Heres the thing guys, be outraged. I know there is deep frustration that its happening and we feel helpless. Nobody struggles with that more than me. But, its the system. We have to win the midterms to allow investigations, then in 28. feels like forever away, it isnt.
BUT DONT LOSE HOPE. People died in war for this country....our sacrifice is much less
absolutely true! some people are truly becoming depressed. and when people become depressed, people lose hope and possibly .... the worst thing of all ... they can become apathetic. so adam's right that we can't lose hope. our forebears fought and sacrificed and many died ... it's our turn.
People can't give up! Take a mental health break--we must. There are times I just don't read anything and walk away. Because I MUST stay strong in this battle and depression and hopelessness makes me weary.
Watch a comedy special, or even go to a local stand up show and just be amongst laughter... there's no better medicine!
Adam mentioned in one of his videos that some of his colleague/soldiers in the field in Iraq & Afghanistan were funny as hell! Humor in the darkest of times is a tool of survival.
Go outside, hug your dog, child, significant other, sit on the porch and listen to music that takes you back to a great era in your life. With fond memories. I've been hitting the 70's playlist myself lately. 😀
Great music, but it also reminds me of the wonderful, wonderful time growing up in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey and Malibu I was blessed enough to have (SoCal girl originally).
I understand the depression--lord it hits me, too. I have gone through some really dark days. But I tell myself I have to keep on striving...I MUST!
Because people like Adam and my great uncle Clark, who fought in WWII; he died 4 years ago at 101...did NOT do it for our country to ultimately be deconstructed and destroyed like this!
Thanks Mari, so many of these notes are such a help. Yesterday I felt just so bad,sad,frustrated,angry... But I see people say exactly the same thing about hitting the wall and I know I have to be steadfast for everyone and everyone's steadfastness is essential to me/all of us.
When the policies of this administration directly and significantly threaten my family's well-being, it is difficult to unplug and do what you said. I have always believed in "M*A*S*H humor" and I do try to ground myself in the earth and find ways to laugh at it all. It's hard.
We're in the same boat with you, comrade. You're not alone...we DO have each other!
And I am a total M*A*S*H head myself! I frequently will watch on HULU. It's good comfort food.
As Adam has mentioned, this country has been through hellacious times throughout its history. But it has been worth fighting for every time. And democracy HAS prevailed.
We will again. And we'll make it happen together. ✊🏼 🇺🇸
I agree. Every part of the system that props up Trump needs to be dismantled, and the only way to do that is to elect different people - and then demand that they, too, don’t continue to prop up the system, via billionaires pulling the strings and dictating what they can and can’t legislate. We can’t engage in “civil war” and hope to win: this side doesn’t have the weapons or the Trumpian Storm Troopers - like the vile individual you just profiled. We need to create new media platforms, elect Democrats who speak the truth, and go from there.
Adam, Harry Litman's "Talking Feds" podcast today features Marc Elias and a discussion of the imminent interference in elections by the DOJ. I urge everyone to listen to it; it's only about 30 minutes long. We need to plan for how to manage that. Thanks.
Marc Elias is a nationally recognized authority in voting rights, redistricting and law. https://www.democracydocket.com/author/marc_elias/?p_type=opinion He's very passionate about what he does. If anybody can afford to donate to this organization who is suing these tyrants every day, it would be very helpful to the cause.
we don't know the extent of the sacrifice yet. some will die. but we can't just let tyranny take over. I agree that society decides. Society decides what they want to shun. Society decides what is of value to them. but we see in other countries that if the powerful minority take over, it is very difficult and can take years for things to change. look at Russia- they had hope after the wall fell but how long did that last? look at Hungary. Poland is a bright spot but look what they went through and even now there is a growing right wing nationalism. We are luckier than most countries because of our system of 3 equal branches but we see them abdicating their power to the executive and the Unitary Executive is becoming a reality. We only have some law groups, individuals and institutions in certain high places and we the people to stop the takeover before it is too late.
Adam, don’t we need to shake things up in a manner that’s totally unexpected and has honor (no lies, exaggerations, etc).
Respectfully, we ask you consider Linda Oberg’s reply earlier in this thread - asking “can’t you go on Fox and Rogan?” She has an excellent point, unless you can add clarification why you shouldn’t.
We’re all a team here … there’s no doubt your subscribers will listen to your opinion, as we have great respect for your guidance and leadership. Please consider her question.
With gratitude for all that you do to guide our way.
I agree with everything you and others here have said about staying strong and not losing hope. I believe in the country and our Constitution. It is painful to watch people giving a middle finger to it regularly. For me, it is more painful to see friends and family who will never read this post or the comments, will never stray from Fox News, and will hold on to the propaganda that Democrats are socialists and we can't have socialism. In one breath they say how much they don't like Trump, and immediately after that they say how they could never vote Democratic because we can't have socialism here. These are bright, intelligent people that are not seeing what's happening because they are either too busy or just don't want to know.
I am a Marine veteran married to a retired Marine with two combat tours in Vietnam and a battlefield commission, and a child who is a senior Marine officer. I get staying strong. But when I see something that should be/could be changed - like going after the propoganda aggressively - I become frightened.
Don't worry, I won't give up. But it feels as if there is something missing that could make a difference.
Like a "Opposition Leader" maybe? I'm also a Vietnam Vet 70-71 and I'm of the belief that things need to get worse before they get better. Much worse!!!
Thanks, Jay Jay Eh. I'm not sure I agree that there isn't a mandate to tackle head-on, but I think I understand what you are saying about more pain. My business background is organizational culture and dynamics, and in almost any situation, leadership is the key to effectiveness. Right now, it feels like there are just too many trying to lead and that may dilute the effectiveness.
Yes, I thought about that, but what I meant was Dems don’t currently have the actual political power to act as decisively as is needed to effectively halt the Trumpian onslaught — the voter sentiment has increasingly swung their way, but only after it’s almost too late.
“Midterms! Midterms!” is the cry of hope for Dems / existential threat to Trump.
Linda.....I agree 100%! It would be awesome for Adam to go on Fox Entertainment and Joe Rogan and set them straight. If Adam can change one person to see the error of their ways and not support the Orange clown in the WH it would be one more person to switch sides. There are quite a few that have already switched side but more are needed!
Adam, I respect the heck out of you, but I'm at a point where preaching to the choir (me) makes me just delete everything that tells me the awful things that this administration is doing. I get it. I know. But what are we doing to stop him?
I’m somewhat disabled: I have a progressive and ultimately fatal lung disease. I’ve got a few more years to go before this disease takes me, but I know what the outcome looks like because this disease runs in my family.
Every morning, when I wake up, I give thanks that I’m still here for another day, and I vow sometime during the day to make some Good Trouble. It can be making five calls (through the app Five Calls); it can be attending a town hall and speaking truth to a MAGA member about their abuses of power (preferably with members of the local media present).
This afternoon I am attending a protest downtown because Trump toady JD Vance is visiting our governor, Reichskommander Braun, to get our governor to call a special session to redistrict the entire state so that it’s completely red (as he was commanded to do by the Dear Leader, and our governor is nothing if he isn’t a complete sycophant to Trump).
It doesn’t have to be something huge. I would not be up to a 50 mile march: I’m walker – dependent because of an automobile accident last April which damaged my spine. The driver who hit our car left the scene of the accident.). No matter: I can find out some ways each day to make some sort of Good Trouble.
Now, admittedly — one person making some Good Trouble isn’t going to amount very much; but many hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people making Good Trouble every day IS going to amount up to much — and even accomplish some necessary change.
I plan to keep making Good Trouble each day, all the way up to the day I die. I also encourage every single person I know to make some Good Trouble each day.
Seriously, what are Trump and ICE going to do: KILL ME? Well, that means I won’t have to suffocate to death, doesn’t it? 😆
You are an inspiration! Please do take care of yourself & continue the Good Trouble on both fronts (your health & working to keep our democracy). Thank you.
I sometimes have the same feelings when I read posts from those who are knowledgeable and whom I respect, like Adam and others. But at some point, we need more outcry broadly. Maybe it is happening. I think it is happening in places. But we need this Department of Justice hire to be called out for the awfulness that it is!
Thanks for the opportunity to discuss, Nancy. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that the only thing that can happen is civil war. The current administration is locking down every safety mechanism that was intended to prevent what is happening, and will continue to brazenly do so. This DOJ hire is a microcosm of the horrid things that are being done without regard for the rule of law or the people of this country. There are some incredibly intelligent and influential people who see the egregiousness and are using their voices to raise the alarm. But they are preaching to the choir, while the cult continues to support a dictator.
Is it money? Is it influential power? Is that what the right has that the general population apparently doesn't have? That doesn't make sense because these same incredibly intelligent and influential people have money and have power. But the right keeps on breaking the law and we all stand by and say how horrible it is. I know that is a simplification but that is what it seems like to me. I see people like Joe Kennedy III working hard on grass roots awareness. That's great but as he says, that's a marathon not a sprint. I see Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney calling out the horror, but again, it's preaching to the choir.
The right uses AI and technology to distribute propaganda. At what point do we fight propoganda with propoganda and not our generally nice nature?
We need something else desperately. Something with a heavy punch.
We'll never change the cult members. It's those who voted for him and may now be having doubts that we need to reach. I don't see Adam's posts as preaching to the choir -- they're giving me good information and respected opinion to post on my Facebook page, where others also can and do share it. A friend whose opinion I value told me that though he doesn't respond to all my posts, he does see them all. He encouraged me to keep posting this Substack and other sources on my page because, as he said, "I believe they're making a difference."
I agree that we'll never change the cult members. That's not what concerns me. I don't think that there is a majority of cult members that could legally influence an election. What does concern me is:
a. Those who will tell you how much they detest Trump, and then go on to say that they will never vote for a socialist/democrat. There are enough of them that can sway an election. They hate Trump but call Democrats despicable.
b. The illegal changes that are being made to our country that will stay with us for decades and possibly allow Trump to stay in power.
Without the rule of law, we haven't a prayer of reclaiming our country. And the rule of law is disintegrating before our eyes, and the power-brokers are defying the courts to the point where there may not be a turn around.
I worry that we are so close to a pivot point to full-scale facism that there may be no recourse but to rise up in conflict.
Kate, I'm glad that you are posting and yes, I know folks who read but don't respond. I respect that. My friends on FB who don't want to hear what I have to say simply block or ignore anything factual that I post.
That is where my discouragement is coming from. Thanks for the dialogue.
I don't worry about people who ignore or block my posts. I figure they're just among the die-hards whose heels are dug in as they defend what even they may know was a mistake.
And I take some encouragement from a post by William (Bill) Kristol on the Bulwark page two days ago (8/5). A few excerpts:
Maybe The American Experiment Isn’t Dead Yet: Toward Darkness or Dawn
“On the one hand, the first couple hundred days of this presidency have featured truly striking and dramatic advances by the forces of authoritarianism. The dangers to our free political institutions are clear, present, and increasing in strength. The situation is grim. One fears that ‘American exceptionalism’ will culminate in an exceptional demonstration of a nation frittering away the privileges of freedom in as feckless a way as possible.
“On the other hand, while authoritarianism is winning right now, and night is more visible on the horizon than dawn—there are countervailing forces.
“Perhaps the most hopeful is that it’s clear the Trump presidency is unpopular, and is becoming more so. . . . it’s also worth noting that Democrats, for all their disarray and damage to their ‘brand,’ are a few points ahead in recent polling on the generic congressional ballot.”
We have literally nothing left to do that is legal. They break the law left and right. They violate the Constitution daily. And get away with it. But if we do it - we get arrested.
They have already seized the moment. They do it every day and we, Democrats, Leftist’s or just decent people who know what is right and wrong, AND THIS IS WRONG, aren’t DOING enough, SPEAKING UP enough, or FIGHTING enough.
It’s long overdue for us to take the gloves off and start fighting like Republicans or better yet, WE FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!!!🎀🎀
I do understand that. I am sooo disappointed with the Dems. They have ZERO strategy. It's long past time to start playing hardball. No more Mr. Nice Guy. My God, have they learned nothing in the past decade??
But we are supposedly a nation of LAWS, and not just when they suit us.
Also, as Republicans are wont to attack ‘others’ based on whimsical, flimsy & illegal grounds, we can’t then add to our burden by giving them even easier legal grounds to attack.
It can be done in very clever ways, such as the Texas Dems fleeing under Gov. Pritzker’s blue state protection, but even then there are potential risks with the Trump Nutzi regime.
I am shocked and appalled. Every. Single. Day. I read both right and left news. I see the whitewash (forgive the pun) on the right's media, burying stories or not even mentioning them. Or putting them in the best possible light.
I speak with family and friends who watch only Fox News and am appalled at what they never hear.
Until we can get to those folks, we're preaching to the choir.
Fox News is a cancer that has metastasized into maga. My dear old dad stopped watching Fox after bill O Reilly got canned. When he stopped watching, it was like his eyes opened. He had been a lifelong Republican, but came to the conclusion that Trump was ruining America and he would never vote Republican again. He was in his 90s. I was very proud that at that age, he could see things differently. He lived long enough to vote for Biden. He very much hoped he’d live to see Trump in an orange jumpsuit
I would rather know than not know and appreciate all the facts. Facts matter even when it is uncomfortable to hear. I just read about a recent town hall in Nebraska and one of the constituents regarding FEMA money going for fascism. A well articulated pointed question. This is how we fight back. With knowledge and our voices. Its unfortunate we are in this place, a place we should have never gotten too. It sucks, is stressful and depressing but we can't give up!
Use your voice! Call your Representatives and those in other states, call your Senators, show up at their doors, show up at protests. Our voice is the strongest thing going! We need 3.5%.
Jeanne, I have property in two states and have written weekly to the Senators and Congress reps. If I get a response, it is generally a form letter. With one exception - Senator Thom Tillis from NC sends very thoughtful responses each week. Yet he votes to confirm Bove?
What am I doing? I have property in two states and have written weekly to the Senators and Congress reps. If I get a response, it is generally a form letter. With one exception - Senator Thom Tillis from NC sends very thoughtful responses each week. Yet he votes to confirm Bove?
I think the strategy of speaking out is a great idea. But it falls on deaf ears because the current administration wants what they want, are prepared to break the law to get it, and really don't care.
it falls on deaf ears until it doesn't. I emailed all my reps- federal, gov, state and county regarding ICE raids and masks/no ID. I got some form responses but one real response from my county rep who said thank you for your ideas and I plan to bring it up with the other legislators and see what we can implement!
well I wouldn't say it was positive -lol. It was a letter asking them to do something about stopping ICE from wearing masks similar to the legislation California is looking at. Here's the letter I sent:
Dear _____________,
I’m urging you to take legislative action to confront the rising use of masked, anonymous law enforcement and abusive ICE tactics in our state. This includes disappearances of students, visa/green card holders, undocumented immigrants, arrests of public officials like NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and increasing political targeting under Trump’s immigration agenda. I was outraged to see the masked fully gasmasked and armed ICE in MacArthur Park in Los Angeles recently. And with the billions just given to ICE from the reconciliation bill it will be getting way worse.
As a state legislator, you can help:
Introduce or support legislation modeled after California’s No Secret Police Act (SB 627), requiring law enforcement officers to wear visible identification and banning face coverings during public operations.
Increase oversight and data transparency around federal immigration activity in the state.
Strengthen sanctuary laws, including prohibiting local agencies from sharing data with ICE or cooperating in politically motivated raids.
These are not hypothetical threats, they’re happening now and rapidly getting worse. We need you to lead with urgency and principle, and help deliver a legislative response grounded in justice, transparency, and accountability.
So, I do think that it is important that we look for things that we can do. Right now, we can support the Texas democrats with a small donation to help them with their fight to stop the state from being gerrymandered. - Taking action helps that feeling of helplessness—at least for me it does.
You are right that taking action does help. I'm just not sure that small donations to multiple areas will make the difference that needs to be made. Democrats may prevail in Texas, but I'm pretty sure Florida is planning something similar and suspect there are others as well. In my opinion, we need a collaborative, well-constructed plan or we'll just be firing cannonballs at coquina (which can't be hurt by cannonballs).
But who exactly is going to hold them accountable? Congress? The courts? So much damage is being done that the system of checks and balances in our government no longer exists. This administration’s installment of loyalists at every level of of government will have lasting if not permanent effects on our Democracy and our society long after Trump himself is gone and that is the fear that keeps me up at night especially when I think about the future for our children. It is not looking bright!
I wish everyone would take a look at the work of a group This Will Hold. They are on Substack. They make a pretty convincing argument that the election was stolen from VP Harris.
I have emailed Marc Elias about them. They seem to be having a hard time garnering serious attention.
That is my biggest fear - that they will rig the midterms, either through redistricting or other form of hijacking. I believe that, if Trump wants to win, Trump WILL win. And he'll do whatever he has to do to win.
So is this hiring being shouted about from mainstream media? Are there calls for investigations into a man who wanted to kill the police being out into a role at the Department of Justice. Maybe all of that is happening, if, as Adam says, it would be if the tables were turned and the Ds did something like this. Am I just missing all the attention this is getting?
I keep wondering that too, Nancy. This is a piece I would like to share with my right-leaning family members (not Trumpers, but very defensive if I share anything remotely political) and the left-leaning ones(who tell me they are so overwhelmed with information…for the sake of mental health, please don’t send more). If we had anything resembling the world we used to live in, this would be big news! It’s a big conundrum. How do we get information in the ears and brains of those who want to
Shut it out! I always think Adam, with his republican service, would appeal to my right-leaning family members, but if I’m the one who shares it, it loses cred with them.
I, too, face the same rebuttals. I just can't fathom why some people don't see what is happening. When it hits close to home, you will hear them screaming the loudest. That is slowly happening!!!
I'm in the same position, Laura. If I share anything, my friends and family shut down. That's why I say that somehow we have to fight the propoganda that Democrats are evil.
The Dems should create a site that lists all the illegal, immoral, and cruel things that The Felon and his minions are doing. And they should advertise it widely and update it everyday.
They should have it on their individual websites. Run full page ads in newspapers in red states. This guy's photo should be broadcast everywhere. Sent to every police station to remind any officers who are supporting The Felon exactly who he is.
I do like that there are billboards going up red states showing Trump with his buddy Epstein. That seems pretty savvy. Find something that speaks to these folks and, for some reason, Epstein is one of the few things that resonate
That's a pretty good idea, marypaz. To do that requires some collaboration which doesn't seem to be an option. There are so many people trying to position their leadership skill for future elections, that there is no one working together.
Whoever takes a leadership role in influencing collaboration doesn't have to be the person who runs against Trump. But we need leadership to bring the influencers together.
Very true, and it will be expensive, so do voters put pressure on the DNC to spend money on this? After all, I heard that they are willing to spend 2 million dollars to learn how to speak to young Black men. Or do pieces of this get taken on by various grassroots organizations? A joint effort? I really want to figure out how to make this work. An idea without its actualization is just an idea, and there are already too many floating around. Thank you!
I get dozens of requests every day to send "just $5" to various grassroots organizations, potential candidates and other causes. In my opinion, so long as the fundraising is fragmented, the message will be as well. And unless the message is clear and concise and repeated verbatim by EVERY individual, the propaganda from the right will prevail.
there is so damn out there that they are doing to destroy america, and there's only so much space on front pages or in the limited time slots on any valid news media broadcasts. everything that has been going on for the last six months swirls around in my head, and on a good day i can't count how many illegal/immoral/cruel things are being done. it's truly overwhelming, but isn't that part of their modus operandi? isn't that a way to keep us from becoming more cohesive and organized? we DO have to keep reading and learning about what's happening in order to combat it.
From the day I saw our Capitol being attacked, I have thought our nation was headed for civil war. I'm not advocating anything like that at all. It just seems the signs are all there. This administration is brazenly breaking the law, breaking the people, flaunting the constitution, in broad daylight and out in the open, just daring anyone to try to stop them.
So what do we do? We need action now. We can sit here and talking about all these awful things but something needs to be done. Talking isn’t cutting it anymore. What do we do? The time for action is here. I wish it wasn’t but it is. What’s the plan?
This is just so wrong. I have family that work in law enforcement and son that worked in law enforcement in the military. What is wrong with our country? There is no respect for anything!
I just moved out of Florida. Law enforcement in Florida is full of Trumpers. They are gladly taking on the deportation role with smiles on their faces.
I read some posts about the effects of Trump 2.0 and feel sadness. I read some and feel anger and/or disgust. This one caused me to quiver. I feel fear… and that, once again, motivates me to actively communicate with my local House (R) and Senate (D) representatives. I’ll make sure they know this constituent (voter!) does not think rewarding Jared Wise with employment is okay.
You and I should be enemies. You’re a former Republican congressman; I’m a Bernie bro. One would think that you and I are not going to have much in common.
You’ve taught me something: right now it’s not a matter of “conservative versus liberal“, or “right versus left“ — it’s about our country being in SERIOUS trouble. It’s about people who really care about preserving our democratic republic banding together to do the right thing, and taking back our country from those who are desperately trying to turn our country into a dictatorship.
Two years ago, I could not have imagined my reading columns from people like you, Jennifer, Rubin, and Steve Schmidt, word for word, for comprehension – each and every single day. And yet: here we are. I am here and ready to do what needs to be done, even if I’m carrying an oxygen tank and using a walker!
Mark - you figured it out, with Adam's help. It isn't about labels and until we begin to discuss issues beyond the labels, we'll continue this idiocy of division.
Heres the thing guys, be outraged. I know there is deep frustration that its happening and we feel helpless. Nobody struggles with that more than me. But, its the system. We have to win the midterms to allow investigations, then in 28. feels like forever away, it isnt.
BUT DONT LOSE HOPE. People died in war for this country....our sacrifice is much less
absolutely true! some people are truly becoming depressed. and when people become depressed, people lose hope and possibly .... the worst thing of all ... they can become apathetic. so adam's right that we can't lose hope. our forebears fought and sacrificed and many died ... it's our turn.
People can't give up! Take a mental health break--we must. There are times I just don't read anything and walk away. Because I MUST stay strong in this battle and depression and hopelessness makes me weary.
Watch a comedy special, or even go to a local stand up show and just be amongst laughter... there's no better medicine!
Adam mentioned in one of his videos that some of his colleague/soldiers in the field in Iraq & Afghanistan were funny as hell! Humor in the darkest of times is a tool of survival.
Go outside, hug your dog, child, significant other, sit on the porch and listen to music that takes you back to a great era in your life. With fond memories. I've been hitting the 70's playlist myself lately. 😀
Great music, but it also reminds me of the wonderful, wonderful time growing up in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey and Malibu I was blessed enough to have (SoCal girl originally).
I understand the depression--lord it hits me, too. I have gone through some really dark days. But I tell myself I have to keep on striving...I MUST!
Because people like Adam and my great uncle Clark, who fought in WWII; he died 4 years ago at 101...did NOT do it for our country to ultimately be deconstructed and destroyed like this!
Thanks Mari, so many of these notes are such a help. Yesterday I felt just so bad,sad,frustrated,angry... But I see people say exactly the same thing about hitting the wall and I know I have to be steadfast for everyone and everyone's steadfastness is essential to me/all of us.
I know, they all help me, too. ❤️
Exactly! I’m totally with you!
Ty Kat! 🥰
When the policies of this administration directly and significantly threaten my family's well-being, it is difficult to unplug and do what you said. I have always believed in "M*A*S*H humor" and I do try to ground myself in the earth and find ways to laugh at it all. It's hard.
We're in the same boat with you, comrade. You're not alone...we DO have each other!
And I am a total M*A*S*H head myself! I frequently will watch on HULU. It's good comfort food.
As Adam has mentioned, this country has been through hellacious times throughout its history. But it has been worth fighting for every time. And democracy HAS prevailed.
We will again. And we'll make it happen together. ✊🏼 🇺🇸
We will!
I revert to poetry here …Hope” is the thing with feathers — EMILY DICKINSON
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
I agree. Every part of the system that props up Trump needs to be dismantled, and the only way to do that is to elect different people - and then demand that they, too, don’t continue to prop up the system, via billionaires pulling the strings and dictating what they can and can’t legislate. We can’t engage in “civil war” and hope to win: this side doesn’t have the weapons or the Trumpian Storm Troopers - like the vile individual you just profiled. We need to create new media platforms, elect Democrats who speak the truth, and go from there.
Adam, Harry Litman's "Talking Feds" podcast today features Marc Elias and a discussion of the imminent interference in elections by the DOJ. I urge everyone to listen to it; it's only about 30 minutes long. We need to plan for how to manage that. Thanks.
I will find and listen
Marc Elias is a nationally recognized authority in voting rights, redistricting and law. https://www.democracydocket.com/author/marc_elias/?p_type=opinion He's very passionate about what he does. If anybody can afford to donate to this organization who is suing these tyrants every day, it would be very helpful to the cause.
we don't know the extent of the sacrifice yet. some will die. but we can't just let tyranny take over. I agree that society decides. Society decides what they want to shun. Society decides what is of value to them. but we see in other countries that if the powerful minority take over, it is very difficult and can take years for things to change. look at Russia- they had hope after the wall fell but how long did that last? look at Hungary. Poland is a bright spot but look what they went through and even now there is a growing right wing nationalism. We are luckier than most countries because of our system of 3 equal branches but we see them abdicating their power to the executive and the Unitary Executive is becoming a reality. We only have some law groups, individuals and institutions in certain high places and we the people to stop the takeover before it is too late.
Adam, don’t we need to shake things up in a manner that’s totally unexpected and has honor (no lies, exaggerations, etc).
Respectfully, we ask you consider Linda Oberg’s reply earlier in this thread - asking “can’t you go on Fox and Rogan?” She has an excellent point, unless you can add clarification why you shouldn’t.
We’re all a team here … there’s no doubt your subscribers will listen to your opinion, as we have great respect for your guidance and leadership. Please consider her question.
With gratitude for all that you do to guide our way.
I agree with everything you and others here have said about staying strong and not losing hope. I believe in the country and our Constitution. It is painful to watch people giving a middle finger to it regularly. For me, it is more painful to see friends and family who will never read this post or the comments, will never stray from Fox News, and will hold on to the propaganda that Democrats are socialists and we can't have socialism. In one breath they say how much they don't like Trump, and immediately after that they say how they could never vote Democratic because we can't have socialism here. These are bright, intelligent people that are not seeing what's happening because they are either too busy or just don't want to know.
I am a Marine veteran married to a retired Marine with two combat tours in Vietnam and a battlefield commission, and a child who is a senior Marine officer. I get staying strong. But when I see something that should be/could be changed - like going after the propoganda aggressively - I become frightened.
Don't worry, I won't give up. But it feels as if there is something missing that could make a difference.
Like a "Opposition Leader" maybe? I'm also a Vietnam Vet 70-71 and I'm of the belief that things need to get worse before they get better. Much worse!!!
I worry that you are right. I don't think it has to be
‘Something missing’ … it’s at times like these that a figurehead are sought out — ‘magic bullet’ thinking.
In the meantime, the groundwork needs to be established in order to make any such entity successful … and so we soldier on.
Dems do not yet have the voter mandate to tackle them head-on. Until enough people feel enough pain & respond accordingly, that is.
— Thank you for your service & sorry for your distress. 🌼
Thanks, Jay Jay Eh. I'm not sure I agree that there isn't a mandate to tackle head-on, but I think I understand what you are saying about more pain. My business background is organizational culture and dynamics, and in almost any situation, leadership is the key to effectiveness. Right now, it feels like there are just too many trying to lead and that may dilute the effectiveness.
Yes, I thought about that, but what I meant was Dems don’t currently have the actual political power to act as decisively as is needed to effectively halt the Trumpian onslaught — the voter sentiment has increasingly swung their way, but only after it’s almost too late.
“Midterms! Midterms!” is the cry of hope for Dems / existential threat to Trump.
It sure is!
Love your gerbil photo! Nature & music transcends all grubby politics.
So far.
I used to watch old Golden Girls reruns to cheer up about things.
I agree. Would be so good to have Adam get in front of the MAGA crowd!
Linda.....I agree 100%! It would be awesome for Adam to go on Fox Entertainment and Joe Rogan and set them straight. If Adam can change one person to see the error of their ways and not support the Orange clown in the WH it would be one more person to switch sides. There are quite a few that have already switched side but more are needed!
Adam, I respect the heck out of you, but I'm at a point where preaching to the choir (me) makes me just delete everything that tells me the awful things that this administration is doing. I get it. I know. But what are we doing to stop him?
I’ll tell you what I do:
I’m somewhat disabled: I have a progressive and ultimately fatal lung disease. I’ve got a few more years to go before this disease takes me, but I know what the outcome looks like because this disease runs in my family.
Every morning, when I wake up, I give thanks that I’m still here for another day, and I vow sometime during the day to make some Good Trouble. It can be making five calls (through the app Five Calls); it can be attending a town hall and speaking truth to a MAGA member about their abuses of power (preferably with members of the local media present).
This afternoon I am attending a protest downtown because Trump toady JD Vance is visiting our governor, Reichskommander Braun, to get our governor to call a special session to redistrict the entire state so that it’s completely red (as he was commanded to do by the Dear Leader, and our governor is nothing if he isn’t a complete sycophant to Trump).
It doesn’t have to be something huge. I would not be up to a 50 mile march: I’m walker – dependent because of an automobile accident last April which damaged my spine. The driver who hit our car left the scene of the accident.). No matter: I can find out some ways each day to make some sort of Good Trouble.
Now, admittedly — one person making some Good Trouble isn’t going to amount very much; but many hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people making Good Trouble every day IS going to amount up to much — and even accomplish some necessary change.
I plan to keep making Good Trouble each day, all the way up to the day I die. I also encourage every single person I know to make some Good Trouble each day.
Seriously, what are Trump and ICE going to do: KILL ME? Well, that means I won’t have to suffocate to death, doesn’t it? 😆
Bravo, Mark.
You are an inspiration! Please do take care of yourself & continue the Good Trouble on both fronts (your health & working to keep our democracy). Thank you.
Mark!!!!Thank you.
I sometimes have the same feelings when I read posts from those who are knowledgeable and whom I respect, like Adam and others. But at some point, we need more outcry broadly. Maybe it is happening. I think it is happening in places. But we need this Department of Justice hire to be called out for the awfulness that it is!
Thanks for the opportunity to discuss, Nancy. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that the only thing that can happen is civil war. The current administration is locking down every safety mechanism that was intended to prevent what is happening, and will continue to brazenly do so. This DOJ hire is a microcosm of the horrid things that are being done without regard for the rule of law or the people of this country. There are some incredibly intelligent and influential people who see the egregiousness and are using their voices to raise the alarm. But they are preaching to the choir, while the cult continues to support a dictator.
Is it money? Is it influential power? Is that what the right has that the general population apparently doesn't have? That doesn't make sense because these same incredibly intelligent and influential people have money and have power. But the right keeps on breaking the law and we all stand by and say how horrible it is. I know that is a simplification but that is what it seems like to me. I see people like Joe Kennedy III working hard on grass roots awareness. That's great but as he says, that's a marathon not a sprint. I see Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney calling out the horror, but again, it's preaching to the choir.
The right uses AI and technology to distribute propaganda. At what point do we fight propoganda with propoganda and not our generally nice nature?
We need something else desperately. Something with a heavy punch.
We'll never change the cult members. It's those who voted for him and may now be having doubts that we need to reach. I don't see Adam's posts as preaching to the choir -- they're giving me good information and respected opinion to post on my Facebook page, where others also can and do share it. A friend whose opinion I value told me that though he doesn't respond to all my posts, he does see them all. He encouraged me to keep posting this Substack and other sources on my page because, as he said, "I believe they're making a difference."
I agree that we'll never change the cult members. That's not what concerns me. I don't think that there is a majority of cult members that could legally influence an election. What does concern me is:
a. Those who will tell you how much they detest Trump, and then go on to say that they will never vote for a socialist/democrat. There are enough of them that can sway an election. They hate Trump but call Democrats despicable.
b. The illegal changes that are being made to our country that will stay with us for decades and possibly allow Trump to stay in power.
Without the rule of law, we haven't a prayer of reclaiming our country. And the rule of law is disintegrating before our eyes, and the power-brokers are defying the courts to the point where there may not be a turn around.
I worry that we are so close to a pivot point to full-scale facism that there may be no recourse but to rise up in conflict.
Kate, I'm glad that you are posting and yes, I know folks who read but don't respond. I respect that. My friends on FB who don't want to hear what I have to say simply block or ignore anything factual that I post.
That is where my discouragement is coming from. Thanks for the dialogue.
I don't worry about people who ignore or block my posts. I figure they're just among the die-hards whose heels are dug in as they defend what even they may know was a mistake.
And I take some encouragement from a post by William (Bill) Kristol on the Bulwark page two days ago (8/5). A few excerpts:
Maybe The American Experiment Isn’t Dead Yet: Toward Darkness or Dawn
“On the one hand, the first couple hundred days of this presidency have featured truly striking and dramatic advances by the forces of authoritarianism. The dangers to our free political institutions are clear, present, and increasing in strength. The situation is grim. One fears that ‘American exceptionalism’ will culminate in an exceptional demonstration of a nation frittering away the privileges of freedom in as feckless a way as possible.
“On the other hand, while authoritarianism is winning right now, and night is more visible on the horizon than dawn—there are countervailing forces.
“Perhaps the most hopeful is that it’s clear the Trump presidency is unpopular, and is becoming more so. . . . it’s also worth noting that Democrats, for all their disarray and damage to their ‘brand,’ are a few points ahead in recent polling on the generic congressional ballot.”
I sure do hope you are right
We have literally nothing left to do that is legal. They break the law left and right. They violate the Constitution daily. And get away with it. But if we do it - we get arrested.
I sadly agree. However, the civilian bat sh*t crazies are well armed and much of the military and ICE, LEO, FBI, etc. are WITH him.
This is the great conundrum. We are outmanned, outgunned and definitely outcrazied!
I've been thinking the same thing, likely by provocation by the regime. If it happens, it will make the First Civil War look tame. Dog help us.
Yeah - and if the current administration runs all of the cyber tools, we haven't a prayer.
We need to be shocked and appalled. If we let up even a little they will seize the moment and we are done. Each act is more repulsive than the last.
They have already seized the moment. They do it every day and we, Democrats, Leftist’s or just decent people who know what is right and wrong, AND THIS IS WRONG, aren’t DOING enough, SPEAKING UP enough, or FIGHTING enough.
It’s long overdue for us to take the gloves off and start fighting like Republicans or better yet, WE FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!!!🎀🎀
The Democratic Party needs to put some horseshoes in their gloves and fight back. Going high is no longer an option. We need to play hardball.
Have you seen the clip of Cory Booker getting REALLY pissed off with the Democrats? Not long after the Paramount blackmail payment and firing Colbert.
He was PISSED!!! Finally some damn fire!
The DumDems need to stop cooperating whatsoever with this Corrupt Trump Crime Regime. No voting for anything they put up.
It's long past time to fight fire with fire!
(Sadly, I don't take him seriously anymore, it's soooooo late coming and just doesn't seem real...same re Ken Martin.)
I do understand that. I am sooo disappointed with the Dems. They have ZERO strategy. It's long past time to start playing hardball. No more Mr. Nice Guy. My God, have they learned nothing in the past decade??
But we are supposedly a nation of LAWS, and not just when they suit us.
Also, as Republicans are wont to attack ‘others’ based on whimsical, flimsy & illegal grounds, we can’t then add to our burden by giving them even easier legal grounds to attack.
It can be done in very clever ways, such as the Texas Dems fleeing under Gov. Pritzker’s blue state protection, but even then there are potential risks with the Trump Nutzi regime.
Woo Hoo! !
I am shocked and appalled. Every. Single. Day. I read both right and left news. I see the whitewash (forgive the pun) on the right's media, burying stories or not even mentioning them. Or putting them in the best possible light.
I speak with family and friends who watch only Fox News and am appalled at what they never hear.
Until we can get to those folks, we're preaching to the choir.
Fox News is a cancer that has metastasized into maga. My dear old dad stopped watching Fox after bill O Reilly got canned. When he stopped watching, it was like his eyes opened. He had been a lifelong Republican, but came to the conclusion that Trump was ruining America and he would never vote Republican again. He was in his 90s. I was very proud that at that age, he could see things differently. He lived long enough to vote for Biden. He very much hoped he’d live to see Trump in an orange jumpsuit
Yes indeed, thanks for sharing. Proud of your dad that he saw the light. It's never too late. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
That is a great story, Laura. Thanks for sharing.
True, to a degree. But financial consequences are *beginning* to kick in more reliably, and that will often speak louder than our words.
That being said, Yes, I once had to inform my daughter Re: Pizzagate, but that was due to her husband’s blind Trump loyalty, not her own news intake.
— Fox ‘news’ is def a major problem .. and I haven’t see it addressed sufficiently, but only ad hoc.
I would rather know than not know and appreciate all the facts. Facts matter even when it is uncomfortable to hear. I just read about a recent town hall in Nebraska and one of the constituents regarding FEMA money going for fascism. A well articulated pointed question. This is how we fight back. With knowledge and our voices. Its unfortunate we are in this place, a place we should have never gotten too. It sucks, is stressful and depressing but we can't give up!
The Nebraska town hall was definitely uplifting. My husband is from Nebraska and said that is unusual for them and they must be really upset.
I would rather know as well. But it is taking a serious toll on me.
I agree with you. Nancy!!!
Use your voice! Call your Representatives and those in other states, call your Senators, show up at their doors, show up at protests. Our voice is the strongest thing going! We need 3.5%.
Jeanne, I have property in two states and have written weekly to the Senators and Congress reps. If I get a response, it is generally a form letter. With one exception - Senator Thom Tillis from NC sends very thoughtful responses each week. Yet he votes to confirm Bove?
It should not be “what are we doing…..” but what am I doing….”!
What am I doing? I have property in two states and have written weekly to the Senators and Congress reps. If I get a response, it is generally a form letter. With one exception - Senator Thom Tillis from NC sends very thoughtful responses each week. Yet he votes to confirm Bove?
I think the strategy of speaking out is a great idea. But it falls on deaf ears because the current administration wants what they want, are prepared to break the law to get it, and really don't care.
it falls on deaf ears until it doesn't. I emailed all my reps- federal, gov, state and county regarding ICE raids and masks/no ID. I got some form responses but one real response from my county rep who said thank you for your ideas and I plan to bring it up with the other legislators and see what we can implement!
Can you share the ideas you offered? I would like to share something positive with my reps.
well I wouldn't say it was positive -lol. It was a letter asking them to do something about stopping ICE from wearing masks similar to the legislation California is looking at. Here's the letter I sent:
Dear _____________,
I’m urging you to take legislative action to confront the rising use of masked, anonymous law enforcement and abusive ICE tactics in our state. This includes disappearances of students, visa/green card holders, undocumented immigrants, arrests of public officials like NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and increasing political targeting under Trump’s immigration agenda. I was outraged to see the masked fully gasmasked and armed ICE in MacArthur Park in Los Angeles recently. And with the billions just given to ICE from the reconciliation bill it will be getting way worse.
As a state legislator, you can help:
Introduce or support legislation modeled after California’s No Secret Police Act (SB 627), requiring law enforcement officers to wear visible identification and banning face coverings during public operations.
Increase oversight and data transparency around federal immigration activity in the state.
Strengthen sanctuary laws, including prohibiting local agencies from sharing data with ICE or cooperating in politically motivated raids.
These are not hypothetical threats, they’re happening now and rapidly getting worse. We need you to lead with urgency and principle, and help deliver a legislative response grounded in justice, transparency, and accountability.
Thank you- ________________ Constituent
Thanks, Diane1. Well stated and helpful.
What are you doing to stop him?
Not sure about your question. Stop who?
So, I do think that it is important that we look for things that we can do. Right now, we can support the Texas democrats with a small donation to help them with their fight to stop the state from being gerrymandered. - Taking action helps that feeling of helplessness—at least for me it does.
You are right that taking action does help. I'm just not sure that small donations to multiple areas will make the difference that needs to be made. Democrats may prevail in Texas, but I'm pretty sure Florida is planning something similar and suspect there are others as well. In my opinion, we need a collaborative, well-constructed plan or we'll just be firing cannonballs at coquina (which can't be hurt by cannonballs).
I hope I live long enough to see these lawless monsters (including DJT) face the consequences of their anti democratic actions!
But who exactly is going to hold them accountable? Congress? The courts? So much damage is being done that the system of checks and balances in our government no longer exists. This administration’s installment of loyalists at every level of of government will have lasting if not permanent effects on our Democracy and our society long after Trump himself is gone and that is the fear that keeps me up at night especially when I think about the future for our children. It is not looking bright!
They will be held accountable at the right time. We need every vote at midterms.
IF they don't rig the midterms, which you know they are desperately trying to do.
They must be ALL paper ballots--hand counted on video with plenty of members of each party present.
After FElon Muskolini rigged the 2024 election for Rump, no more machines!
Check out Election Truth Alliance.
I wish everyone would take a look at the work of a group This Will Hold. They are on Substack. They make a pretty convincing argument that the election was stolen from VP Harris.
I have emailed Marc Elias about them. They seem to be having a hard time garnering serious attention.
That is my biggest fear - that they will rig the midterms, either through redistricting or other form of hijacking. I believe that, if Trump wants to win, Trump WILL win. And he'll do whatever he has to do to win.
It is an abomination!
Disgusting. He could not swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and be true to that oath. Rot from the inside.
So is this hiring being shouted about from mainstream media? Are there calls for investigations into a man who wanted to kill the police being out into a role at the Department of Justice. Maybe all of that is happening, if, as Adam says, it would be if the tables were turned and the Ds did something like this. Am I just missing all the attention this is getting?
I keep wondering that too, Nancy. This is a piece I would like to share with my right-leaning family members (not Trumpers, but very defensive if I share anything remotely political) and the left-leaning ones(who tell me they are so overwhelmed with information…for the sake of mental health, please don’t send more). If we had anything resembling the world we used to live in, this would be big news! It’s a big conundrum. How do we get information in the ears and brains of those who want to
Shut it out! I always think Adam, with his republican service, would appeal to my right-leaning family members, but if I’m the one who shares it, it loses cred with them.
I, too, face the same rebuttals. I just can't fathom why some people don't see what is happening. When it hits close to home, you will hear them screaming the loudest. That is slowly happening!!!
Share Adam’s article!
I share everything I can on social media and my own Substack. Those who don't want to hear it block me or just ignore. I'm out of ideas.
I'm in the same position, Laura. If I share anything, my friends and family shut down. That's why I say that somehow we have to fight the propoganda that Democrats are evil.
The Dems should create a site that lists all the illegal, immoral, and cruel things that The Felon and his minions are doing. And they should advertise it widely and update it everyday.
They should have it on their individual websites. Run full page ads in newspapers in red states. This guy's photo should be broadcast everywhere. Sent to every police station to remind any officers who are supporting The Felon exactly who he is.
We need to build a Wall of Shame.
For damn sure!
I do like that there are billboards going up red states showing Trump with his buddy Epstein. That seems pretty savvy. Find something that speaks to these folks and, for some reason, Epstein is one of the few things that resonate
That's a pretty good idea, marypaz. To do that requires some collaboration which doesn't seem to be an option. There are so many people trying to position their leadership skill for future elections, that there is no one working together.
Whoever takes a leadership role in influencing collaboration doesn't have to be the person who runs against Trump. But we need leadership to bring the influencers together.
Very true, and it will be expensive, so do voters put pressure on the DNC to spend money on this? After all, I heard that they are willing to spend 2 million dollars to learn how to speak to young Black men. Or do pieces of this get taken on by various grassroots organizations? A joint effort? I really want to figure out how to make this work. An idea without its actualization is just an idea, and there are already too many floating around. Thank you!
I get dozens of requests every day to send "just $5" to various grassroots organizations, potential candidates and other causes. In my opinion, so long as the fundraising is fragmented, the message will be as well. And unless the message is clear and concise and repeated verbatim by EVERY individual, the propaganda from the right will prevail.
Great points. Something to think about. It would be critical for all the groups agree on the same message. That in itself would be a challenge.
I'm afraid, though, that unless that happens, the clarity of the message and the newfound power of the right will prevail.
I think it is important that the "Wall of Shame" be about the politicians, not the voters, about how those pols are hurting their own base.
My disgust is already in overdrive. .Why isn't stuff like this front page news? Across the board??
there is so damn out there that they are doing to destroy america, and there's only so much space on front pages or in the limited time slots on any valid news media broadcasts. everything that has been going on for the last six months swirls around in my head, and on a good day i can't count how many illegal/immoral/cruel things are being done. it's truly overwhelming, but isn't that part of their modus operandi? isn't that a way to keep us from becoming more cohesive and organized? we DO have to keep reading and learning about what's happening in order to combat it.
Fear of T!!
From the day I saw our Capitol being attacked, I have thought our nation was headed for civil war. I'm not advocating anything like that at all. It just seems the signs are all there. This administration is brazenly breaking the law, breaking the people, flaunting the constitution, in broad daylight and out in the open, just daring anyone to try to stop them.
Judy, I thought the same thing as I watched J6 unfold live. I’ve never stopped thinking that.
So what do we do? We need action now. We can sit here and talking about all these awful things but something needs to be done. Talking isn’t cutting it anymore. What do we do? The time for action is here. I wish it wasn’t but it is. What’s the plan?
This is just so wrong. I have family that work in law enforcement and son that worked in law enforcement in the military. What is wrong with our country? There is no respect for anything!
We know what is wrong. Let the MAGA shunning begin.
I just moved out of Florida. Law enforcement in Florida is full of Trumpers. They are gladly taking on the deportation role with smiles on their faces.
Every day it gets worse.
I read some posts about the effects of Trump 2.0 and feel sadness. I read some and feel anger and/or disgust. This one caused me to quiver. I feel fear… and that, once again, motivates me to actively communicate with my local House (R) and Senate (D) representatives. I’ll make sure they know this constituent (voter!) does not think rewarding Jared Wise with employment is okay.
Adam,
What about leading in TX protest against the redistricting? It is time for action. Opinions are just left on paper.
Adam:
You and I should be enemies. You’re a former Republican congressman; I’m a Bernie bro. One would think that you and I are not going to have much in common.
You’ve taught me something: right now it’s not a matter of “conservative versus liberal“, or “right versus left“ — it’s about our country being in SERIOUS trouble. It’s about people who really care about preserving our democratic republic banding together to do the right thing, and taking back our country from those who are desperately trying to turn our country into a dictatorship.
Two years ago, I could not have imagined my reading columns from people like you, Jennifer, Rubin, and Steve Schmidt, word for word, for comprehension – each and every single day. And yet: here we are. I am here and ready to do what needs to be done, even if I’m carrying an oxygen tank and using a walker!
I agree. People around me have had it too.
Mark - you figured it out, with Adam's help. It isn't about labels and until we begin to discuss issues beyond the labels, we'll continue this idiocy of division.
Unreal.