Well, that's certainly depressing. About as depressing as the email response I just received from Senator Budd of NC in response(?) to my statement about the General Officer meeting, where instead of responding to what I said, he sent a canned response about how he will continue to fight the radical democrats who are keeping the government closed.
Here's my new question: What will it take? Are we doomed to live in a society where we cannot trust anyone to tell the truth, or even bother to listen?
What it will take is a massive turnout at No Kings 2.0 rallies on October 18th. If we can get the necessary turnout, we can scare even this supine Republican Congress into upholding the Constitution (that they swore to uphold and protect) and getting the "loose cannon" president under control. They have the power, they just don't have the guts!
Thousands may march but I don't know if that will make any difference. The 2026 midterms must be made to seem real to those GOP who still want to keep their seats. That means having credible candidates running against them who are, here and now, getting on media, mainstream or whatever, and hammering home the message.
My husband and I went to our annual Medicare enrollment meeting this morning and although I already knew that things were going to be bad in 2026, it scared the hooey out of us. We live in one of those rural districts, heavily red, red, RED, where the big insurance companies like Aetna and Humana are going to be jacking up their rates for drug coverage plans. The insurance agent was very careful not to be political, he did the "just the facts" kind of presentation, defending the insurance companies because "costs are just too high." Ummm, yeah. Which is one of the reasons why, in my books (pardon me, I used to live in Canada and Europe) the government exists: to provide good services in those parts of life (such as health) where it is beyond individuals to do so on their own. Sadly, not a belief here in the US.
To be blunt, after listening to the spiel this morning, my husband and I looked at each other and said, "We'll sign up for what we can afford but we'd better either stay healthy or hope that morphine is affordable."
It’s been all over social media sites but in case you aren’t into that go into your browser and enter “Indivisible.org”. That is the gateway for all things resistance related to get started.
I would sign up to receive emails from Indivisible, 50501 our your local democratic office. Or follow them on Facebook. You will be flooded with opportunities. They just need to know you are out there. I also invite friends every time I participate in a protest. I brought 20 people to the first “No Kings” event. That’s how we grow!
I get what you’re saying. But my concern is those who have power are doing nothing. I understood when the administration was being coy about their intent. But they aren’t now. And anyone who stands by and lets this pass will be to blame for what will happen
There is SO MUCH to do. If everyone can do something: write/email or call Senators and Congress, donate (if you can can) to bigger voices out there (like Independent journalists) are doing or efforts on Go Fund Me (Voice of Ukraine), the overpass sponsoring (take a sign and stand on an overpass for an hour weekly), effective boycotting as the need arises (Tesla and Disney were affected), work blackouts (these will increase), protests (Indivisible, 50501 and others), posting and restacking on social media. I wrote my Congresswoman practically every day to ask her to do SOMETHING (she was too quiet) and lo and behold, I began to see her on programs. SHE is the one who went up to Maga Mike Johnson and talk to him about the prez being "unhinged" and "unwell"! I have literally written to the representatives (it is our right to have representation) and told them to STAND UP, SPEAK OUT or SIT DOWN AND GET OUT. I can't do everything, but I have done some of these things. If everyone can do ONE of these things (and there are other suggestions out there too), we can move the needle! WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO SPEAK LOUDLY AND PROUDLY!
I never call Budd. He pretends to care about WNC , post Helene, yet his regime if holding it all back. I hope NC will do better if we actually have an election next year
I am with you on Ted Budd. He is USELESS. I write to him all the time on a variety of subjects and keep getting the same boilerplate responses. I did NOT vote for him but I am tired of his crap.
We will if we’re allowed to vote(I’m an expat, so my vote could be in jeopardy next year)or if our election results aren’t challenged like what Superior Court Justice Allison Riggs had to go through just to be able to finally take her seat on the bench. The lame duck legislature stripped even more powers from the governor one of which was the ability to appoint members to the Board of Election. If you don’t already, get a newsletter subscription to “The Assembly” and “NC Newsline”. You’ll get more pertinent info out of those sources than from any of our Representatives; state or federal.
I am radical. He'd be getting a response back from me that if "radical" means standing up for the Constitution, and negotiating and working for all constituents, then yes, I am radical. But Senator, that shouldn't be "radical" to you, because THAT is your job description. And sir, the government is closed, because your side is refusing to negotiate. Radical, no...THAT is the job that you were hired to do!
But most likely you don’t. He has staff that read these things. Those folks have guidelines to what he personally sees. The fact that you get a canned response indicates staffers are responding. Maybe goes into a file for posterity. Maybe goes into the trash.
I sometimes give Tillis an email and give him the old line from that attorney from the McCarthy era--something like "Have you no shame sir? At long last, have you NO shame?"
Yes we know Trump and everyone around him is corrupt and criminal. We know the Supreme Court and Congress is in his back pocket. We know what he’s doing with the military is lawless and probably unconstitutional. What we DON’T know is where this is going to STOP. He’s defunding blue states. Sending in the military. Ignoring governors. Doing his best to influence and silence military leaders, law enforcement and media outlets. What NONE of you pundits and experts are talking about is how to STOP this. How can we have ANY faith that there will even BE elections going forward? Looks to me like he’s setting the stage to invoke the Insurrection Act and declare Martial Law. Can we have any faith the military won’t go along with it if this happens?
If it’s true that Maine’s Governor said about withholding federal taxes from Downeasters’ paychecks if Trump withholds Congressionally-approved Maine funding, maybe more governors might consider doing the same.
You need to read the Substack blog written by the West Point Military Academy history professor. He had real insights into the shitshow of Kegseth and the Orange idiot trying to bullshit the 800 generals and admirals!
YES! He confirms my faith in the top military leaders. I am a West Point wife. I was "embedded" in their ranks for many years. I can tell you that all these officers, most of whom are graduates of the Military Academies, are a really tight, solid group. They have been together from their Academy days, through many deployments and assignments, through all their in-service training schools like the War Colleges, and most through Pentagon assignments. They are the best of the best. They are totally committed to Duty, Honor, and Country, no matter their personal political affiliation. Most are not Trump supporters, and virtually all of them hate Hegseth. They have each other's backs -- and ours. As a group they will not bow to illegal orders from the traitorous politicians. Trust them.
I think this is one of the most important topics to keep driving home. The American people understand corruption. I'd take it one step further.
Note each "gift", and what US assets Trump has given away in return for that personal gift. EG military protection for Saudis, golf course (I think?) in Portugal for tariff deal, sale of TikTok to his backers, etc.
And what "punishment" Trump inflicts on those that don't bend or offer gifts - eg tariffs on Brazil for punishing their corrupt, election denying leader (an Trump's friend) which have led to much higher coffee prices for all of us Americans. Threatening licenses for networks who don't praise Trump - taking away valuable sources of news and entertainment for all of us.
And get it on a regular feed - on TV, social media, a daily brief from democrats in Congress. Can we do this?
The corruption is on a scale I think has not been seen previously. Even Harding’s administration wasn’t this corrupt. It starts at the top. Call it branding, cult of personality or whatever you want. When you’re simultaneously taking promised benefits away, let’s call it what it is—criminal. When you have the Supreme Court rubber stamping your behavior, it’s ok. And these people will never face the consequences of their crimes.
All true. Still can't understand how people can possibly support this administration. In order to believe that it's good for America one has to totally abandon reason, logic and the basic facts. The most tragic thing is the degree to which Trump has corrupted the truth.
Honestly Adan, while I am very aware, but always in need of a review, of all of Trump and family's corruption, it just makes me sicker and sicker at heart. Is there nothing this family won't do for money. I don't understand how they can just keep grifting the American people. Why would anyone buy his stupid hats (made in China?) or even far more weird a bible printed in China. These people are disgusting parasites.
American time for a change, and we don’t need anyone’s permission!
~ I’m a Veteran, my father served (Battle of the Bulge), my two brothers served (one who came home from Vietnam but it still killed him years later), my sister served in the operation desert storm),
my grandfather’s both served during WWI, and his father and grandfather served as far back as America Revolution and the American Civil War.
~ We didn’t do this so a Lazy no talent Trump family could monetize our country’s wealth while openly breaking our constitution!
My family's military history goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War. One of my husbands was a many-medaled West Point graduate and the other a ranking DOD civilian for the Navy. I couldn't agree with you more!
I'm curious who is the architect behind these grand schemes, because there is NO way it's the "Art of the Deal", "I've been bankrupt numerous times" Trump or his trophy wife, or his dimwitted kids. Someone a whole lot smarter has to be structuring these business opportunities. Trump barely finished his undergrad degree from Penn, no MBA. His dad was a con man. He is universally loathed in the state of New York for his business practices. And he put together these deals. Nope. Not buying it.
It might be Vought or Skinner, but I don't think it is. Project 2025 was written by political wonks. These business schemes were the brainchild of financial/marketing wiz kids. Different knowledge and skills sets, I think.
The meme coin deal, the Amazon deal, the deals in the MIddle East - no ghost writer there. Those involve a deft financial hand. But I wasn't there, so no guarantee. :)
There are lists targeting specific businesses (banks, insurance companies, tech bros, etc.) The sudden cancellation of Hulu/Disney cost Disney $4B in three days. IF people care enough, it will make a difference. Everything helps. God bless. ;)
For Shame! I would be very interested in knowing where all of these items being offered by the Trumpets are manufactured. Would anyone bet against China? I believe the Christmas ornaments are the biggest insult to the country. I wouldn't own one if it were gifted to me.
I do wonder whether the National Guard or military will protect the Constitution and the people or take orders from the evil regime and go to war on us?
This is beyond sickening. So blatant and out in the open too. Can it be stopped? Not till he keels over probably. Or until we Vote him out. If we can. 🙏
Well, that's certainly depressing. About as depressing as the email response I just received from Senator Budd of NC in response(?) to my statement about the General Officer meeting, where instead of responding to what I said, he sent a canned response about how he will continue to fight the radical democrats who are keeping the government closed.
Here's my new question: What will it take? Are we doomed to live in a society where we cannot trust anyone to tell the truth, or even bother to listen?
What it will take is a massive turnout at No Kings 2.0 rallies on October 18th. If we can get the necessary turnout, we can scare even this supine Republican Congress into upholding the Constitution (that they swore to uphold and protect) and getting the "loose cannon" president under control. They have the power, they just don't have the guts!
Thousands may march but I don't know if that will make any difference. The 2026 midterms must be made to seem real to those GOP who still want to keep their seats. That means having credible candidates running against them who are, here and now, getting on media, mainstream or whatever, and hammering home the message.
My husband and I went to our annual Medicare enrollment meeting this morning and although I already knew that things were going to be bad in 2026, it scared the hooey out of us. We live in one of those rural districts, heavily red, red, RED, where the big insurance companies like Aetna and Humana are going to be jacking up their rates for drug coverage plans. The insurance agent was very careful not to be political, he did the "just the facts" kind of presentation, defending the insurance companies because "costs are just too high." Ummm, yeah. Which is one of the reasons why, in my books (pardon me, I used to live in Canada and Europe) the government exists: to provide good services in those parts of life (such as health) where it is beyond individuals to do so on their own. Sadly, not a belief here in the US.
To be blunt, after listening to the spiel this morning, my husband and I looked at each other and said, "We'll sign up for what we can afford but we'd better either stay healthy or hope that morphine is affordable."
Good idea but this is the first I’ve heard of this. Needs some better marketing
It’s been all over social media sites but in case you aren’t into that go into your browser and enter “Indivisible.org”. That is the gateway for all things resistance related to get started.
I would sign up to receive emails from Indivisible, 50501 our your local democratic office. Or follow them on Facebook. You will be flooded with opportunities. They just need to know you are out there. I also invite friends every time I participate in a protest. I brought 20 people to the first “No Kings” event. That’s how we grow!
I get what you’re saying. But my concern is those who have power are doing nothing. I understood when the administration was being coy about their intent. But they aren’t now. And anyone who stands by and lets this pass will be to blame for what will happen
There is SO MUCH to do. If everyone can do something: write/email or call Senators and Congress, donate (if you can can) to bigger voices out there (like Independent journalists) are doing or efforts on Go Fund Me (Voice of Ukraine), the overpass sponsoring (take a sign and stand on an overpass for an hour weekly), effective boycotting as the need arises (Tesla and Disney were affected), work blackouts (these will increase), protests (Indivisible, 50501 and others), posting and restacking on social media. I wrote my Congresswoman practically every day to ask her to do SOMETHING (she was too quiet) and lo and behold, I began to see her on programs. SHE is the one who went up to Maga Mike Johnson and talk to him about the prez being "unhinged" and "unwell"! I have literally written to the representatives (it is our right to have representation) and told them to STAND UP, SPEAK OUT or SIT DOWN AND GET OUT. I can't do everything, but I have done some of these things. If everyone can do ONE of these things (and there are other suggestions out there too), we can move the needle! WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO SPEAK LOUDLY AND PROUDLY!
You really inspire me and no doubt others. Ty for the ideas and for doing what you have been doing!
I never call Budd. He pretends to care about WNC , post Helene, yet his regime if holding it all back. I hope NC will do better if we actually have an election next year
Yeah that an elected official can be so uncaring is tragic. But I fear there won’t be anymore elections
I am with you on Ted Budd. He is USELESS. I write to him all the time on a variety of subjects and keep getting the same boilerplate responses. I did NOT vote for him but I am tired of his crap.
His boiler plate response have no relationship to the questions or issues we raise
Exactly. Protect the mail-in voting? Radical Democrats. Release the Epstein files? Radical Democrats. Stop ICE from wearing masks? Radical Democrats. Climate change, economy, healthcare, inflation? Yup... you guessed it... Radical Democrats.
Fun fact - one time I wrote in saying, "You are a dumb git who has no idea what goes on in your own state." Guess what he replied... ;-)
We will if we’re allowed to vote(I’m an expat, so my vote could be in jeopardy next year)or if our election results aren’t challenged like what Superior Court Justice Allison Riggs had to go through just to be able to finally take her seat on the bench. The lame duck legislature stripped even more powers from the governor one of which was the ability to appoint members to the Board of Election. If you don’t already, get a newsletter subscription to “The Assembly” and “NC Newsline”. You’ll get more pertinent info out of those sources than from any of our Representatives; state or federal.
I am radical. He'd be getting a response back from me that if "radical" means standing up for the Constitution, and negotiating and working for all constituents, then yes, I am radical. But Senator, that shouldn't be "radical" to you, because THAT is your job description. And sir, the government is closed, because your side is refusing to negotiate. Radical, no...THAT is the job that you were hired to do!
Yep. That’s about what I said back
Ya I don’t even write Budd.
I’m gonna keep annoying him
This here is EXACTLY my motivation . To clog his servers and bother him.
Yep
But most likely you don’t. He has staff that read these things. Those folks have guidelines to what he personally sees. The fact that you get a canned response indicates staffers are responding. Maybe goes into a file for posterity. Maybe goes into the trash.
I do nderstand that. So I’ll annoy the staff
I sometimes give Tillis an email and give him the old line from that attorney from the McCarthy era--something like "Have you no shame sir? At long last, have you NO shame?"
Seems like it. I also got a letter back from Young Kim, our Representative. She lied. I can actually see how she voted on the Big Bill.
That’s disgusting
I get similar responses from my GOP senator (PA) McCormick: either blatant, grotesque gaslighting or changing the topic.
I get the same crap from Coward Hawley.
Yes we know Trump and everyone around him is corrupt and criminal. We know the Supreme Court and Congress is in his back pocket. We know what he’s doing with the military is lawless and probably unconstitutional. What we DON’T know is where this is going to STOP. He’s defunding blue states. Sending in the military. Ignoring governors. Doing his best to influence and silence military leaders, law enforcement and media outlets. What NONE of you pundits and experts are talking about is how to STOP this. How can we have ANY faith that there will even BE elections going forward? Looks to me like he’s setting the stage to invoke the Insurrection Act and declare Martial Law. Can we have any faith the military won’t go along with it if this happens?
If it’s true that Maine’s Governor said about withholding federal taxes from Downeasters’ paychecks if Trump withholds Congressionally-approved Maine funding, maybe more governors might consider doing the same.
Some states are working on forming their own parallel agencies to do things federal gov agencies are no longer doing.
You need to read the Substack blog written by the West Point Military Academy history professor. He had real insights into the shitshow of Kegseth and the Orange idiot trying to bullshit the 800 generals and admirals!
YES! He confirms my faith in the top military leaders. I am a West Point wife. I was "embedded" in their ranks for many years. I can tell you that all these officers, most of whom are graduates of the Military Academies, are a really tight, solid group. They have been together from their Academy days, through many deployments and assignments, through all their in-service training schools like the War Colleges, and most through Pentagon assignments. They are the best of the best. They are totally committed to Duty, Honor, and Country, no matter their personal political affiliation. Most are not Trump supporters, and virtually all of them hate Hegseth. They have each other's backs -- and ours. As a group they will not bow to illegal orders from the traitorous politicians. Trust them.
Good questions all. Is this our future?
The entire Trump family are inexcusably corrupt and what we are confronted with is the most CORRUPTED family ever to be in power
Yet it’s apparently NOT illegal. Crazy!
I think this is one of the most important topics to keep driving home. The American people understand corruption. I'd take it one step further.
Note each "gift", and what US assets Trump has given away in return for that personal gift. EG military protection for Saudis, golf course (I think?) in Portugal for tariff deal, sale of TikTok to his backers, etc.
And what "punishment" Trump inflicts on those that don't bend or offer gifts - eg tariffs on Brazil for punishing their corrupt, election denying leader (an Trump's friend) which have led to much higher coffee prices for all of us Americans. Threatening licenses for networks who don't praise Trump - taking away valuable sources of news and entertainment for all of us.
And get it on a regular feed - on TV, social media, a daily brief from democrats in Congress. Can we do this?
Yes, where are the headlines!
The corruption is on a scale I think has not been seen previously. Even Harding’s administration wasn’t this corrupt. It starts at the top. Call it branding, cult of personality or whatever you want. When you’re simultaneously taking promised benefits away, let’s call it what it is—criminal. When you have the Supreme Court rubber stamping your behavior, it’s ok. And these people will never face the consequences of their crimes.
Honestly, this just sickens me.
All true. Still can't understand how people can possibly support this administration. In order to believe that it's good for America one has to totally abandon reason, logic and the basic facts. The most tragic thing is the degree to which Trump has corrupted the truth.
Honestly Adan, while I am very aware, but always in need of a review, of all of Trump and family's corruption, it just makes me sicker and sicker at heart. Is there nothing this family won't do for money. I don't understand how they can just keep grifting the American people. Why would anyone buy his stupid hats (made in China?) or even far more weird a bible printed in China. These people are disgusting parasites.
And he's selling all the hats and other merchandise from right there in the gilded Oval Office. Much money, NO class!
American time for a change, and we don’t need anyone’s permission!
~ I’m a Veteran, my father served (Battle of the Bulge), my two brothers served (one who came home from Vietnam but it still killed him years later), my sister served in the operation desert storm),
my grandfather’s both served during WWI, and his father and grandfather served as far back as America Revolution and the American Civil War.
~ We didn’t do this so a Lazy no talent Trump family could monetize our country’s wealth while openly breaking our constitution!
Had relatives who fought in WW2 and/or worked for the DoD. I'm sure they're rolling in their graves right now.
My family's military history goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War. One of my husbands was a many-medaled West Point graduate and the other a ranking DOD civilian for the Navy. I couldn't agree with you more!
I'm curious who is the architect behind these grand schemes, because there is NO way it's the "Art of the Deal", "I've been bankrupt numerous times" Trump or his trophy wife, or his dimwitted kids. Someone a whole lot smarter has to be structuring these business opportunities. Trump barely finished his undergrad degree from Penn, no MBA. His dad was a con man. He is universally loathed in the state of New York for his business practices. And he put together these deals. Nope. Not buying it.
The same guy who wrote project 2025
It might be Vought or Skinner, but I don't think it is. Project 2025 was written by political wonks. These business schemes were the brainchild of financial/marketing wiz kids. Different knowledge and skills sets, I think.
Perhaps a ghost writer, but Miller and Vought are the brains.
The meme coin deal, the Amazon deal, the deals in the MIddle East - no ghost writer there. Those involve a deft financial hand. But I wasn't there, so no guarantee. :)
Read the book Lucky Loser about the Trump family. Nasty, thoroughly corrupt and evil lot.
Agree. Think we all know who is behind running the govt.
It takes courage to speak out against him so we love you for it!
Speaking out is great. But it isn’t going to stop him
Boycotting all of his campaign contributors. Major corporations.
Forgive my cynicism. But I’ve seen it happen long before this administration
That is a great thought but it would take an army to make a dent in their profits. Then the government would bail them out
There are lists targeting specific businesses (banks, insurance companies, tech bros, etc.) The sudden cancellation of Hulu/Disney cost Disney $4B in three days. IF people care enough, it will make a difference. Everything helps. God bless. ;)
For Shame! I would be very interested in knowing where all of these items being offered by the Trumpets are manufactured. Would anyone bet against China? I believe the Christmas ornaments are the biggest insult to the country. I wouldn't own one if it were gifted to me.
Sickening in the least. The hypocrisy of the gop/magats is astounding.
I do wonder whether the National Guard or military will protect the Constitution and the people or take orders from the evil regime and go to war on us?
Wonder if the life of Melania will include Epstein? She will also have a revisionist fake made up story of her life, no doubt.
The trump regime and crime family makes the Biden crime family look like Santa Claus. Oh, that’s right, there wasn’t a Biden crime family!
Exactly like Santa Claus!
This is beyond sickening. So blatant and out in the open too. Can it be stopped? Not till he keels over probably. Or until we Vote him out. If we can. 🙏