It’s not just disinformation saturating our feeds—it’s indoctrination. We’re witnessing a systematic effort not only to flood the narrative but to mold it, reaching beyond adults and targeting children in classrooms across America. This is more than just shaping perceptions; it’s laying the foundation for entire generations to grow up with distorted realities. I dive deeper into how this strategy is creeping into our education system in my latest article:
Your article is so apropos. I cherish that when I was in high school (late 60's) and college (early 70's) I was taught to think for myself, to study both sides of an issue, and to make my own decisions. That learned skillset has carried me throughout my adult life and one I tried to instill in my children as well. I now fear for our future generations.
That skillset is so valuable, and it’s great you’ve passed that mindset on to your children, a legacy that matters now more than ever. I share your concerns about the direction things are headed, which is exactly why I wrote the piece. I appreciate you taking the time to read and connect with it. Your perspective is exactly what we need more of.
One America News (OAN) soon will be called (VOC) Voice Of Trump. When that happens Big Brother will have arrived!!! Only people with a brain that's working can see what is going on here. Will anybody be listening, let's face it their starting to hate this country.
Can you see the effects of the big elephant in the room "IMMUNITY". Corruption and total disregard for the Constitution plus Gestapo type tactics of rounding up people without the use of warrants. The name "SUPREME" Court is starting to take on a new meaning. Very Chilling!!!!
I will use the disgust, fright, and anger I have to advocate against all that is Trump. The disgrace and huge grift of corruption goes against everything the USA has been. The organized chaos of lies and disinformation abounds. Thank you, Adam, for continuing to call this out and for your push for action that makes a difference.
I hear continually about how he is gradually taking over every facet of our checks and balances, but very little on what is being done or what we can do to combat all this.
2. Recruit ----------------- Any non-voter that you know and convince him or her why they should be protesting and voting.
3. Boycott ---------------- Companies of CEO's & Exec. Officers who attended the Inauguration: Tesla, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon/Amazon Prime, Apple Computer/Apple TV, TikTok, Google and others https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
4. Call/E-mail/Message -------------- all Republican Senators & Congressman and remind them how poorly their leader is polling and that they will never get another vote from you as long as this nonsense continues.
Not a true and complete analysis of Democrat involvement … just listen to Sen Chris Murphy take on the “gnome” of South Dakota fame! He leveled her as so many others have. The issue is the organizations that are to check and balance the executive are silent … go after them; not those who are attempting to control with all they e got
We are more susceptible to this disinformation for a number of reasons . One is that the secular stagnation of the middle class over the past 45 years has forced more people into debt, they work harder with worse results and look for scapegoats. Propagandists are eager to supply the goats to be
“ scaped “
The attack on education is another
clear cut example. Critical thinking is anathema to the goal of turning our democracy into a kleptocracy.
Excellent piece today and is right along the same path seen by Putin in his early days when he killed an endless number of journalists and reporters. Trump is a scam artists, a con man, and a crinminal. He has been convicted of fraud, or 34 felony counts, and is labeled a sexual predator. His entire tariffs scheme is a hoax so he could declare an emergency and therefore unleashing a long list of presidential powers. The following is From Democracy to Democrazy:
“It’s simple: the emergency isn’t something he’s reacting to — it’s something he’s building. Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself sweeping authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic practices an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat.’
But here’s the real play: by declaring a national emergency, Trump didn’t just respond to a crisis — he created one. And in doing so, he unlocked access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law. Many of these powers have nothing to do with trade — and everything to do with expanding presidential authority inside the U.S.” (Ibid) This entire financial crisis has not been about ’making money.’ It has been about building power.
Proof of this is the statement made by David Andelman today in his Substack: “Two tiny, remote Antarctic outposts populated by penguins and seals are among the obscure places targeted by the Trump administration's new tariffs. [The islands]—a territory which sits 2,485 miles south-west of Australia—are only accessible via a seven-day boat trip from Perth and haven't been visited by humans in almost a decade.” How bizarre but also revealing about the absurdness of Trump’s tariffs!
What This Move Enables: 1. Expanded Domestic Powers 2.Control of Domestic Communications - 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president to take control of, shut down, or regulate wire and radio communications — including the internet, social media platforms, broadcast networks, and telecom infrastructure — in the name of national defense. Originally intended for wartime, this Cold War-era law remains on the books. 3. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance - Under IEEPA and related laws, the president can freeze the assets and bank accounts of individuals or organizations accused of aiding foreign threats. These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic political groups, journalists, or activists — especially if they’re perceived as having foreign ties or influence. 4. Domestic Military Deployment - Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), the president can deploy active-duty U.S. military to enforce laws or suppress civil unrest within the country. In certain scenarios, this can be done without state governor consent — especially if the president claims state authorities are failing to uphold federal law. 5. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens) - The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21) — a law dating back to 1798 — allows the president to detain or restrict the movement of non-citizens from nations deemed hostile. The criteria for “hostile” can be broad and undefined during a declared emergency. Trump has already attempted to use The Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal immigrants. 6. Control of Energy and Transportation - Under laws like 42 U.S.C. §6272 and others, the president can redirect or restrict domestic fuel production, electricity usage, or energy transportation. Additionally, 49 U.S.C. §40106(b) allows the president to limit, reroute, or suspend civil aviation, giving the executive branch near-total control over U.S. airspace in a crisis. 7. Suspension of Labor Regulations - During a declared emergency, the president can waive federal labor regulations and override contract protections. This includes removing limits on hours, wages, and workplace safety for federal contractors and any industries deemed vital to national security. 8. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance - Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security Letters (NSLs) - tools that let federal agencies demand financial, telecom, and internet records without a warrant. These also come with gag orders, preventing the recipient (e.g., Google or a bank) from disclosing that they’re under surveillance.
WHY IT MATTERS? Even when legal domestic powers are limited, a national emergency lets the president: - Frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive action. - Bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally. - Sway public opinion using fear, urgency, and patriotic rhetoric.
BOTTOM LINE IEEPA is focused on foreign threats. Once the emergency is declared, the president taps into a hidden arsenal of “domestic control powers.” What began as a trade issue could quickly shift into civil liberties restrictions, mass surveillance, or even crackdowns under the legal shield of an “emergency.”
This isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about redefining the boundaries of executive power. Imagine if this economic crisis keeps getting worse — the amount of power he will gain.” (Ibid) The Pandora’s Box has now been opened to permit Trump uncontrolled and an unrestricted power. Hitler’s resurrection is complete.
You are correct. But Trump sounds Nuts. The people are noticing that. They are also getting mad. They don’t believe what they see because they have been lied to so much.
The United States isn’t Russia or Germany or any other European country.
We Never Had a King or anything resembling on.
We became a country because we rejected the concept.
The United States is made up of people who REJECT Authority.
It’s in the Constitution.
Our ancestors fought for this country on that concept.
The “Founding Fathers” Hated Kings. They Hated State Religion.
They wrote the Constitution to prevent these things. Because they had been subjected to abuse in these shores by a “mad king” and defeated him. They included the Second Amendment to make sure if someone tried that again, the population was able to handle the tyrant.
We are being Nice. We are letting the Constitution’s framework of equal branch’s of government deal with Trump.
But understand, I live among Trump people - try and pull this bullshit and the guns come out.
Their answer is simply “ We will kill them”
There are 400 Million guns in this country. Trump cut Veterans benefits.
Forget to add it’s called “Consent of the Governed” the statement is in both the the Declaration of Independence AND the Constitution. We don’t have Kings. If We the People don’t Consent then We The People will Handle it.
I guess these idiots with Project 2025 Forgot that. The other two branches of government better pull their heads out their butts and look up history. Equality is not a bad word and that includes paying for maintenance of this country and it’s Public Lands for Everyone to Enjoy
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Here's why:
1. 1934 Fritz Kuhn founds the German American Bund, in accod with the Nazi Führerprinzip (leadership principle) and becomes its Bundesführer.
2. 1935, Sinclair Lewis publishes "It Can't Happen Here," a dystopian screed warning the rise of native American fascism.
3. 1939, the Bund holds a Bundsparteitag (Bund Congress) in Madison Square Garden.
4. 2025, Elissa Slotkin, Senator for Michigan acknowledged in a TV interview that the tao root of the führerprinzip is buried deep in the rich soil of our pastures, prairies & plains of our breadbasket. She went on to mention college sports coaches, apparently to back up what she'd said
Not that anyone acts on internet sugestions, but where is the enthusiasm for an election slogan of "Billionaires don't care"... Great bumper sticker et al.
Thank you for this, Adam. Somehow we need to teach critical thinking skills to a large swath of the US. It will be an uphill battle given how quickly the GOP/MAGA is destroying access to and quality of education.
I’m from WA. But I’ve admired your Witness. As a Christian for me it has been really difficult for me to support the president this year. To see him and his maga buddies destroy the DoD website and take erase the heroes of the 442nd infantry Regimental Battalion is really beyond disgusting. I’m very proud of my Uncle Francis Shigeo Takemoto who rose to the level of Leadership as a Brigadier General of this Nisei Veterans Group and was a kind teacher and principal to many elementary children. This makes me incredibly sad and angry. Thank you for your example and I hope to achieve a level of calmness some day. I pray that God will heal my heart from this so I can continue to lead by example what Christ and Love should be all about. I need to hold to God’s promises in Romans 8:28. “In everything Give Thanks…. 😢
We need to hit them where it hurts most in their pocketbooks. It is ironic that so many red voices will be hurt most by Trumps policies. As democrats we need a moratorium on any spending that will aid his economy. If we can crash it he will be impeached. It seems to me that the wealthier middle class are still spending their money on needless non necessities. They need to wake up and cut back on their spending. Poorer people already can’t afford the basics but when I see people buying groceries at 4x their real value like it means nothing it tells me these people are clueless to the plights of regular working families. There needs to be an exodus from all mainstream social media as well.
It’s not just disinformation saturating our feeds—it’s indoctrination. We’re witnessing a systematic effort not only to flood the narrative but to mold it, reaching beyond adults and targeting children in classrooms across America. This is more than just shaping perceptions; it’s laying the foundation for entire generations to grow up with distorted realities. I dive deeper into how this strategy is creeping into our education system in my latest article:
https://open.substack.com/pub/devinmccune/p/teaching-to-obey-or-teaching-to-think?r=5jlujj&utm_medium=ios
Your article is so apropos. I cherish that when I was in high school (late 60's) and college (early 70's) I was taught to think for myself, to study both sides of an issue, and to make my own decisions. That learned skillset has carried me throughout my adult life and one I tried to instill in my children as well. I now fear for our future generations.
That skillset is so valuable, and it’s great you’ve passed that mindset on to your children, a legacy that matters now more than ever. I share your concerns about the direction things are headed, which is exactly why I wrote the piece. I appreciate you taking the time to read and connect with it. Your perspective is exactly what we need more of.
One America News (OAN) soon will be called (VOC) Voice Of Trump. When that happens Big Brother will have arrived!!! Only people with a brain that's working can see what is going on here. Will anybody be listening, let's face it their starting to hate this country.
I agree totally
Frightening. And now a palace airplane
disgraceful 😱
Unbelievable
Can you see the effects of the big elephant in the room "IMMUNITY". Corruption and total disregard for the Constitution plus Gestapo type tactics of rounding up people without the use of warrants. The name "SUPREME" Court is starting to take on a new meaning. Very Chilling!!!!
I will use the disgust, fright, and anger I have to advocate against all that is Trump. The disgrace and huge grift of corruption goes against everything the USA has been. The organized chaos of lies and disinformation abounds. Thank you, Adam, for continuing to call this out and for your push for action that makes a difference.
I hear continually about how he is gradually taking over every facet of our checks and balances, but very little on what is being done or what we can do to combat all this.
IT'S A MARATHON NOT A SPRINT !!!
Actions we can take to stop this tyrant from destroying everything this country has worked for in the last 250 years. Fight On!!! 💪
Emotions Meter: Jan.😲, Feb.😡,Mar.😠,Apr.😤May🖕June ?
1. Protest----------------- June 6th Veteran March On D.C. https://www.fiftyfifty.one/veterans ----------------------------June 14th No Kings https://www.nokings.org/?SQF_SOURCE=50501
2. Recruit ----------------- Any non-voter that you know and convince him or her why they should be protesting and voting.
3. Boycott ---------------- Companies of CEO's & Exec. Officers who attended the Inauguration: Tesla, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon/Amazon Prime, Apple Computer/Apple TV, TikTok, Google and others https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
4. Call/E-mail/Message -------------- all Republican Senators & Congressman and remind them how poorly their leader is polling and that they will never get another vote from you as long as this nonsense continues.
5. Donate ---------------- If you can afford it donate to the organizations that are doing the legal fights. https://www.aclu.org/ - https://democracyforward.org/ - https://www.citizen.org/ - https://www.citizensforethics.org/ These groups are suing the Trump administration virtually every day.
6. Join -------------------- https://www.country1st.com/ - https://indivisible.org/ - https://www.commoncause.org/ - https://pol-rev.com/
7. Attend -----------------Town Hall meetings
8. Tesla Takedown ------- https://www.teslatakedown.com/
9. I hope we never have to get to this option because it's the worst option of all, which I won't mention here. "Freedom Isn't Free" Vietnam Veteran
Our Dem leadership is feckless and weak with a few stand out exceptions.
Not a true and complete analysis of Democrat involvement … just listen to Sen Chris Murphy take on the “gnome” of South Dakota fame! He leveled her as so many others have. The issue is the organizations that are to check and balance the executive are silent … go after them; not those who are attempting to control with all they e got
We are more susceptible to this disinformation for a number of reasons . One is that the secular stagnation of the middle class over the past 45 years has forced more people into debt, they work harder with worse results and look for scapegoats. Propagandists are eager to supply the goats to be
“ scaped “
The attack on education is another
clear cut example. Critical thinking is anathema to the goal of turning our democracy into a kleptocracy.
Thank you for your post today Adam- I am not surprised by any of this! It sounds like TRUMPIE TRUTH SOCIAL-VOA style!You are exactly right Adam!!!!
Excellent piece today and is right along the same path seen by Putin in his early days when he killed an endless number of journalists and reporters. Trump is a scam artists, a con man, and a crinminal. He has been convicted of fraud, or 34 felony counts, and is labeled a sexual predator. His entire tariffs scheme is a hoax so he could declare an emergency and therefore unleashing a long list of presidential powers. The following is From Democracy to Democrazy:
“It’s simple: the emergency isn’t something he’s reacting to — it’s something he’s building. Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself sweeping authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic practices an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat.’
But here’s the real play: by declaring a national emergency, Trump didn’t just respond to a crisis — he created one. And in doing so, he unlocked access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law. Many of these powers have nothing to do with trade — and everything to do with expanding presidential authority inside the U.S.” (Ibid) This entire financial crisis has not been about ’making money.’ It has been about building power.
Proof of this is the statement made by David Andelman today in his Substack: “Two tiny, remote Antarctic outposts populated by penguins and seals are among the obscure places targeted by the Trump administration's new tariffs. [The islands]—a territory which sits 2,485 miles south-west of Australia—are only accessible via a seven-day boat trip from Perth and haven't been visited by humans in almost a decade.” How bizarre but also revealing about the absurdness of Trump’s tariffs!
What This Move Enables: 1. Expanded Domestic Powers 2.Control of Domestic Communications - 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president to take control of, shut down, or regulate wire and radio communications — including the internet, social media platforms, broadcast networks, and telecom infrastructure — in the name of national defense. Originally intended for wartime, this Cold War-era law remains on the books. 3. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance - Under IEEPA and related laws, the president can freeze the assets and bank accounts of individuals or organizations accused of aiding foreign threats. These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic political groups, journalists, or activists — especially if they’re perceived as having foreign ties or influence. 4. Domestic Military Deployment - Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), the president can deploy active-duty U.S. military to enforce laws or suppress civil unrest within the country. In certain scenarios, this can be done without state governor consent — especially if the president claims state authorities are failing to uphold federal law. 5. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens) - The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21) — a law dating back to 1798 — allows the president to detain or restrict the movement of non-citizens from nations deemed hostile. The criteria for “hostile” can be broad and undefined during a declared emergency. Trump has already attempted to use The Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal immigrants. 6. Control of Energy and Transportation - Under laws like 42 U.S.C. §6272 and others, the president can redirect or restrict domestic fuel production, electricity usage, or energy transportation. Additionally, 49 U.S.C. §40106(b) allows the president to limit, reroute, or suspend civil aviation, giving the executive branch near-total control over U.S. airspace in a crisis. 7. Suspension of Labor Regulations - During a declared emergency, the president can waive federal labor regulations and override contract protections. This includes removing limits on hours, wages, and workplace safety for federal contractors and any industries deemed vital to national security. 8. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance - Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security Letters (NSLs) - tools that let federal agencies demand financial, telecom, and internet records without a warrant. These also come with gag orders, preventing the recipient (e.g., Google or a bank) from disclosing that they’re under surveillance.
WHY IT MATTERS? Even when legal domestic powers are limited, a national emergency lets the president: - Frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive action. - Bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally. - Sway public opinion using fear, urgency, and patriotic rhetoric.
BOTTOM LINE IEEPA is focused on foreign threats. Once the emergency is declared, the president taps into a hidden arsenal of “domestic control powers.” What began as a trade issue could quickly shift into civil liberties restrictions, mass surveillance, or even crackdowns under the legal shield of an “emergency.”
This isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about redefining the boundaries of executive power. Imagine if this economic crisis keeps getting worse — the amount of power he will gain.” (Ibid) The Pandora’s Box has now been opened to permit Trump uncontrolled and an unrestricted power. Hitler’s resurrection is complete.
You are correct. But Trump sounds Nuts. The people are noticing that. They are also getting mad. They don’t believe what they see because they have been lied to so much.
The United States isn’t Russia or Germany or any other European country.
We Never Had a King or anything resembling on.
We became a country because we rejected the concept.
The United States is made up of people who REJECT Authority.
It’s in the Constitution.
Our ancestors fought for this country on that concept.
The “Founding Fathers” Hated Kings. They Hated State Religion.
They wrote the Constitution to prevent these things. Because they had been subjected to abuse in these shores by a “mad king” and defeated him. They included the Second Amendment to make sure if someone tried that again, the population was able to handle the tyrant.
We are being Nice. We are letting the Constitution’s framework of equal branch’s of government deal with Trump.
But understand, I live among Trump people - try and pull this bullshit and the guns come out.
Their answer is simply “ We will kill them”
There are 400 Million guns in this country. Trump cut Veterans benefits.
The Constitution holds
Ou
Forget to add it’s called “Consent of the Governed” the statement is in both the the Declaration of Independence AND the Constitution. We don’t have Kings. If We the People don’t Consent then We The People will Handle it.
I guess these idiots with Project 2025 Forgot that. The other two branches of government better pull their heads out their butts and look up history. Equality is not a bad word and that includes paying for maintenance of this country and it’s Public Lands for Everyone to Enjoy
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Here's why:
1. 1934 Fritz Kuhn founds the German American Bund, in accod with the Nazi Führerprinzip (leadership principle) and becomes its Bundesführer.
2. 1935, Sinclair Lewis publishes "It Can't Happen Here," a dystopian screed warning the rise of native American fascism.
3. 1939, the Bund holds a Bundsparteitag (Bund Congress) in Madison Square Garden.
4. 2025, Elissa Slotkin, Senator for Michigan acknowledged in a TV interview that the tao root of the führerprinzip is buried deep in the rich soil of our pastures, prairies & plains of our breadbasket. She went on to mention college sports coaches, apparently to back up what she'd said
5. Lastly, there's Jean-François Revel's provocative 1978 study, "The Totalitarian Temptation."
What unites these examples is their concern for the fate of rule by law and civic nationalism generally.
The Irish statesman John Philpot Curran once wrote,
"The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance."
Let's heed his words.
Not that anyone acts on internet sugestions, but where is the enthusiasm for an election slogan of "Billionaires don't care"... Great bumper sticker et al.
Thanks Adam and it’s disturbing to know that USAID is gone and VoA is OAN. And to top it all off is election security is compromised.
Question, are you going to DC on 6/6 or you’re not sure yet?
Thank you for this, Adam. Somehow we need to teach critical thinking skills to a large swath of the US. It will be an uphill battle given how quickly the GOP/MAGA is destroying access to and quality of education.
I’m from WA. But I’ve admired your Witness. As a Christian for me it has been really difficult for me to support the president this year. To see him and his maga buddies destroy the DoD website and take erase the heroes of the 442nd infantry Regimental Battalion is really beyond disgusting. I’m very proud of my Uncle Francis Shigeo Takemoto who rose to the level of Leadership as a Brigadier General of this Nisei Veterans Group and was a kind teacher and principal to many elementary children. This makes me incredibly sad and angry. Thank you for your example and I hope to achieve a level of calmness some day. I pray that God will heal my heart from this so I can continue to lead by example what Christ and Love should be all about. I need to hold to God’s promises in Romans 8:28. “In everything Give Thanks…. 😢
He figured he can’t win shutting it down so he will comply, but with a twist so ‘he wins’ and the world loses.
We need to hit them where it hurts most in their pocketbooks. It is ironic that so many red voices will be hurt most by Trumps policies. As democrats we need a moratorium on any spending that will aid his economy. If we can crash it he will be impeached. It seems to me that the wealthier middle class are still spending their money on needless non necessities. They need to wake up and cut back on their spending. Poorer people already can’t afford the basics but when I see people buying groceries at 4x their real value like it means nothing it tells me these people are clueless to the plights of regular working families. There needs to be an exodus from all mainstream social media as well.
And Kari Lake is involved with VoA (or maybe she's at its helm -- I'm not sure)... That says everything. It's no longer the Voice of America.
I've been seeing more trolls on Substack lately as well.
Yes me too. Shit stirrers I call them lol. I ignore them because then they are powerless
Same. They’re paying to be ignored. Lol
Yes, Adam, but today the Pope thanked truth-telling journalists for sticking with the truth. I think that will play well in America.
Susan