WE NEED MORE U.S. FLAGS AT ALL OUR PROTEST!!! If the Tyrant let's us! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is a war where you don't provoke, but if somebody punches you in the face you better be ready to punch back. They will hound you forever if you don't. Being brave is what wins wars. "Freedom Isn't Free" Vietnam Vet
Marines are trained to fight against a foreign enemy not American citizens. This is a war they shouldn't want to fight. Nobody Wins!!!
On Tuesday, the Tyrant called protesters "animals" and "a foreign enemy," promising to repel what he characterized as an invasion. The guy is a idiot!
This is not going to be easy and will be harder before it gets better and that you Adam for keeping updated. I wish the guard in California would do what they did in Nashville a few months ago when they laid down their weapons and just stood there. It would be very good at showing strength in numbers. and since what has been ordered is wrong and illegal it would be appropriate.
unfortunately, California is becoming a purple state. There are many here that would like to see a take over of the state government by Republicans, including many in the local Guard. The conservative sentiment is that the Democrats have mismanaged the state for decades and the Republicans can do a better job. As a life long Democrat it pains me that the Democrats here in California are so blind that they can't see the forest for the trees!
Trump must be very worried about what is in the Epstein file & what Musk has on him.. He is creating chaos somewhere else to change the narrative. This is his MO when he doesn’t like the news cycle. Maybe one of the DOGE goons will find a way to release it.
Nancy agreed. Both Putin and Musk have the goods on the orange slime, and what is in the Epstein files. It’s just a matter of time. But, he’s scared. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Given Trump's history of adultery, sexual assault, bragging about being able to walk into the dressing room of Miss Teenage America, and bragging about being able to grab women inappropriately, it wouldn't surprise me if he was afraid of what is in the Epstein files.
This is exactly the kind of clarity we need right now—rooted in experience, constitutional literacy, and moral conviction.
Your reflection brings forward something too few Americans grasp: the structural vulnerability of our so-called “militia.” The National Guard has long been sold to the public—particularly the politically conservative—as the last line of defense against federal overreach. But when the President can override a governor with the stroke of a pen and deploy that same Guard against its own citizens, the myth of state sovereignty evaporates in an instant. What we’re left with is a federalized force in state uniforms. That should rattle anyone who’s ever held the Constitution in one hand and a Gadsden flag in the other.
And it’s not just theoretical anymore. This is happening. In Los Angeles. In real time.
What we’re seeing is the President using the armed apparatus of government not to quell an insurrection, but to preempt peaceful dissent—invoking authority without invoking the Insurrection Act. It’s constitutional sleight of hand. And the danger is compounded by the illusion that it’s all “by the book.” But legal isn’t the same as just. Permissible isn’t the same as wise. And executive power wielded without consent—especially against fellow Americans—isn’t leadership. It’s domination.
You point to a historical precedent that’s worth revisiting: 1965, when Lyndon Johnson federalized the Guard to confront segregationist resistance. That move, while controversial, had moral gravity behind it—it was used to defend civil rights, not crush them. What we’re witnessing now is the mirror image: a president deploying federalized forces to quash dissent, not protect it. That’s not using power for justice. That’s using it for intimidation.
And here’s the deeper fear: once a president shows the public that he can send soldiers into any state that displeases him, it’s only a matter of time before that tool is normalized. No invocation of the Insurrection Act. No debate. Just soldiers in the streets.
If the Guard can be taken at will—if a state’s own forces can be turned against it—then the Second Amendment’s reference to a “well-regulated militia” becomes a tragic anachronism. The Founders feared exactly this: a powerful executive, unchecked, with military might in hand. And now we’re watching it unfold.
This isn’t about party. It’s about power. And if people don’t care because it’s California now, they’d do well to remember—authoritarianism doesn’t respect geography. When the time comes, the same mechanism will be used in Texas, in Florida, in Ohio, in your backyard.
Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud. It’s time more Americans reckon with the dangerous fragility of their assumptions.
“…the myth of state sovereignty evaporates in an instant.”
State sovereignty and individual rights are two core principles of republicanism. 47 is showing us that he does not wish to be the president of a democratic republic, he wants to be dictator of an autocracy and is moving us in that direction.
Eight years prior to President Johnson federalizing the Alabama National Guard against Alabama Governor Wallace's wishes, President Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard against Arkansas Governor Faubus' wishes. But in that case, Faubus had already called up the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock. President Eisenhower federalized those same National Guard troops with orders to enforce federal court rulings so that the students could enter and attend the school. In 1965, President Johnson was merely using National Guard troops to perform a task that the state refused to do. In 1957, President Eisenhower overruled Governor Faubus' orders and turned National Guard troops against him and their own state. Mind you, I'm not complaining as it was the right thing to do.
I easily remember the NG being called up in the Alabama case but not the Arkansas case. In effect, both presidents then were federalizing the NG to uphold the law in face of the governors’ use of them to deny civil rights. In LA, they are being used, in many cases, to intimidate and prevent people from exercising their civil rights.
The National Guard, along with FEMA, did an incredible job here, in Western North Carolina after Helene. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. They saved lives. They airlifted people to safety as quickly as was possible under the circumstances. When they can't get people out, they flew in supplies and medicine. They built temporary crossings where roads had been washed out or destroyed. They were on the ground with us, doing whatever they could to help us in an impossibly awful situation.
The fact that these brave men and women are now being put in this position is unconscionable.
Since he regularly thumbs his nose at Federal court orders, there may be, in the end, only two ways to control him. ONE is to get him out of office, but since impeachment is inlikely, that will only occur by the passage of time. TWO is to create a strongly Democratic Congess at the midterms.
IF YOU CARE, IF YOU ARE WATCHING, IF YOU ARE, as I am, APPALLED by what is happeneing,
I am also not a fan of Newsom, but he is spot on to take it to Trump and administration. I agree, we need more of this from ALL Governors. Bullies only understand being bullied.
Folks keep it peaceful and if someone acts out to promote violence have them stop or call the police over. Not all cops are bad. Watch carefully for the instigators and video any acts.
Dance in front of the troops and make it fun and benign. Our numbers and attitude represent America.
‘ Dance in front of the troops and make it fun and benign’ — cute & savvy!
1. Friend suggests that demonstration organizers have protestors SIT 🔹 on the ground if any among them get violent — thinking of infiltrators. This makes it easier for bad apples to be dealt with & peaceful protestors won’t get caught up in a sweep.
2. The New Yorker has a cartoon of LE astride horses watching demonstration, one asking the other “The protestors seem to be doing some sort of joyful, synchronized dance — is it time to call in the MARINES?”
This is the true meaning of "civil disobedience". "Civil", as in non-violent. "Disobedient" as in deliberately breaking laws as a form of protest to gain publicity to one's cause.
In addition to the National Guard each state is entitled to have a State Guard that is unpaid. The purpose of the state guard is to provide support to the National Guard and assist them in training, security support on the military bases and back up unfilled staff positions as needed. Approximately 2,000 California State Guard members are available under command of the Governor.
Interesting. I will like to see the national guard or other militia come in and try to mediate crowd control with public safety as a priority and then someone figure who is giving the orders to arrest journalists and shoot rubber bullets at anyone.
Virginia has 3 classes of a state militia. The National Guard is the most obvious. The Virginia Defense Force fits the description of the force that Col Gerber cites. But the unorganized militia is what surprises most. Per the Code of Virginia -
The militia of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of all able-bodied residents of the Commonwealth who are citizens of the United States and all other able-bodied persons resident in the Commonwealth who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, who are at least 16 years of age and, except as hereinafter provided, not more than 55 years of age. The militia shall be divided into three classes: the National Guard, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard; the Virginia Defense Force; and the unorganized militia.
I'm hearing credible reports that this is leading up to a big move from the Trumpistas. I'm taking some emergency measures that I had preplanned. There's a fair chance that something... unpleasant... besides his playing Toy Soldiers is coming. I hope my sources (and I) are wrong.
Above all, keep it peaceful. Be respectful. Don't react to provocations. Take personal protection seriously. The whole world is watching. Let them see the regime's acts.
Remember, it only takes one idiot with a weapon to change history. Remember Kent State, JFK, RFK, MLK, the assassin that started World War 1. Trump wants that. Don't give it to him.
Now he is using threats. Shocker. Any protesters on Saturday will be met with a heavy force. It is our right to free speech. Trump doesn't care about the Constitution. Only him. Well, if he wasn't causing discourse in the nation, people could be there out of respect. He is becoming our most significant national security threat. Qatar showed he is weak in reality and can be bought.
I assume you are quite disturbed to see the California National Guard members being treated like fourth class citizens by the Department of Defense, who apparently forgot that soldiers need a place to sleep and food to eat.
The “next president ??” Adam? This president must be stopped. How can numerous members of congress fiddle fingers while parts of our country burn. Constitution! Use it. My heart literally breaks knowing National Guard and Marines, often from hometowns like Paramount, are called in to be overseers to their brothers and sisters. For a decade I served as a district administrator in a 80%+ Latino/Latina community. Hard working, honest field workers toiled in difficult weather conditions in search of the American dream. They paid taxes. They sent money to their homes in Mexico. They sent their children to school and did everything they could to support the schools. Parent education…they came. Celebrate their children…they came. Good citizens, maybe with green cards, contributed to the GNP, did work others wouldn’t, cared about and put their famiIies first. Our country has swallowed the hate-pill without knowing the real story of these wonderful immigrants amongst us. Vet those entering…dismiss the few who are unfit to be here. Embrace those who are. Fear, hate, lies have been fed to many. Supremacy and greed pulls the cart. I plead with congress to use the constitution to stop the horrific incident in Paramount but a crystal ball suggests what’s to come if not stopped. Words, mine included, are cheap. ACTION IN SUPPORT OF DEMOCRACY, CONSTITUTION must be activated by those sworn to do so. Where’s the country I love going? God bless America PLEASE.
Well said, Marty. It is a shame that immigrants are not appreciated. They work hard doing important work, contribute to the economy, raise families, contribute to their communities and enrich our culture.
"HE" will continue to "over reach" as long as he's allowed to do it! "HE" will continue to sew chaos as long as he can again that is over reach as well. It's a shame that there isn't a cap on this power he's wielding! But in Gavin Newsom's side of things I'm glad he actually stood up to "HIM." Someone has to do it!
All I was saying was that due to this situation we are currently in yes we have to tread lightly, protest peacefully but be aware of everything that is going on and act accordingly!
PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT!!!! ❤️💙🙏🏻🇺🇸
WE NEED MORE U.S. FLAGS AT ALL OUR PROTEST!!! If the Tyrant let's us! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is a war where you don't provoke, but if somebody punches you in the face you better be ready to punch back. They will hound you forever if you don't. Being brave is what wins wars. "Freedom Isn't Free" Vietnam Vet
Marines are trained to fight against a foreign enemy not American citizens. This is a war they shouldn't want to fight. Nobody Wins!!!
On Tuesday, the Tyrant called protesters "animals" and "a foreign enemy," promising to repel what he characterized as an invasion. The guy is a idiot!
While I am not a Republican (and most likely never will be), I’m fine with this idea!
which idea are you fine with?
Yes--please!
This is not going to be easy and will be harder before it gets better and that you Adam for keeping updated. I wish the guard in California would do what they did in Nashville a few months ago when they laid down their weapons and just stood there. It would be very good at showing strength in numbers. and since what has been ordered is wrong and illegal it would be appropriate.
unfortunately, California is becoming a purple state. There are many here that would like to see a take over of the state government by Republicans, including many in the local Guard. The conservative sentiment is that the Democrats have mismanaged the state for decades and the Republicans can do a better job. As a life long Democrat it pains me that the Democrats here in California are so blind that they can't see the forest for the trees!
I apparently missed this event? I'll have to look it up.
I'm waiting for them to do that.
I goggled it and found it was 5 years ago but it is still relevant to what is happening today as they have to right to not follow illegal orders.
I didn't see the Nashville incident in the news. Do you have a link to a good coverage of the event?
I meant to save it as it was onsubstack. I don't do twitter and facebook I do for animal pictures, mostly dogs. I i find it I will share
Thanks
Trump must be very worried about what is in the Epstein file & what Musk has on him.. He is creating chaos somewhere else to change the narrative. This is his MO when he doesn’t like the news cycle. Maybe one of the DOGE goons will find a way to release it.
Nancy agreed. Both Putin and Musk have the goods on the orange slime, and what is in the Epstein files. It’s just a matter of time. But, he’s scared. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Given Trump's history of adultery, sexual assault, bragging about being able to walk into the dressing room of Miss Teenage America, and bragging about being able to grab women inappropriately, it wouldn't surprise me if he was afraid of what is in the Epstein files.
I believe this too.
Good point and typical of his distraction motives.
Myself, I wouldn't be the least surprised if he was involved with Diddy, too.
EXACTLY 💯 %
Bingo!! Got that right
This is exactly the kind of clarity we need right now—rooted in experience, constitutional literacy, and moral conviction.
Your reflection brings forward something too few Americans grasp: the structural vulnerability of our so-called “militia.” The National Guard has long been sold to the public—particularly the politically conservative—as the last line of defense against federal overreach. But when the President can override a governor with the stroke of a pen and deploy that same Guard against its own citizens, the myth of state sovereignty evaporates in an instant. What we’re left with is a federalized force in state uniforms. That should rattle anyone who’s ever held the Constitution in one hand and a Gadsden flag in the other.
And it’s not just theoretical anymore. This is happening. In Los Angeles. In real time.
What we’re seeing is the President using the armed apparatus of government not to quell an insurrection, but to preempt peaceful dissent—invoking authority without invoking the Insurrection Act. It’s constitutional sleight of hand. And the danger is compounded by the illusion that it’s all “by the book.” But legal isn’t the same as just. Permissible isn’t the same as wise. And executive power wielded without consent—especially against fellow Americans—isn’t leadership. It’s domination.
You point to a historical precedent that’s worth revisiting: 1965, when Lyndon Johnson federalized the Guard to confront segregationist resistance. That move, while controversial, had moral gravity behind it—it was used to defend civil rights, not crush them. What we’re witnessing now is the mirror image: a president deploying federalized forces to quash dissent, not protect it. That’s not using power for justice. That’s using it for intimidation.
And here’s the deeper fear: once a president shows the public that he can send soldiers into any state that displeases him, it’s only a matter of time before that tool is normalized. No invocation of the Insurrection Act. No debate. Just soldiers in the streets.
If the Guard can be taken at will—if a state’s own forces can be turned against it—then the Second Amendment’s reference to a “well-regulated militia” becomes a tragic anachronism. The Founders feared exactly this: a powerful executive, unchecked, with military might in hand. And now we’re watching it unfold.
This isn’t about party. It’s about power. And if people don’t care because it’s California now, they’d do well to remember—authoritarianism doesn’t respect geography. When the time comes, the same mechanism will be used in Texas, in Florida, in Ohio, in your backyard.
Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud. It’s time more Americans reckon with the dangerous fragility of their assumptions.
Thank you!
“…the myth of state sovereignty evaporates in an instant.”
State sovereignty and individual rights are two core principles of republicanism. 47 is showing us that he does not wish to be the president of a democratic republic, he wants to be dictator of an autocracy and is moving us in that direction.
Eight years prior to President Johnson federalizing the Alabama National Guard against Alabama Governor Wallace's wishes, President Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard against Arkansas Governor Faubus' wishes. But in that case, Faubus had already called up the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock. President Eisenhower federalized those same National Guard troops with orders to enforce federal court rulings so that the students could enter and attend the school. In 1965, President Johnson was merely using National Guard troops to perform a task that the state refused to do. In 1957, President Eisenhower overruled Governor Faubus' orders and turned National Guard troops against him and their own state. Mind you, I'm not complaining as it was the right thing to do.
I easily remember the NG being called up in the Alabama case but not the Arkansas case. In effect, both presidents then were federalizing the NG to uphold the law in face of the governors’ use of them to deny civil rights. In LA, they are being used, in many cases, to intimidate and prevent people from exercising their civil rights.
Well said, Dino.
The National Guard, along with FEMA, did an incredible job here, in Western North Carolina after Helene. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. They saved lives. They airlifted people to safety as quickly as was possible under the circumstances. When they can't get people out, they flew in supplies and medicine. They built temporary crossings where roads had been washed out or destroyed. They were on the ground with us, doing whatever they could to help us in an impossibly awful situation.
The fact that these brave men and women are now being put in this position is unconscionable.
Everything donOLD thinks, says,touches is unconscionable.
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS must act—please share
He may not be liked by many, but Newsom is acting. We need more of what he is doing.
Not just democrat! This is a democracy issue not a party issue. Yikes!
They have, see statement.
Amen
Thank you again for your astute and clear explaintions of the present CA issue. You are a sane voice in the sea of chaos and contradiction.
Adam, you are exactly right. The guard here, the California guard, is being used as a flex in the face of California and Gavin Newsom.
I really hope they aren't ordered to train their arms on Californians. But this is Trump. A vindictive, petty sociopath.
It’s also Stephen Miller 😝
Listen to Rick Wilson today
WHAT DID WE EXPECT FROM TRUMP?
Since he regularly thumbs his nose at Federal court orders, there may be, in the end, only two ways to control him. ONE is to get him out of office, but since impeachment is inlikely, that will only occur by the passage of time. TWO is to create a strongly Democratic Congess at the midterms.
IF YOU CARE, IF YOU ARE WATCHING, IF YOU ARE, as I am, APPALLED by what is happeneing,
Then VOTE next year.
I am also not a fan of Newsom, but he is spot on to take it to Trump and administration. I agree, we need more of this from ALL Governors. Bullies only understand being bullied.
Why do you need to be a fan of newsom to applaud him for standing up for the constitution?
Yeah. You would have my vote.
Folks keep it peaceful and if someone acts out to promote violence have them stop or call the police over. Not all cops are bad. Watch carefully for the instigators and video any acts.
Dance in front of the troops and make it fun and benign. Our numbers and attitude represent America.
‘ Dance in front of the troops and make it fun and benign’ — cute & savvy!
1. Friend suggests that demonstration organizers have protestors SIT 🔹 on the ground if any among them get violent — thinking of infiltrators. This makes it easier for bad apples to be dealt with & peaceful protestors won’t get caught up in a sweep.
2. The New Yorker has a cartoon of LE astride horses watching demonstration, one asking the other “The protestors seem to be doing some sort of joyful, synchronized dance — is it time to call in the MARINES?”
This is the true meaning of "civil disobedience". "Civil", as in non-violent. "Disobedient" as in deliberately breaking laws as a form of protest to gain publicity to one's cause.
Pray and sings some did yesterday
In addition to the National Guard each state is entitled to have a State Guard that is unpaid. The purpose of the state guard is to provide support to the National Guard and assist them in training, security support on the military bases and back up unfilled staff positions as needed. Approximately 2,000 California State Guard members are available under command of the Governor.
Robert B Gerber
Colonel (CA) California State Guard (Ret)
Yep little known think but important. Most states dont have them
Interesting. I will like to see the national guard or other militia come in and try to mediate crowd control with public safety as a priority and then someone figure who is giving the orders to arrest journalists and shoot rubber bullets at anyone.
Good to know, Robert!
Virginia has 3 classes of a state militia. The National Guard is the most obvious. The Virginia Defense Force fits the description of the force that Col Gerber cites. But the unorganized militia is what surprises most. Per the Code of Virginia -
The militia of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of all able-bodied residents of the Commonwealth who are citizens of the United States and all other able-bodied persons resident in the Commonwealth who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, who are at least 16 years of age and, except as hereinafter provided, not more than 55 years of age. The militia shall be divided into three classes: the National Guard, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard; the Virginia Defense Force; and the unorganized militia.
This is a msnufactured crisis. LA is a distraction dresigned to take attention from the cost of the parade and the Epstein files.
And don't forget the Big Ugly Bill that is getting so much opposition from some of the Criminal-in-Chief's own supporters.
I'm hearing credible reports that this is leading up to a big move from the Trumpistas. I'm taking some emergency measures that I had preplanned. There's a fair chance that something... unpleasant... besides his playing Toy Soldiers is coming. I hope my sources (and I) are wrong.
Above all, keep it peaceful. Be respectful. Don't react to provocations. Take personal protection seriously. The whole world is watching. Let them see the regime's acts.
Remember, it only takes one idiot with a weapon to change history. Remember Kent State, JFK, RFK, MLK, the assassin that started World War 1. Trump wants that. Don't give it to him.
Now he is using threats. Shocker. Any protesters on Saturday will be met with a heavy force. It is our right to free speech. Trump doesn't care about the Constitution. Only him. Well, if he wasn't causing discourse in the nation, people could be there out of respect. He is becoming our most significant national security threat. Qatar showed he is weak in reality and can be bought.
He's always been that way. I've been watching him since the Trump Air debacle. I spent a career in the airlines and Trump was a punch line.
I assume you are quite disturbed to see the California National Guard members being treated like fourth class citizens by the Department of Defense, who apparently forgot that soldiers need a place to sleep and food to eat.
The “next president ??” Adam? This president must be stopped. How can numerous members of congress fiddle fingers while parts of our country burn. Constitution! Use it. My heart literally breaks knowing National Guard and Marines, often from hometowns like Paramount, are called in to be overseers to their brothers and sisters. For a decade I served as a district administrator in a 80%+ Latino/Latina community. Hard working, honest field workers toiled in difficult weather conditions in search of the American dream. They paid taxes. They sent money to their homes in Mexico. They sent their children to school and did everything they could to support the schools. Parent education…they came. Celebrate their children…they came. Good citizens, maybe with green cards, contributed to the GNP, did work others wouldn’t, cared about and put their famiIies first. Our country has swallowed the hate-pill without knowing the real story of these wonderful immigrants amongst us. Vet those entering…dismiss the few who are unfit to be here. Embrace those who are. Fear, hate, lies have been fed to many. Supremacy and greed pulls the cart. I plead with congress to use the constitution to stop the horrific incident in Paramount but a crystal ball suggests what’s to come if not stopped. Words, mine included, are cheap. ACTION IN SUPPORT OF DEMOCRACY, CONSTITUTION must be activated by those sworn to do so. Where’s the country I love going? God bless America PLEASE.
Stephen Miller is behind this infamous, immoral activity.
Well said, Marty. It is a shame that immigrants are not appreciated. They work hard doing important work, contribute to the economy, raise families, contribute to their communities and enrich our culture.
What’s the matter with us?
"HE" will continue to "over reach" as long as he's allowed to do it! "HE" will continue to sew chaos as long as he can again that is over reach as well. It's a shame that there isn't a cap on this power he's wielding! But in Gavin Newsom's side of things I'm glad he actually stood up to "HIM." Someone has to do it!
Trump has a lot of support. Those guys might not be especially bright, and easily deceived, but they are strong. Tread lightly.
All I was saying was that due to this situation we are currently in yes we have to tread lightly, protest peacefully but be aware of everything that is going on and act accordingly!