1. A platform requiring corporations with a board of directors to have representation by a member of the rank and file employees of the company
2. Ending the over reliance upon Wall Street’s
quarterly earnings per share metrics as the primary basis for evaluating the performance of the company in question.
( seems to me it requires short term thinking as opposed to managing over t HR e long pull for the benefit of ALL the stakeholders- shareholders and employees alike)
Adam I would appreciate it if you could someday talk about the possible use of military force against US citizens that Trump might use in the future. It could be a flash point in the coming days. Vietnam Vet
Thank-you! My suggestion for Amazon users-something I have done for years-as I've always felt they are a sneaky monopoly, and now their true color is obvious. We live in a remote area-When I really need something-I will google it-and of course it is on Amazon. Look through the selections-and find a US vendor/manufacturer/sourcing etc-one that supports U.S. Charity even better...order from them directly. Might cost you a bit more-but it is money well spent. I am often able to write them checks as well-circumventing the CC charges-and often they will discount me because of it once the check clears.
Walmart has been the best option for us, good prices and fast delivery. But maybe not for everybody!!! Also ordering direct may cost more but for God's sake this is our country were talking about!!!
I hate Walmart more than any other company anywhere - and I have good reasons for that. I won't list them all here, but I worked for them in a management position during the early years of their growth. Sam Walton was still alive and running things, and he treated the employees well - in fact making them partners, with profit sharing and the option to buy stocks, and calling them 'associates ' rather than 'employees'. I helped set up 4 stores in 3 years, and stayed in 3 of them to make sure they ran smoothly until their first annual inventory. Then Sam put his sons in charge. My health collapsed completely. They cut off my insurance, and refused to pay disability. After 5 years of dedicated work and glowing annual reviews, including the highest $ amount raises every 6 months, they tried to give me a terrible appraisal. The store manager and HR manager had me come in, but we were friends and they couldn't do what they had been told to do, and apologized instead.
Lol the nearest Walmart to me is 110 miles each way. So my town up by the Canadian border, is like an old fashioned mining community: you buy your groceries from the one company in town, or you drive. Trust me, when it's minus 28 and there's no cell service between me and the Walmart, and precious little traffic, that one company has me and a lot of other people captive.
I hear you John and all-We've lived out here for a very long time-and it used to have a Woolworths, JC Penny,K-Mart, Safeway balanced with local groceries, auto parts, restaurants, hotels/motels, specialty stores for sewing/crafts, etc-that were non-chain. Walmart made a move-and the only business to survive of the above was Safeway-which is now countered by Kroger-which completely swallowed the local/regional choices offered by the City Market and Safeway...If we don't want to do an eight hour driving day-which we don't except maybe once or twice a year-we too-are relegated to Walmart, some online ordering from non-Amazon businesses, and a lot of food and services trading with our neighbors-which we really enjoy. If you grow your own food-that is what you are doing 24/7. I try to be very grateful I don't have to return to a cold little soddy, go to the outhouse, or die in any of the ways that modern medicine has helped prevent. Modern life can be a real conundrum.
Taco Bell is not kind to your body, dairy Queen is overpriced. Home Depot screwed us over during covid by leaving our brand new washer and dryer in the snow even though they said they would deliver it into the home. These are all shady companies. They don't deserve to be in business. Don't give them yours
I totally just said out loud to my husband and 10-year old "Adam Kinzinger is going to run for President and I just might vote for him." (Left/Progressive leaning household.)
OMG - I am progressive Democrat and I would love that. I do feel that women’s rights need to be honored but I feel Adam is a special human and called with humility and empathy to serve humanity. And he’s such a great storyteller.
Love Pete. But he's gay. Since America wouldn't elect a black woman married to a Jewish guy, my hopes for Pete (and I worked for him when he was in the primaries) are slim.
And he truly wants what is best for the country and the people in it and is willing to talk through possible solutions to real problems. We sadly haven't seen that for so long.
I also think this will happen. I myself hope our existing party structure breaks down and we see a reformulation of parties that will allow someone like Adam to represent many of us who are socially liberal - I don't want to dictate how my neighbor loves and prays - yet who want to step back from the extremely prescriptive word use and language of the far left in recent years. I am hoping for party that is open to all and compassionate to everyone's choices, yet does not try to make me feel guilty for my ancestors, or accuse me of a micro-aggression if I forget and ask someone what field they're in. Of course I haven't even touched the economic side of all this, but I am old and played by the rules in place, which means now I depend on social security. How do we reconcile that with what the next generations need in terms of bringing our run-away budget under control? Much more to be said, but this is long enough.
I’m sure I speak for everyone here Adam, but we know your pain on this is unimaginable. Betrayal is the absolute worst thing that could have happened. Please know we stand with you and have your back, as you always had ours.
New member here. Thanks for your messages. I loved seeing the Emergency videos pop up and I felt, even though I am a democrat, LOL I needed to support you. YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU!
Well said Debbie Schmidt and I 100% agree with you. I am also a Democrat, new member here, and Adam Kinzinger is the only politician I am monetarily supporting online which of course doesn't exclude campaign donations....LOL.....He gives me hope that we will get through this and emerge still intact. He also lessens the fear I believe most of us are facing right now. United we stand no matter our political affiliation, our race, religion, gender, LBGTQ leanings, etc., etc. In my opinion, MAGA is an abomination that needs to be removed and the way we do that is with the truth and at the polls - City by City - State by State - Court by Court - and Position by Position in D.C. We are united as AMERICANS and this is the only way we will prevail. We have 3 Special elections coming up at the D.C. Level in the states of Florida (2) and New York, I believe. Thank you Adam for your service to our great Nation!! God bless everyone and God Bless the UNITED States of America!!!!!!
Sharon, well said post! I totally agree with you. After Trump won, I was fearful of the abuse of power he would display in his second term. Alarmingly, since taking the oath, which I refused to watch, Trump’s actions have far exceeded my fears! I dread what he’ll do next!
Alison, right? I guess it's so much worse because we couldn't even begin to imagine this level of evil and malevolence. That this one tiny-minded man could inspire a movement of such hatred and evil boggles the mind but I guess my previous view of the people in this Country was skewed....badly skewed. God bless.
We've got your back Adam!! Just as you had ours during the J6 Investigations. I'd support your run for President too!! In a heartbeat. Hope you ask Steve Schmidt to the table too. He'd make a great Strategist. I'm excited about this!!! Life is so funny. I was a Republican until 2008. Switched Parties, became an Activist and now am aligning with Conservatives again. Everything is upside down thanks to MAGA and Trump. But we CAN take our Country back...With yours and others help!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
May I suggest checking out a film titled "Vigilantes Inc." that Martin Sheen helped create. It's a look at the history of voter suppression from way back when to the present. The narrator (an investigator from L.A.) discovered that a MAGA world outfit in Milwaukee hired disruptors to work in 40 states prior to the November election. I think its shown on YouTube.
This is James Rodell updating my comment about Vigilantes Inc, The video has some valid points but I listened to a substack talk recently that pointed out a couple of contentions not supported by logic. Sorry about not having analyzed it better.
I do not think that we need a new party. I think that we need a new Unity of the People. No more labels, no more subjugation to some party rules and party leader.
It is time that we define ourselves by our unity and commitment to each other as a nation.
Seems like we’re thinking along the same general lines.
Again. I want to emphasize I don’t have concrete answers, but I do keenly hope we can all keep these conversations going - and from that talk, find productive actions to take. Very grateful to Rep Kinzinger for the space to do so, as well as the leadership to inspire them.
Would love to see a framework on National vision and priority. Affordable basic needs such as housing, groceries, health care, and infrastructure. These can all be regionally tweaked. Public lands protection and management. Agricultural support that rewards more sustainable methodologies and practices. Air/water/soil quality. Solid waste management. Public transport development (Boston was Terrific!), but also-with every new or upgraded highway-mandatory bike path! National education standards. Affordable college education on minimum wage jobs-(I don't believe in free college-get some skin in the game somewhere! Merit based scholarships are great!) Make this framework non-reversable between administrations. Part of our constant angst is the whip lash of 'now there is funding/now there isn't/now this is important/now it isn't' between administrations.
Sorry, not quite what I meant. Like a nuclear submarine or any complex machine or system, we are all unique parts of a larger system that works together. IF we are all working together, doing our part in making the "machine" work, then we ARE the system and it does what WE want it to do.
Part of that is also accepting when we are wrong, broken so to speak. For all of my knowledge, training, and experience, I am not a true leader. It isn't "natural" to me. But it is natural to Adam Kinzinger. He understands this far better than I do, and likely far better than most do. My part in life has always been keeping the "machine" going, and when needed finding ways to fix it or improve it. This is why I chose to enlist after obtaining my master's degree.
I am glad to work together for the common good. But it requires a good leader to point the way and point where problems are that need fixing. We know that we are doing it right when the "machine" is running smoothly, together. It is how we measure our success and direction.
No time for that. We need to hit back hard and fast, and can utilize the Democratic Party for that in the moment. Once we toss the fascists out, we do need to take a long look at our future and a new Party may he a huge factor.
Freedom and Responsibility Party. The time is now! The time is ripe because MAGA is fighting the Dems, themselves, and even the Episcopal Church? Or at least a Bishop asking for mercy. Adam suggested it is hard to form a new party. What’s harder, forming a new moderate party, or losing Democracy as the Proud Boy and Oath Keeper leaders fresh out of jail rearm? Keep your brown shirts out of sight or in the wash!😱🙃
What if it’s good enough to unite around the common goal of restoring the rule of law? Maybe it would be ok to dissolve into factions bickering about corporate tax policy later? I’m not being entirely facetious when I say this - perhaps the longer term solution to the two party system is somehow making parties less fixed and more fluid as political entities?
To Jess, Mac, Polly and all who responded. I agree with Mac that unity is what’s needed. We have that in Country First. It can, perhaps is, becoming a movement. Restoring trust with honesty and dialogue is critical. The current system has too many lies and distortions so like 7 out of 10 Americans believe Congress is broken, and one of the reasons is money buys elections so many good candidates can’t even afford to run. They have to kiss the rings of the big money crowd. But, in order to change that, you have to have a party, with a moderate platform that can win a majority. MAGA ppisn’t a party it’s a cult and T has shown on day 1, as promised, he can be as good a dictator as Putin, Xi, Kim etc., so the relentless opposition needs to start blocking and suing fast or we are toast. T is like a Panzer tank. He’s rolling and gaining momentum and clearly his only values are transactions that enrich himself and anyone who stands up is the enemy. Everyone, especially leaders like Adam, Liz, the strong Dem governors need to unite fast so that we are one big relentless opposition. We need cross silo communications among opposition groups. The Panzer needs to hit a mine that blows the tracks off. Remember Hitler used constitutional mens to kill German democracy in 53 days. I see T, sadly and dangerously, as no less ambitious. He is a madman with no moral compass whatsoever!
I, too, have wondered about the possible effect of a new party. I believe our country needs diversity of thought (more than one party platform to rally around) but can/should we try to abandon the currrently established two party system by adding a third or by reinventing the GOP? Where does the money come from?
Both of you raise good points - time and money. I don’t have good answers to either right now, I’ll freely admit.
I do have massive concerns about the Democratic party’s capacity to act with sufficient discipline. The Harris campaign seemed to grasp the need to build coalitions with non-MAGA Republicans but either didn’t have sufficient time or organization to make it effective enough to tip the scales.
Maybe the question to ask is, aside from wanting to see the rule of law restored, what other core values and strategic goals do we share?
We need to restore the idea that our country welcomes the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We need the immigrants, we are stronger and better because of their presence. Most of us, if you go back a few generations, were from somewhere else so who are we to just shut the door? Immigration reform should occur to make legal immigration easier and more efficient, and to give hardworking and peace loving people who are currently undocumented a way to work toward legal citizenship.
I was listening to an interview with Sharon McMahon, American author, and she suggested the possibility of holding national primaries vs state by state at different times. Too many drop out after a few state's primaries and the rest of the country does not get a chance at having a say. This would take a while to incorporate I guess and there would be resistance but it is way more fair. Maybe Adam can push it through when he is president. :)
He still can’t get a job all his co officers turn against him which is they have attacked his mother. Fontane my heart goes out to him. Please come to Calif perhaps Gov will give you a job it’s a thought!!
Nana, all co-officers turned against him? Why? If the more affluent democrats don't offer him security work, that would be short-sighted. Maybe Adam could suggest folks to contact.
Adam, you have been my hero after watching the Jan. 6th commission. We pray for all of you every night. Thank you for telling the truth. God bless you.
I’ve got a suggestion that I’ve longed for for years. Change the seating of the Congress from all on one side of the aisle, and all on the other, and make the seating Republican – Democrat – Republican – Democrat. Imagine, these people could actually talk to each other. That can only be good. Independents can sit wherever they want.
The Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress led by Derek Kilmer between 2018-2022 did just that. Not only did it transform the members' working relationships, it made it possible for them to get an enormous amount done. That should become the model for the whole house.
It was a temporary committee that got rolled into a permanent administrative committee once its tenure ended. For more on the amazing work of the committee, read "Renovating the People's House" in Remaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together to Build a Better Future for All. It's by me (Diana McLain Smith) and it's on amazon. If you read it, let me know what you think!
I posted this in comments yesterday. But after Adam's video today, I thought I would post again.
We seem to be making the same mistakes over, and over, and over again. We don't change, we don't learn. But DT gave his supporters something new, some different, something we have never seen before. Something we believed could never happen in this country, so we let down our guard. Even Adam said in a past video, "I didn't believe this would happen." What DT said was something horrible, but it was different, and people followed him like the children followed the Pied Piper. What he said was something horrible, but he said it often, and he said it loud.
We need a new message. We need something different than what we have heard over, and over, and over again. Because that is why we lost. We need to send out that new message often, and we need to say it loud. And we need to say it every day in a loving and caring way, but just a little bit louder than normally, but no yelling, so people realize what they left behind to support DT. And we reassure the people that do not support DT that they are loved and cared about.
Yesterday I celebrated a man's birthday that promoted love, and he was killed by hate. And in the afternoon, a man moved back into the big White Building in DC, that promotes nothing but hate.
I am not very good at writing my personal view on these matters. I am a 72-year-old man that normally keeps his mouth shut, but I hope everyone can somewhat understand what I am trying to say.
As others have said before me. I AM ALL IN.
I am a registered Democrat, but I have always been country over party any day of the week. We have a lot of things to fix. No organization is perfect. I still believe the oath I took in 1974 on the day I joined the Navy. I believe in our Constitution, I believe in our Military, I believe in our Law Enforcement, and I believe in us.
I think a new message is good, but I don't know that we should be using DT's "something new" to make that point. He basically just lied. I don't support taking that route. Trump didn't do anything impressive - he has no shame and will tell his base anything and they buy it.
Thanks for pointing this out, Brandon. If we’re going to win, we have to know what we are up against. I think one of the biggest hurtle we’re facing is the money and power of the right wing media that saturates the country with their hate and lies. Another hurtle is the unholy alliance that has been created between the GOP and far too many christian communities. Both have to be studied and we somehow have to penetrate through all the distortions and lies that come from both. It’s a tall order, I know.
I agree, Lisa. I saw where The Right was in danger of going for a long time now and I’ve been banging this drum ever since. The Limbaugh/Ailes/Murdoch axis created a blueprint for taking the GOP, and now the country, to a very dark place. Unfortunately, their strategy has been very successful.
You description of yourself reminds me of me. I think there are a lot of people that have similar thoughts, feelings, and experiences as you and I, and they are sitting on the sidelines kinda waiting to see what happens. If we could all those folks in the game right now, somehow, maybe we could accelerate Trump’s decline in popularity. And I think writing is spot on, sir!
The one murdered was a loving black man, the hateful other, a white man. There you go. Racism is so imbedded in our country it ain't even funny. If the last 4 years of the dismantling of DEI policies doesn't prove that, nothing will. White America just refuses to let black people get ahead...or have anything. SMH.
Thank you for your service, Kenn; my dad fought WWII while in the navy. I have no social media and joined Adam's forum for some sanity and truth, since my head is spinning from all the political lies. As an Independent, I wholeheartedly agree with you! We need something new, something to drown out the loud lies, the bullying comments and revenge tactics. Adam said that we need to be creative, and I am sitting here thinking about Joshua 6 and the Battle of Jericho...we need to get our horns out and draw up a plan! Adam, we need someone in the political lead, so that we make a cohesive effort to move forward. Who can step up and take the reins? Every movement needs a leader. Who will be ours?
Why is no one talking about officer Daniel Hodges? He was the one who was crushed in the doorway during the attack. He was very upset about the pardons.
People have been, Adam and Fanone and Dunn spoke about him recently . This was a specific request because I believe that Adam and Michael have become friends. There’s no reason to say NO ONE is talking about Hodges. It’s not a contest.
Some women have been wearing Blue Bead bracelets in Indiana. I have. Our State Nasty Women group encouraged it. I know we need a National Symbol though. A Pin maybe??
I wear a button that says "Make America Kind Again". Several people have said how much they like it. I wish I had bought 100 of them in October -- to give out.
Many of the possible symbols have already been appropriated by the other side.
How about a green dragon? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Dragon_Tavern. But I haven't yet found any green dragon symbols that seem to carry the right message. It has to be serious but not sinister.
Read the Wikipedia article aput The Green Dragon. I think that is a great idea, but that could also be because I am a big fan of House of the Dragon.;P!
Yes! That's exactly what is needed. Why the resistance leaders haven't done this so far, I'm not sure. I have been connected with and donated significant funds to several of these movements, and I've always suggested they get together with like-minded movements to coordinate their efforts. So far, I have not seen any of that happen. Why is that?
One disheartening thought is that because they are all trying to raise money to support their efforts, as well as themselves, they may see similar efforts as competition for those funds. I hope that's not the case, but I fear it may be.
Call out the BBC for interviewing the newly-released domestic terrorist Stewart Rhodes for 15 minutes this evening from the US Capitol Building! Did the US press interview members of Sinn Fein during the troubles in Ireland? They should be ashamed of themselves for normalizing these people!
Adam Kinzinger for President in 2028!
Stay tuned!
Let’s make it happen!!!
Only the second time I will have voted for a Republican if it happens.
Would be the first time for me!
Second time for me if Adam runs .
I wonder what your take is on :
1. A platform requiring corporations with a board of directors to have representation by a member of the rank and file employees of the company
2. Ending the over reliance upon Wall Street’s
quarterly earnings per share metrics as the primary basis for evaluating the performance of the company in question.
( seems to me it requires short term thinking as opposed to managing over t HR e long pull for the benefit of ALL the stakeholders- shareholders and employees alike)
Please, please, pleaaaaaassseeeeeee!!!!!
Sign me up to volunteer for your campaign!
We got your back!!!! ONWARD
Count me in for AK for President 2028 -
I would offer 1 idea for a central plank
in his political organization:
Every US Corporation with a board of directors
must have a representative of the rank and file
employees on the board .
We can bicker about inequality and marginal income tax rates till hell freezes over-
but nothing concrete is going to reduce the conflict between management and labor until
some sort of countervailing power has a seat at the corporate table .
Adam I would appreciate it if you could someday talk about the possible use of military force against US citizens that Trump might use in the future. It could be a flash point in the coming days. Vietnam Vet
I'm now center-left but would absolutely vote for you. No question. I don't know you, but I know WHO you are.
I love Adam's clarity and courage. Just what we need as a leader!
Yes!!
Thank-you! My suggestion for Amazon users-something I have done for years-as I've always felt they are a sneaky monopoly, and now their true color is obvious. We live in a remote area-When I really need something-I will google it-and of course it is on Amazon. Look through the selections-and find a US vendor/manufacturer/sourcing etc-one that supports U.S. Charity even better...order from them directly. Might cost you a bit more-but it is money well spent. I am often able to write them checks as well-circumventing the CC charges-and often they will discount me because of it once the check clears.
I avoid Amazon like the plague. Great information in your post, thanks.
Walmart has been the best option for us, good prices and fast delivery. But maybe not for everybody!!! Also ordering direct may cost more but for God's sake this is our country were talking about!!!
I hate Walmart more than any other company anywhere - and I have good reasons for that. I won't list them all here, but I worked for them in a management position during the early years of their growth. Sam Walton was still alive and running things, and he treated the employees well - in fact making them partners, with profit sharing and the option to buy stocks, and calling them 'associates ' rather than 'employees'. I helped set up 4 stores in 3 years, and stayed in 3 of them to make sure they ran smoothly until their first annual inventory. Then Sam put his sons in charge. My health collapsed completely. They cut off my insurance, and refused to pay disability. After 5 years of dedicated work and glowing annual reviews, including the highest $ amount raises every 6 months, they tried to give me a terrible appraisal. The store manager and HR manager had me come in, but we were friends and they couldn't do what they had been told to do, and apologized instead.
Walmart is a terrible customer to have as well.
Due to my disability, I have to have EVERYTHING delivered. Amazon has been a godsend.
Lol the nearest Walmart to me is 110 miles each way. So my town up by the Canadian border, is like an old fashioned mining community: you buy your groceries from the one company in town, or you drive. Trust me, when it's minus 28 and there's no cell service between me and the Walmart, and precious little traffic, that one company has me and a lot of other people captive.
I hear you John and all-We've lived out here for a very long time-and it used to have a Woolworths, JC Penny,K-Mart, Safeway balanced with local groceries, auto parts, restaurants, hotels/motels, specialty stores for sewing/crafts, etc-that were non-chain. Walmart made a move-and the only business to survive of the above was Safeway-which is now countered by Kroger-which completely swallowed the local/regional choices offered by the City Market and Safeway...If we don't want to do an eight hour driving day-which we don't except maybe once or twice a year-we too-are relegated to Walmart, some online ordering from non-Amazon businesses, and a lot of food and services trading with our neighbors-which we really enjoy. If you grow your own food-that is what you are doing 24/7. I try to be very grateful I don't have to return to a cold little soddy, go to the outhouse, or die in any of the ways that modern medicine has helped prevent. Modern life can be a real conundrum.
Already started boycotting Amazon. Changed several of my monthly subscriptions.
Taco Bell is not kind to your body, dairy Queen is overpriced. Home Depot screwed us over during covid by leaving our brand new washer and dryer in the snow even though they said they would deliver it into the home. These are all shady companies. They don't deserve to be in business. Don't give them yours
Besides being bad companies their supporting a fascist party!!!!
I totally just said out loud to my husband and 10-year old "Adam Kinzinger is going to run for President and I just might vote for him." (Left/Progressive leaning household.)
I’m a traditional conservative looking for a home. Adam seems like a good name for an origin story 😊
OMG - I am progressive Democrat and I would love that. I do feel that women’s rights need to be honored but I feel Adam is a special human and called with humility and empathy to serve humanity. And he’s such a great storyteller.
Also love Pete B. (I can't spell his last name!)
It's Pete Buttigieg. He would be excellent and is well liked.
Love Pete. But he's gay. Since America wouldn't elect a black woman married to a Jewish guy, my hopes for Pete (and I worked for him when he was in the primaries) are slim.
Yes! Thank-you!
And he truly wants what is best for the country and the people in it and is willing to talk through possible solutions to real problems. We sadly haven't seen that for so long.
So am I and I agree 100 percent! Adam is definitely a special human!
Same here, Jean. I voted for Bernie Sanders and Liz Warren, but I would vote for Adam - unless Jamie Raskin is running!
I approve this message!
💯
Keep the faith Adam!
I SECOND that MOTION!!
1000%
God yes!!
I'm in.
I’m for that!
Amen!
We all stand with you, Adam!
💯
YES!!!!
I also think this will happen. I myself hope our existing party structure breaks down and we see a reformulation of parties that will allow someone like Adam to represent many of us who are socially liberal - I don't want to dictate how my neighbor loves and prays - yet who want to step back from the extremely prescriptive word use and language of the far left in recent years. I am hoping for party that is open to all and compassionate to everyone's choices, yet does not try to make me feel guilty for my ancestors, or accuse me of a micro-aggression if I forget and ask someone what field they're in. Of course I haven't even touched the economic side of all this, but I am old and played by the rules in place, which means now I depend on social security. How do we reconcile that with what the next generations need in terms of bringing our run-away budget under control? Much more to be said, but this is long enough.
I'd sure vote for him! And I've never ever voted for a republican.
That is exactly what I was feeling listening to that
I’m sure I speak for everyone here Adam, but we know your pain on this is unimaginable. Betrayal is the absolute worst thing that could have happened. Please know we stand with you and have your back, as you always had ours.
It is, but you guys being here helps a lot. Thank you
New member here. Thanks for your messages. I loved seeing the Emergency videos pop up and I felt, even though I am a democrat, LOL I needed to support you. YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU!
Independent here . Welcome! Country first Debbie.
Thank you Theresa!
I’m also a new member and a life long Democrat who feels it’s necessary to support Adam in his efforts to save our democracy.
Well said Debbie Schmidt and I 100% agree with you. I am also a Democrat, new member here, and Adam Kinzinger is the only politician I am monetarily supporting online which of course doesn't exclude campaign donations....LOL.....He gives me hope that we will get through this and emerge still intact. He also lessens the fear I believe most of us are facing right now. United we stand no matter our political affiliation, our race, religion, gender, LBGTQ leanings, etc., etc. In my opinion, MAGA is an abomination that needs to be removed and the way we do that is with the truth and at the polls - City by City - State by State - Court by Court - and Position by Position in D.C. We are united as AMERICANS and this is the only way we will prevail. We have 3 Special elections coming up at the D.C. Level in the states of Florida (2) and New York, I believe. Thank you Adam for your service to our great Nation!! God bless everyone and God Bless the UNITED States of America!!!!!!
Sharon, well said post! I totally agree with you. After Trump won, I was fearful of the abuse of power he would display in his second term. Alarmingly, since taking the oath, which I refused to watch, Trump’s actions have far exceeded my fears! I dread what he’ll do next!
Alison, right? I guess it's so much worse because we couldn't even begin to imagine this level of evil and malevolence. That this one tiny-minded man could inspire a movement of such hatred and evil boggles the mind but I guess my previous view of the people in this Country was skewed....badly skewed. God bless.
Sharon, I too had an apparently unrealistic view of the people of this country. I feel like I’m now living in a foreign land.
Yes. It's just heartbreaking.
Same here Debbie.
Welcome Debbie!! I'm officially an Independent now too.
We've got your back Adam!! Just as you had ours during the J6 Investigations. I'd support your run for President too!! In a heartbeat. Hope you ask Steve Schmidt to the table too. He'd make a great Strategist. I'm excited about this!!! Life is so funny. I was a Republican until 2008. Switched Parties, became an Activist and now am aligning with Conservatives again. Everything is upside down thanks to MAGA and Trump. But we CAN take our Country back...With yours and others help!!! ❤️🇺🇸💙
Be safe Adam. I worry for everyone who did the right thing. He's a monster, but we knew that.
They are basically pulling a whistleblower retaliation. We stand with you Adam!!
Kasi, you nailed it. An apt new phrase: " whistleblower retaliation " - thanks
Now Trump has his own vigilante army.
Yup
May I suggest checking out a film titled "Vigilantes Inc." that Martin Sheen helped create. It's a look at the history of voter suppression from way back when to the present. The narrator (an investigator from L.A.) discovered that a MAGA world outfit in Milwaukee hired disruptors to work in 40 states prior to the November election. I think its shown on YouTube.
This is James Rodell updating my comment about Vigilantes Inc, The video has some valid points but I listened to a substack talk recently that pointed out a couple of contentions not supported by logic. Sorry about not having analyzed it better.
I desperately wish to see a new party form around the common strategic goal of upholding democracy.
I do not think that we need a new party. I think that we need a new Unity of the People. No more labels, no more subjugation to some party rules and party leader.
It is time that we define ourselves by our unity and commitment to each other as a nation.
Seems like we’re thinking along the same general lines.
Again. I want to emphasize I don’t have concrete answers, but I do keenly hope we can all keep these conversations going - and from that talk, find productive actions to take. Very grateful to Rep Kinzinger for the space to do so, as well as the leadership to inspire them.
Would love to see a framework on National vision and priority. Affordable basic needs such as housing, groceries, health care, and infrastructure. These can all be regionally tweaked. Public lands protection and management. Agricultural support that rewards more sustainable methodologies and practices. Air/water/soil quality. Solid waste management. Public transport development (Boston was Terrific!), but also-with every new or upgraded highway-mandatory bike path! National education standards. Affordable college education on minimum wage jobs-(I don't believe in free college-get some skin in the game somewhere! Merit based scholarships are great!) Make this framework non-reversable between administrations. Part of our constant angst is the whip lash of 'now there is funding/now there isn't/now this is important/now it isn't' between administrations.
Great ideas Claire!!
Yes Claire. Very well stated.
What would you call them?
Country First.
Americans
I don’t disagree, in theory, but what you describe isn’t the way our system actually works
Is our current system actually working?
Absolutely not, which is why we need new tools and approaches rather than just wishing we could all just get along
Sorry, not quite what I meant. Like a nuclear submarine or any complex machine or system, we are all unique parts of a larger system that works together. IF we are all working together, doing our part in making the "machine" work, then we ARE the system and it does what WE want it to do.
Part of that is also accepting when we are wrong, broken so to speak. For all of my knowledge, training, and experience, I am not a true leader. It isn't "natural" to me. But it is natural to Adam Kinzinger. He understands this far better than I do, and likely far better than most do. My part in life has always been keeping the "machine" going, and when needed finding ways to fix it or improve it. This is why I chose to enlist after obtaining my master's degree.
I am glad to work together for the common good. But it requires a good leader to point the way and point where problems are that need fixing. We know that we are doing it right when the "machine" is running smoothly, together. It is how we measure our success and direction.
I agree, thanks for stating it clearly.
No time for that. We need to hit back hard and fast, and can utilize the Democratic Party for that in the moment. Once we toss the fascists out, we do need to take a long look at our future and a new Party may he a huge factor.
Agree - first we need to get back to a place of civility and basic safety before we can risk breaking off supporters to a new party.
Let's call it Country First.
Freedom and Responsibility Party. The time is now! The time is ripe because MAGA is fighting the Dems, themselves, and even the Episcopal Church? Or at least a Bishop asking for mercy. Adam suggested it is hard to form a new party. What’s harder, forming a new moderate party, or losing Democracy as the Proud Boy and Oath Keeper leaders fresh out of jail rearm? Keep your brown shirts out of sight or in the wash!😱🙃
What if it’s good enough to unite around the common goal of restoring the rule of law? Maybe it would be ok to dissolve into factions bickering about corporate tax policy later? I’m not being entirely facetious when I say this - perhaps the longer term solution to the two party system is somehow making parties less fixed and more fluid as political entities?
I don’t know, I’m just spitballing here.
To Jess, Mac, Polly and all who responded. I agree with Mac that unity is what’s needed. We have that in Country First. It can, perhaps is, becoming a movement. Restoring trust with honesty and dialogue is critical. The current system has too many lies and distortions so like 7 out of 10 Americans believe Congress is broken, and one of the reasons is money buys elections so many good candidates can’t even afford to run. They have to kiss the rings of the big money crowd. But, in order to change that, you have to have a party, with a moderate platform that can win a majority. MAGA ppisn’t a party it’s a cult and T has shown on day 1, as promised, he can be as good a dictator as Putin, Xi, Kim etc., so the relentless opposition needs to start blocking and suing fast or we are toast. T is like a Panzer tank. He’s rolling and gaining momentum and clearly his only values are transactions that enrich himself and anyone who stands up is the enemy. Everyone, especially leaders like Adam, Liz, the strong Dem governors need to unite fast so that we are one big relentless opposition. We need cross silo communications among opposition groups. The Panzer needs to hit a mine that blows the tracks off. Remember Hitler used constitutional mens to kill German democracy in 53 days. I see T, sadly and dangerously, as no less ambitious. He is a madman with no moral compass whatsoever!
Shit. I just ordered a brown sweater. Hope that won’t count.
Weren’t they going with flower power shirts last time around? Maybe my brown sweater will still be okay.
I, too, have wondered about the possible effect of a new party. I believe our country needs diversity of thought (more than one party platform to rally around) but can/should we try to abandon the currrently established two party system by adding a third or by reinventing the GOP? Where does the money come from?
Both of you raise good points - time and money. I don’t have good answers to either right now, I’ll freely admit.
I do have massive concerns about the Democratic party’s capacity to act with sufficient discipline. The Harris campaign seemed to grasp the need to build coalitions with non-MAGA Republicans but either didn’t have sufficient time or organization to make it effective enough to tip the scales.
Maybe the question to ask is, aside from wanting to see the rule of law restored, what other core values and strategic goals do we share?
We need to restore the idea that our country welcomes the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We need the immigrants, we are stronger and better because of their presence. Most of us, if you go back a few generations, were from somewhere else so who are we to just shut the door? Immigration reform should occur to make legal immigration easier and more efficient, and to give hardworking and peace loving people who are currently undocumented a way to work toward legal citizenship.
the only true American are native Americans. we are all from immigrates at some point in our past
For starters; Democracy, Equity, Environment and Peace. DEEP
I was listening to an interview with Sharon McMahon, American author, and she suggested the possibility of holding national primaries vs state by state at different times. Too many drop out after a few state's primaries and the rest of the country does not get a chance at having a say. This would take a while to incorporate I guess and there would be resistance but it is way more fair. Maybe Adam can push it through when he is president. :)
I agree Jess as long as it doesn't become too rigid.
I’m so disgusted. Please let Michael Fanone that we stand with him!
He still can’t get a job all his co officers turn against him which is they have attacked his mother. Fontane my heart goes out to him. Please come to Calif perhaps Gov will give you a job it’s a thought!!
Nana, all co-officers turned against him? Why? If the more affluent democrats don't offer him security work, that would be short-sighted. Maybe Adam could suggest folks to contact.
A few thoughts:
Love your attitude! Bring it on! Let’s get the J6 film reels back on continuous loop.
Pam Hemphill - why is it always the woman who show the most courage !?
Your wife is very wise and right! It’s all downhill after the inauguration.
Chef’s kiss to the the idea of focusing on solutions😘
Adam, you have been my hero after watching the Jan. 6th commission. We pray for all of you every night. Thank you for telling the truth. God bless you.
I’ve got a suggestion that I’ve longed for for years. Change the seating of the Congress from all on one side of the aisle, and all on the other, and make the seating Republican – Democrat – Republican – Democrat. Imagine, these people could actually talk to each other. That can only be good. Independents can sit wherever they want.
Great idea!! Also, eliminate electoral college and political donations over $100 per campaign cycle. All candidates get free and equal airtime.
I would love to see that happen.
The Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress led by Derek Kilmer between 2018-2022 did just that. Not only did it transform the members' working relationships, it made it possible for them to get an enormous amount done. That should become the model for the whole house.
OMG, really?? Whatever happened? Whoever ended that should be shamed.
It was a temporary committee that got rolled into a permanent administrative committee once its tenure ended. For more on the amazing work of the committee, read "Renovating the People's House" in Remaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together to Build a Better Future for All. It's by me (Diana McLain Smith) and it's on amazon. If you read it, let me know what you think!
Good for you! I will and I will!
Found it - thanks!
That's a great idea!!
Absolutely.
I posted this in comments yesterday. But after Adam's video today, I thought I would post again.
We seem to be making the same mistakes over, and over, and over again. We don't change, we don't learn. But DT gave his supporters something new, some different, something we have never seen before. Something we believed could never happen in this country, so we let down our guard. Even Adam said in a past video, "I didn't believe this would happen." What DT said was something horrible, but it was different, and people followed him like the children followed the Pied Piper. What he said was something horrible, but he said it often, and he said it loud.
We need a new message. We need something different than what we have heard over, and over, and over again. Because that is why we lost. We need to send out that new message often, and we need to say it loud. And we need to say it every day in a loving and caring way, but just a little bit louder than normally, but no yelling, so people realize what they left behind to support DT. And we reassure the people that do not support DT that they are loved and cared about.
Yesterday I celebrated a man's birthday that promoted love, and he was killed by hate. And in the afternoon, a man moved back into the big White Building in DC, that promotes nothing but hate.
I am not very good at writing my personal view on these matters. I am a 72-year-old man that normally keeps his mouth shut, but I hope everyone can somewhat understand what I am trying to say.
As others have said before me. I AM ALL IN.
I am a registered Democrat, but I have always been country over party any day of the week. We have a lot of things to fix. No organization is perfect. I still believe the oath I took in 1974 on the day I joined the Navy. I believe in our Constitution, I believe in our Military, I believe in our Law Enforcement, and I believe in us.
Well said, Kenn.
I think a new message is good, but I don't know that we should be using DT's "something new" to make that point. He basically just lied. I don't support taking that route. Trump didn't do anything impressive - he has no shame and will tell his base anything and they buy it.
Thanks for pointing this out, Brandon. If we’re going to win, we have to know what we are up against. I think one of the biggest hurtle we’re facing is the money and power of the right wing media that saturates the country with their hate and lies. Another hurtle is the unholy alliance that has been created between the GOP and far too many christian communities. Both have to be studied and we somehow have to penetrate through all the distortions and lies that come from both. It’s a tall order, I know.
You're right about that. If anyone is to blame for this mess we're in, let's start with Rupert Murdoch shall we?!! Arrrgh. 😆
I agree, Lisa. I saw where The Right was in danger of going for a long time now and I’ve been banging this drum ever since. The Limbaugh/Ailes/Murdoch axis created a blueprint for taking the GOP, and now the country, to a very dark place. Unfortunately, their strategy has been very successful.
You description of yourself reminds me of me. I think there are a lot of people that have similar thoughts, feelings, and experiences as you and I, and they are sitting on the sidelines kinda waiting to see what happens. If we could all those folks in the game right now, somehow, maybe we could accelerate Trump’s decline in popularity. And I think writing is spot on, sir!
The one murdered was a loving black man, the hateful other, a white man. There you go. Racism is so imbedded in our country it ain't even funny. If the last 4 years of the dismantling of DEI policies doesn't prove that, nothing will. White America just refuses to let black people get ahead...or have anything. SMH.
Thank you for your service, Kenn; my dad fought WWII while in the navy. I have no social media and joined Adam's forum for some sanity and truth, since my head is spinning from all the political lies. As an Independent, I wholeheartedly agree with you! We need something new, something to drown out the loud lies, the bullying comments and revenge tactics. Adam said that we need to be creative, and I am sitting here thinking about Joshua 6 and the Battle of Jericho...we need to get our horns out and draw up a plan! Adam, we need someone in the political lead, so that we make a cohesive effort to move forward. Who can step up and take the reins? Every movement needs a leader. Who will be ours?
The release of Stewart Rhodes is especially disgusting
As Michael Fanone said on CNN, “Stewart Rhodes can go fuck himself.”
Why is no one talking about officer Daniel Hodges? He was the one who was crushed in the doorway during the attack. He was very upset about the pardons.
People have been, Adam and Fanone and Dunn spoke about him recently . This was a specific request because I believe that Adam and Michael have become friends. There’s no reason to say NO ONE is talking about Hodges. It’s not a contest.
Did they shut Fanone up and have Scott Jennings coming up with some word salad saying Portland and Seattle had worst riots?
That smirking loser Jennings wasn’t on there. The anchor said they didn’t have a chance to bleep Fanone. 😂
can't stand that trash Jennings
That’s why I don’t watch CNN anymore.
B/c of no bleeping?
Because they hire MAGA nuts like Scott Jennings and silencing folks like George Conway and Michael Fanone.
I’d love to have a common symbol for resistance. Something that identifies us as united against the oligarchy and authoritarian regime.
Something that anyone against Trump can rally around.
It would be helpful to see someone in the grocery or at an event and recognize that we are not alone.
Canada has a hat going around that says Canada is not for sale in a clap back at Trump.
Clever!
I say we all think on this and get back to it next time we connect.
I like the idea of a symbol. Some are out there, but I don't believe there is "the one" that I know of.
Agree. The “one” needs to surface. Ideally it would be the American 🇺🇸 but that has been high jacked.
I like a simple tee shirt that says RESIST. That says a lot.
Some women have been wearing Blue Bead bracelets in Indiana. I have. Our State Nasty Women group encouraged it. I know we need a National Symbol though. A Pin maybe??
We are creative and with our hearts and SOULS in the right place. We can come up with something!!
I wear a button that says "Make America Kind Again". Several people have said how much they like it. I wish I had bought 100 of them in October -- to give out.
Many of the possible symbols have already been appropriated by the other side.
How about a green dragon? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Dragon_Tavern. But I haven't yet found any green dragon symbols that seem to carry the right message. It has to be serious but not sinister.
Read the Wikipedia article aput The Green Dragon. I think that is a great idea, but that could also be because I am a big fan of House of the Dragon.;P!
Some possible green dragon tavern images: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=896821c6495502aa&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1134US1134&q=green+dragon+tavern+sign&udm=2&fbs=ABzOT_CWdhQLP1FcmU5B0fn3xuWpA-dk4wpBWOGsoR7DG5zJBsxayPSIAqObp_AgjkUGqel8I9BqVq9bH2KsRutiW9c0Iz535C-fCfNyYQTAkRn_wZ_CykGwwqXgkoyf1sJOcvR34DHmzCmv2RUdhyD_gQ-triW3OB6DurfPQgYc2REUoN9HFNxkS6-muNtRrtTX_9JF2e8amcSXEsmO07orN91J15HLEw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFlpXe1Y-LAxUGBjQIHWGkJXYQtKgLegQIEhAB&biw=1129&bih=706&dpr=2.5
Love this idea!
Look at these ideas from our revolutionary era:
> Committees of Correspondence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committees_of_correspondence
> The Greed Dragon Tavern: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Dragon_Tavern
Yes! That's exactly what is needed. Why the resistance leaders haven't done this so far, I'm not sure. I have been connected with and donated significant funds to several of these movements, and I've always suggested they get together with like-minded movements to coordinate their efforts. So far, I have not seen any of that happen. Why is that?
One disheartening thought is that because they are all trying to raise money to support their efforts, as well as themselves, they may see similar efforts as competition for those funds. I hope that's not the case, but I fear it may be.
How about the Liberty Tree? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Tree
At one point, somebody hung an effigy from it labeled "A.O.". That stood for "Andrew Oliver", the lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts at the time.
But "A.O." could just as well stand for "American Oligarchs".
Can we at least have the Capitol Crapper named and shamed?! He left his DNA on Pelosi s office floor!
These people are disgusting.
Call out the BBC for interviewing the newly-released domestic terrorist Stewart Rhodes for 15 minutes this evening from the US Capitol Building! Did the US press interview members of Sinn Fein during the troubles in Ireland? They should be ashamed of themselves for normalizing these people!
Trump SELLS. So all of the MSM and legacy media have sold out.
You’re the best Adam! You’ve helped diminish the despair I’m feeling. I appreciate you!