fix-election-security-collaboration-with-states .
Also, The Daily Beast has some insightful coverage about the antipathy of Dolos toward Black women (approximately 10 minutes into the segment): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZOg_EKBcqk [Edit 8-23-25, missing link]. Along with Joy Reid (mentioned below), there are now NY AG Tish James and Dr. Lisa Cook of the Federal Reserve. One could also mention the Black female mayors of LA and the District of Columbia. Remember Black women voters (sophisticated through lived experience in America) have been the MOST loyal Democratic base with recently 92% of them supporting VP Harris last November.
Lastly, I think that Democrats should have an open meeting about returning to D.C. in its current state. The discussion would be educational for the nation. If D.C. has the lowest rate in 30 years, what other artificial emergencies might Dolos create? This idea is just food for thought (note in Texas, they did functionally “imprison” a Democratic legislator).
ON REPEAT:
DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS: PLEASE GO ON CONSERVATIVE MEDIA AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!! There should be no safe traditional (skip 8kun/8chan) communication spaces for the other side. You have Epstein (emotional salience) and the economy (invite them to pay tariffs or go grocery shopping) on your side.
"I'll tell you what's at the bottom of it," [LBJ] said. "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
- Lyndon Baines Johnson, #36
HURRICANE ERIN!! FEMA??
Where is Jill Stein?
“…Queens not Brooklyn…”
- Hakeem Jeffries (D), House Minority Leader
Where are the cancelled endorsements (e.g. LA Times and Washington Post) of VP Harris? They would make for interesting reading - now. Once again, the MSM is falling down on the job.
This interview will be hard for many to consume, but Joy Reid is an excellent example of the 92% of Black women who voted with the knowledge of our present moment (agree or disagree, but check her facts, timestamps - 26:52, 33:00, 37:13*, 40:10, 41:15**, 46:00***, 49:44***): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQbVyNEN_C8 . The entire interview is worthwhile. Wajahat and Joy also mention my favorite LBJ quote about race and class that I’ve shared previously, and they discuss the power of the Epstein Files.*** EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN!
Folks:
One patriarch was an advocate of the “White Australia” movement, and the other was tagged by the Nixon Administration for blatant housing discrimination (Mr. Guthrie lived at Beach Haven) and was arrested and arraigned (but eventually let go) as a twenty-something with five or six others (the individuals not named Trump would later be identified as card-carrying members) at a Queen’s Klan Rally in the 1920s. I would be curious about the thoughts of others in the community about father-son influences.
Are we dealing with the sins of the fathers? Do fathers have an influence on their sons, especially when the sons inherit the family business? I will provide two “citations” below:
“Racial purity is the sacred object, far more sacred to the new generation of Australians than any other worldly tie. Certainly to-day it has become more sacred than the tie with Britain. Can you doubt that it should be so, you who are a great family people and have seen in so many parts of the world the horrors of merging a coloured race with white?”
- Keith Murdoch [Murdoch (1921, as cited in Roberts, T. D. C. (2015). Before Rupert, Keith Murdoch and The Birth of A Dynasty. University of Queensland Press.]
Old Man Trump
Words by Woody Guthrie Adapted by Ryan Harvey, Music by Ryan Harvey
I suppose that Old Man Trump knows just how much racial hate He stirred up in that bloodpot of human hearts When he drawed that color line Here at his Beach Haven family project Beach Haven ain't my home! No, I just can't pay this rent! My money's down the drain, And my soul is badly bent! Beach Haven is Trump’s Tower Where no black folks come to roam, No, no, Old Man Trump! Old Beach Haven ain't my home! I'm calling out my welcome to you and your man both Welcoming you here to Beach Haven To love in any way you please and to have some kind of a decent place To have your kids raised up in. Beach Haven ain't my home! No, I just can't pay this rent! My money's down the drain, And my soul is badly bent! Beach Haven is Trump’s Tower Where no black folks come to roam, No, no, Old Man Trump! Old Beach Haven ain't my home!
In the earlier part of the last century, the National Socialists committed historical atrocities and pushed the planet into a World War that only ended with the emergence of the Atomic Age. If I remember correctly, they were pushing a “Master Race” concept (along with “Racial Purity”); it was their stated “why”. So, what is the “why” of Dolos and his followers? Is it something similar? There is always a reason.
The term “White Australia” is self-explanatory, and the original KKK was created to prevent newly enfranchised Black Men (sorry to all the sisters of all races) from actually voting by murdering them and using other forms of intimidation: https://www.history.com/articles/ku-klux-klan . Thus, in 2008, the election of the first Black President was a warning shot that a certain group could not ignore: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/robert-draper-anti-obama-campaign_n_1452899 . Does anyone remember what conspiracy theory made Dolos politically relevant?
It is 2025. This country is about to transition demographically. So, some are taking action to try to deport millions prior to the next Census, and others have an urgent need to degrade the “Reconstruction Amendments” (i.e. 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments). Ms. Reid may have some answers.
Why is birthright citizenship now a question? Why are voting protections being diminished? I’m asking for a friend because racism can be a “helluva” drug!
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
I enjoyed the conversation with Chairwoman Hart, and thank her for serving Iowa -- as brighter days are coming. Some darker ones first.
I would assert to anyone that tariffs might be necessary in some circumstances -- but not in the hands of a completely rogue president who has been allowed to usurp those powers from Congress -- by the current majority in Congress. They are out of control -- the gang that couldn't shoot straight.
Meanwhile, large layoffs have been announced by John Deere in Moline -- across the river from Iowa. (Bernie was in Davenport yesterday.)
When I think of Iowa Democrats, I think of former senator Tom Harkin ... who will turn 86 in November. There is a lot of democratic DNA running through the veins of Iowans.
I recall a debate where Ernst was asked what the break even price for some farm product in Iowa was - corn or pigs, my memory isn’t clear. Ernst, who was a sitting Iowa senator & on the Ag committee DIDN’T KNOW.
That’s disqualifying to me. But not to Iowa’s voters.
Barbara, I am taking this post down for any assertion that our work doesn't matter, as we've discussed here many times, is a call for "obeying in advance." It is doing MAGA's work for them, is unwelcome here and disrespectful to all the proud patriots busting their ass every day for our democracy. We need to be doing everything we are doing AND MORE - that is why I've called for us to find a higher gear as a movement and have offered concrete steps for doing so. Feel free to repost with a different approach and we have to remember at all times that "the best way out is through" which means we have to go right at them with all the tools in our toolbox everyday and keep working to create more. Thank you. Simon
Simon, I take your point and have taken another crack at it. I did not mean to leave the impression that our work doesn't matter; I just see a gaping threat that needs to be addressed but I don't know how to address it. So here is the revised alarm:
It’s time to take action on an additional front(s), now, to save the mid-term elections. While battling gerrymandering a la Newsome is a welcome start, Trump is, as we speak, assembling the pieces he needs for full on voter suppression that could make even these efforts ineffective.
Imagine it this way, as Trump does. Expand ICE to be his personal police force while simultaneously mobilizing National Guards to supplement their ranks. Deploy these forces—making sure they are ARMED—to blue states, sure, but also to so-called red states that polls show* may be teetering on the brink of rejecting Trumpism and his apparatchiks. Not just Texas and Florida, but Iowa, Ohio, even South Carolina…meanwhile, do not promote and even fire national military leaders who will not swear their allegiance to Trump rather that the Constitution; or cause them to righteously resign because they don’t agree with his “vision.” All of this inconceivable treason-in-waiting is not just an imagined worse-case scenario; it is happening RIGHT NOW.
Mix in the end of mail-in voting, a coming Trump edict, and what do you get? Swarms of armed military, on the hunt for Latinos and other minorities, lining the polls on election day(s). Of course, Latino voters but also other deportable minority citizens will be intimidated and stay home. Should the remaining white people, dutiful and docile, show up, the Republicans will have their majority in the new, expanded list of battleground states, spawned by unhappiness with the current regime. Should the voters resist the anti-democratic, militarized wing of the Trumpy Republican Party, well, isn’t that an "emergency" that calls for martial law? And Trump won’t have to depend on the local police to handle the first moments of this coup because his army will already in place.
We will need more tactics, ruthlessly effective ones, to safeguard what I believe is coming in the midterms. Who is planning the preemptive countermeasures for this? Anybody? The pieces of a complete authoritarian takeover are being laid NOW. We can’t still play by the old rules if we want to save our democracy. I don’t know what to do about this but I’m counting on people smarter than me to figure that out and get ideas presented to the people who have the power to make it happen. Certainly things on the legal front need to be done preemptively but what other safeguards can we put in place to anticipate and thwart their attempts to prevent a free and fair election? I wish, at the least, that the high ranking military leader who just resigned (I can't remember his name) would go public on what he meant by not agreeing with the direction DOD has decided to go.
*https://civiqs.com/results/approve_president_trump_2025?uncertainty=true&annotations=true&zoomIn=true
GM Hopium mates!
While I continue my postcards for NJ Democrats I am curious how others on the ground are seeing the Sherrill-Ciattarelli race. My friends, inclined to worry, keep saying Jack is everywhere and Mikie’s not doing enough. Those sentiments don’t align with what I am seeing on social media and InsiderNJ (online NJ political news aggregator), but I know too well that perception becomes reality. What are you seeing?
Her recent poll numbers are far more believable than the first Eagleton poll and show her ahead. But I am dubious of polls especially with a woman at the top of the ticket. The Bradley effect for the ladies is sadly a reality. Ask Hillary and Kamala. 🥲
it will be a tight race and believe me, ciaterelli is being favored by the press. he is seen as a moderate r. there is no such thing. he will draw a lot of italian american votes, but a lot of that vote is trumper in nj these days. the key is the cities; if they come out for her she can win. if they stay home, she's toast. do not expect a blowout dems have never been super popular in nj and of course, jack is playing the property tax line. the one poll had her ahead by like 6, and that is way too close for comfort; murphy was ahead by a lot more and it turned out to be closer than expected.
Yikes. I have friends in NJ, and they are banking on Sherrill pulling it off. I'll send her more $ in the coming days. I do look at the stats on where our endorsed candidates are in terms of Hopium fundraising and have noted the last few times that Sherrill is lagging (vs, i.e. Spanberger). Perhaps, we have more Hopiates in parts south than in parts north???
You mention that Roy Cooper has the best chance of turning a red Senate seat, but there are several good candidates running against Susan Collins, and I am wondering if that seat might not be up for grabs.
We won't know about Maine until we have a single clear candidate emerge.......
Simon, I agree. I am however, really impressed with Graham Platner, a waterman and harbor master. He makes the case that Collins has been in the Senate for decades, during which time, life has gotten unaffordable for the working class. We'll see what happens, but I think he could beat her. It's time for her to take her "concern" and go.
I saw an interview with him yesterday, and he appeared to be a solid, grounded, plain speaking candidate.
He sounds terrific, so I made a small contribution to his campaign. Let's see what happens in the primary.
Hi, Simon,
You are absolutely on the right track with rural America. Iowa has been a bellwether in the past, and I pray they finally come to their senses in 2026 (I am a native Iowan now living in Michigan). Have you considered interviewing Jess Piper? She is a former NW Missouri teacher, a D political activist (formed Dirt Road Democrats), an excellent writer/speaker, and a firecracker! She writes on Substack. I think you would find her to be pragmatic as well as patriotic. Your paid subscriber, Sheila
Anniversaries
Anniversaries mark milestones in our lives. Not only in our personal lives but also in the lives of our institutions and homelands. August 24th is the day Ukraine declared its Independence from the Soviet Union. It was no longer the “Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic” (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence_of_Ukraine#:~:text=The%20Act%20of%20Declaration%20of,Rada)%20on%2024%20August%201991.&text=The%20Act%20reestablished%20Ukraine's%20state%20independence%20from%20the%20Soviet%20Union.).
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the continuous assault on Ukraine by Russia. It is often overlooked that this began in 2014, not 2022. We democratic, anti-autocratic and free peoples of the world had hoped that this illegal and immoral war would have ended with Ukraine’s victory over evil by this, their Independence Day. Instead their brave struggle continues. Tragically, the United States is now also under attack. Even more tragically, it is not an outside invader but our own autocratic regime, oligarchs and those who do not believe in our Constitution.
There is so much more to say but let us aspire to be able to celebrate Ukraine’s continued sovereignty as well as the re-establishment of the rule of law in these, our United States of America.
Slava Ukraini and God Bless America.
Writing postcards for Postcards4VA.com!
ROCK ON!
Same here!
snagged a ticket to kamala harris book tour!! yeah!!
The MAGA reps in the Texas legislature are realizing they may have messed up with their ad hoc gerrymandering of five new districts. Yes, those new districts are deep red, but in creating them, they took a LOT of "red" out of ten adjoining districts and are now realizing that they have put most of those ten in play. Farron Cousins just posted this an hour ago.
"Texas Republicans Admit They Screwed Up BIG TIME With Gerrymandered Maps"
https://youtu.be/f55nqXivCl4?si=wZIwY-2UfQpztoyH
Those 10 newly turned light red districts are good targets for Dems this cycle. It would be so delicious to turn them blue!
Amen, as many as possible. But we in this "safe" red district in Georgia are looking to form an "Anti-MAGA coalition" to put up a primary challenger to the cowardly MAGA traitor. Is it too much to ask for a candidate who will put our Constitution above that evil dickweed in the White House?
A sane Republican challenger. Huh, what a notion lol. Even though it would seem futile, I hope the Democrats will have a candidate as well. Run everywhere!
They more often call themselves "Independents." But when they go on a ballot, they will put R by their name -- to help others along.
The Democrats will have a candidate in the general -- but in 2024, the Republicans put her up, and primaried the better Democratic candidate.
Katie Phang has a fantastic interview with DNC vice chair Malcolm Kenyatta. He explains the repercussions of the recent defunding of PA public transit (traffic is going to increase for everyone in Philadelphia, among other horrifying things) and the crucial role the DNC is playing nationwide. I feel inspired!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rc11sf4ohI
POLITICS | PENNSYLVANIA
How Democrats hope to use SEPTA cuts to flip the state Senate for the first time in 31 years (click “Continue reading”)
“With planned SEPTA cuts days away, the future of transit in Pennsylvania is dominating public discussion in a way state budget issues rarely do — so much so that the topic could become a focal point in Pennsylvania’s 2026 midterms.”
Story by Julia Terruso, Katie Bernard, Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/how-democrats-hope-to-use-septa-cuts-to-flip-the-state-senate-for-the-first-time-in-31-years/ar-AA1L15vh
Wow! What a great interview with Malcolm Kenyatta. He's very impressive.
Thanks, Simon!
I wanted to report that Maryland's House Majority Leader, Democrat David Moon, has introduced "legislation to automatically redraw our state’s eight congressional districts, but if and only if another state actually goes rogue and creates new lines off-schedule." He says, "I strongly believe all 50 states need to have the same schedule and flexibility for redistricting – at least for the U.S. House, where we rely on 50 states rules to combine and elect a single body." His proposal includes other elements, such as federal redistricting reform. I've been contacting Gov. Moore urging him to support redistricting. I'm now going to be contacting my Maryland reps and asking them to give Leader Moon's proposal their strong support. Any other folks here from the Free State?
I like that he is being pro-active and not waiting for MO or SC or whoever to go first. And you are being pro-active in support.
I'm reposting this from late yesterday. Greg Landsman (D-Oh) is one of my newly found favorite democrats. Interviewed here by Tim Miller of the Bulwark. He has a ten point plan to fix America and it makes a lot of sense. What we are for, not just what we are against.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XUpfudrd2g
Good interview and I clicked through to Landsman's article. He only lays out five points there, but that's fine. I'm reading here on my phone or I would copy over some of Landsman's text to add to Simon's page of similar content on where the Democratic party needs to focus now. The other thought that comes to mind is how this could augment the Articles of Condemnation efforts. Statements could include both how much harm T and Rs are doing and how Ds plan to make things better. Idk, is that idea too out there?
My main interest in posting this is the idea that Landsman got the idea from 1994 GOP Contract for (i prefer on) America, which also had 10 points about how to fix it and they gained over 70 seats in the House that cycle. A ten point plan that reflect Democratic and Constitutional values, widely promoted, is a very good strategy to putting the blue team on offense. He is more aligned with my values than Slotkin's plan. but they could blend the two. By the end of this year, the Dems need to coalesce around something like this.
I was invited to attend a very small gathering with Ken Martin the chair of the DNC yesterday. He stated that if you only had a limited amount of resources you should fully focus on:
1.Mikie Sherrill running for governor in New Jersey, 2.Abigail Spanberger running for governor in Virginia and 3. The retention of Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices—Christine Donohue (D), Kevin M. Dougherty (D), and David N. Wecht .
Ken Martin is a brilliant and engaging person. He is very concerned about our country and is doing his damndest to make sure we take back the house and senate!! Much like you and this community Simon.
There really is a new and vastly improved DNC and Ken Martin has set the pace. I still see comments elsewhere ragging on the DNC based on previous leadership. Those commenters are not paying attention.
Agree Cindy. Ken talked about The Daily Blueprint which is the fairly new daily reporting by the DNC of what happened around the country. It has a very small viewership. We discussed the importance of getting young widely watched political influencers engaged in broadcasting on this new reporting structure. https://democrats.org/news/icymi-dnc-launches-daily-blueprint-a-new-messaging-broadcast-to-highlight-democrats-wins-and-counter-trumps-lies/
people from the Dem coalition stayed home in 2024. They are called skippers. The sentiment was that Democrats were perceived as not doing anything or communicating what they were doing for average working people. Dems have their own billionaire problem. check out charting the way forward on sub stack for lessons learned.
I'm just adding a link: https://open.substack.com/pub/chartingthewayforward/p/poll-release-biden-skippers-are-winnable?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=197kn
Here is a fantastic take on the “internet machine” and its now negative societal impact by the Long Shadow Podcast team (a 7-part series): https://longshadowpodcast.com/podcasts/breaking-the-internet/episode-01-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it . With an excellent presentation by the journalist and historian, Garrett Graff, it is worth a binge listen (especially episodes 4 and 7). We do not want to become the next Myanmar. So, please spread the podcast far and wide.
Without affirmative action (see what I did there), the situation will only get worse. Yes, beyond the work of Dolos, our international adversaries are certainly exploiting the obvious tools of “anger and fear” to promote discord amongst the populace. Unfortunately, it seems that Dolos (being on-brand) is assiduously dismantling the nation’s ability to defend itself against disinformation and cyber-security: https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2025-08-22/kelly-gallego-call-on-trump-administration-to-fix-election-security-collaboration-with-states .
Also, The Daily Beast has some insightful coverage about the antipathy of Dolos toward Black women (approximately 10 minutes into the segment): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZOg_EKBcqk [Edit 8-23-25, missing link]. Along with Joy Reid (mentioned below), there are now NY AG Tish James and Dr. Lisa Cook of the Federal Reserve. One could also mention the Black female mayors of LA and the District of Columbia. Remember Black women voters (sophisticated through lived experience in America) have been the MOST loyal Democratic base with recently 92% of them supporting VP Harris last November.
Lastly, I think that Democrats should have an open meeting about returning to D.C. in its current state. The discussion would be educational for the nation. If D.C. has the lowest rate in 30 years, what other artificial emergencies might Dolos create? This idea is just food for thought (note in Texas, they did functionally “imprison” a Democratic legislator).
ON REPEAT:
DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS: PLEASE GO ON CONSERVATIVE MEDIA AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!! There should be no safe traditional (skip 8kun/8chan) communication spaces for the other side. You have Epstein (emotional salience) and the economy (invite them to pay tariffs or go grocery shopping) on your side.
If you have a moment, take a look at the amazing HCR’s thoughtful take on our present moment (yes, race and class): https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-20-2025 . Also, LBJ’s observation has proven to be prescient (please review Charles Blow's piece, formerly of the NYTimes): https://www.wral.com/story/-the-lowest-white-man-/17250344/. Again, here is his 1960s quote to his then-Press Secretary Bill Moyers:
"I'll tell you what's at the bottom of it," [LBJ] said. "If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
- Lyndon Baines Johnson, #36
HURRICANE ERIN!! FEMA??
Where is Jill Stein?
“…Queens not Brooklyn…”
- Hakeem Jeffries (D), House Minority Leader
Where are the cancelled endorsements (e.g. LA Times and Washington Post) of VP Harris? They would make for interesting reading - now. Once again, the MSM is falling down on the job.
This interview will be hard for many to consume, but Joy Reid is an excellent example of the 92% of Black women who voted with the knowledge of our present moment (agree or disagree, but check her facts, timestamps - 26:52, 33:00, 37:13*, 40:10, 41:15**, 46:00***, 49:44***): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQbVyNEN_C8 . The entire interview is worthwhile. Wajahat and Joy also mention my favorite LBJ quote about race and class that I’ve shared previously, and they discuss the power of the Epstein Files.*** EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN, EPSTEIN!
Folks:
One patriarch was an advocate of the “White Australia” movement, and the other was tagged by the Nixon Administration for blatant housing discrimination (Mr. Guthrie lived at Beach Haven) and was arrested and arraigned (but eventually let go) as a twenty-something with five or six others (the individuals not named Trump would later be identified as card-carrying members) at a Queen’s Klan Rally in the 1920s. I would be curious about the thoughts of others in the community about father-son influences.
Are we dealing with the sins of the fathers? Do fathers have an influence on their sons, especially when the sons inherit the family business? I will provide two “citations” below:
“Racial purity is the sacred object, far more sacred to the new generation of Australians than any other worldly tie. Certainly to-day it has become more sacred than the tie with Britain. Can you doubt that it should be so, you who are a great family people and have seen in so many parts of the world the horrors of merging a coloured race with white?”
- Keith Murdoch [Murdoch (1921, as cited in Roberts, T. D. C. (2015). Before Rupert, Keith Murdoch and The Birth of A Dynasty. University of Queensland Press.]
Old Man Trump
Words by Woody Guthrie Adapted by Ryan Harvey, Music by Ryan Harvey
Contact Publisher - Woody Guthrie Publications/BMG Chrysalis
I suppose that Old Man Trump knows just how much racial hate He stirred up in that bloodpot of human hearts When he drawed that color line Here at his Beach Haven family project Beach Haven ain't my home! No, I just can't pay this rent! My money's down the drain, And my soul is badly bent! Beach Haven is Trump’s Tower Where no black folks come to roam, No, no, Old Man Trump! Old Beach Haven ain't my home! I'm calling out my welcome to you and your man both Welcoming you here to Beach Haven To love in any way you please and to have some kind of a decent place To have your kids raised up in. Beach Haven ain't my home! No, I just can't pay this rent! My money's down the drain, And my soul is badly bent! Beach Haven is Trump’s Tower Where no black folks come to roam, No, no, Old Man Trump! Old Beach Haven ain't my home!
© 2016 Copyright Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. (BMI) & Ryan Harvey (ASCAP)
In the earlier part of the last century, the National Socialists committed historical atrocities and pushed the planet into a World War that only ended with the emergence of the Atomic Age. If I remember correctly, they were pushing a “Master Race” concept (along with “Racial Purity”); it was their stated “why”. So, what is the “why” of Dolos and his followers? Is it something similar? There is always a reason.
The term “White Australia” is self-explanatory, and the original KKK was created to prevent newly enfranchised Black Men (sorry to all the sisters of all races) from actually voting by murdering them and using other forms of intimidation: https://www.history.com/articles/ku-klux-klan . Thus, in 2008, the election of the first Black President was a warning shot that a certain group could not ignore: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/robert-draper-anti-obama-campaign_n_1452899 . Does anyone remember what conspiracy theory made Dolos politically relevant?
It is 2025. This country is about to transition demographically. So, some are taking action to try to deport millions prior to the next Census, and others have an urgent need to degrade the “Reconstruction Amendments” (i.e. 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments). Ms. Reid may have some answers.
Why is birthright citizenship now a question? Why are voting protections being diminished? I’m asking for a friend because racism can be a “helluva” drug!
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST (via nonviolence).
P.S.: Do the following now! FIRST, TEACH CIVICS. Second, register voters. THIRD, TEACH CIVICS. Rinse. Repeat.
I enjoyed the conversation with Chairwoman Hart, and thank her for serving Iowa -- as brighter days are coming. Some darker ones first.
I would assert to anyone that tariffs might be necessary in some circumstances -- but not in the hands of a completely rogue president who has been allowed to usurp those powers from Congress -- by the current majority in Congress. They are out of control -- the gang that couldn't shoot straight.
Meanwhile, large layoffs have been announced by John Deere in Moline -- across the river from Iowa. (Bernie was in Davenport yesterday.)
When I think of Iowa Democrats, I think of former senator Tom Harkin ... who will turn 86 in November. There is a lot of democratic DNA running through the veins of Iowans.
I recall a debate where Ernst was asked what the break even price for some farm product in Iowa was - corn or pigs, my memory isn’t clear. Ernst, who was a sitting Iowa senator & on the Ag committee DIDN’T KNOW.
That’s disqualifying to me. But not to Iowa’s voters.