769 Comments
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Francine Shea's avatar

Ben, Trump invited podcasters and content creators to apply to the White House News Corp. I believe your group should apply and take turns asking real questions to be answered. Please consider

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Schmendryck's avatar

Well I suspect they won't be too eager to give you a press pass I think this could be useful if only for the chain of responses that follow your applying for press pass for MTN.

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Jan 30Edited
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Michelle Ponkutcat 060's avatar

Reported this.

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

Who keeps putting “deleted” on here?? I’m beginning to think that we have spies on here.

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Vel Santic's avatar

Reported it again. Substack seems to have chosen to be a trap of a social-media and I think The Meidas Touch Network and all pro-Democratic media and posters deserve a better platform, I'm guessing BlueSky, and better browser than google as eVIlonmusk-peterthiel-other big tech psychopaths destroyed internet as we know it.

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MaryTR's avatar

There is no better platform than MeidasTouch.com. BlueSky is fine, but there is not the analysis that Ben et.al. provides.

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Vel Santic's avatar

Thank You so much, my friend!!

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Scott Bump's avatar

that's interesting. ask difficult questions to a malignant narcist Buffoon? the first question he got that he didn't like could make that person targeted, or worse, I think? I'd be very surprised if there isn't a question on the application like who won the 2020 election? or are you a trump loyalist? he can ask illegal questions and he loves humiliating and targeting people.. he's doing it now! the fool

that air incident was likely due to the town drunk he put for the DoD, and his hiring fed freeze and 7 month severance for Fed air control employees. my opinion

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Margie Nobbman's avatar

You may be right but we can't give in to the fear. Trump rules by making everyone fear him. That is a dictator. The minute we quit questioning him because he might target us is the minute he wins. I know it's easy for me to say things like that because I am an old woman in the middle of the country with a very tiny voice. It's much harder for Ben and his brothers because they have a big voice and it's getting bigger every day but I think Ben is up to the challenge. Instead of telling him to give up we must all support him and make our voices as loud as possible.

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gayle carper's avatar

We old women in the middle of the country have roared before and we will roar now!

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Kathy McLain's avatar

and we were so good at it; I still roar; just don't move so well and can't do the things I did when we were young fighting injustice and don't have money to do a lot of things I'd like to, but yes I can roar and write letters and talk to my granddaughters who I am so proud of.

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Sharon C Storm's avatar

I’m not in the middle of the country, I’m on the east coast, but I’m an old woman and I roar! If we combine all of our small voices, we become a large voice. We may not be physically able to do the things we did in the 60s and 70s, but we can call and write to our Senators and Representatives. If we keep the pressure on them, we can make a difference.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

Dang Straight! I'm sure mine have me on some sort of a list, lol.. They just send the same old form letters and don't answer anything but I still write; it's on my to do list after PT this morning. I've talked with my granddaughters, nieces and nephews about the 60's and 70's, Kent State, the Kennedy's, King and proud to say both my granddaughters are now registered voters. They had their 1st political experience when they were very small and their Mom took them to a Barack Obama rally and they had their picture taken with him. My first one was seeing JFK and never forgot!

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Suzanne Livingston's avatar

My dad took my sister and me to see Kennedy in a parade in Houston. The next day he was shot in Dallas. Oddly I now recognize that I killed my own interest in politics when Martin Luther King was killed. At 17 I gave up on positive politics. That year I married a man who lived in Europe and hated this country. I moved to his home town believing I had put politics in my rear view mirror.

But Viet Nam news came to Europe far sooner than back home in Texas. After my husband passed I moved back home. Shocked to find that news was covered by something or someone so powerful that news was nearly a year behind what I saw in Europe. I trembled as I realized there was actually an Iron Curtain BUT we were the ones behind that curtain.

Joining Meidas Touch now means so much to me. Flipping through YouTube I landed on Ben and later Pakman. I didn't flip past them! I can hear truthful reporters honestly telling us what is happening. I pray for the three brothers several times a day. They and their families have my gratitude.

My heart felt thanks to the Meidas Mighty for gathering together. Many blessings to the brothers and their families for showing us the Honest Truth.

Suzanne

P. S. I live in New Mexico now.

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Sue Munda's avatar

I hear you! My 1st time in Europe, in 1976, my friend & I were embarrassed by our lack of information about our government, which we learned from anyone/everyone we encountered in bars, at the beach, etc. The next time, 2003, I was horrified, watching the news & seeing the war crimes our troops were committing, which we were never allowed to see here. The next time, my husband & I were blown away by the solidarity of the people of Paris, who, like clockwork, started a strike against their government simply because they wanted to extend the retirement age, which of course, caused the government to drop the idea. We’ve been behind this curtain forever, & now it’s all propaganda, all the time. We’ve may as well be in Russia, for all the good our democrat politicians are doing!!!

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gayle carper's avatar

It is so good to hear all of us roaring!

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drsuzmccarthy@gmail.com's avatar

What I'm hearing from all these comments is that what invigorates the most is finding community. I welcome all of our voices and actions coming together against the orange tyrant and this MAGA cult. I am so grateful for this community and what Meidas is doing to fight back for decency and human connection.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

Exactly; need community and connections that can bring us together. Talking together, sharing experiences and ideas spark new ideas. I love Meidas and have since I found and supported them on Post News. It's inspiring and rewarding to watch them grow their audience and reach. Keep up the good work and keep growing this community. We will make a difference!

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Ellen's avatar

YES!! That is definitely what keeps me from going off the deep end......it is so scary right now.......but knowing we are NOT alone......and even small gestures and steps can help.......each one like a link in a chain, makes the chain stronger!!

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Paul Thompson's avatar

I got cut off from X. I wear it as a badge of honor.

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Ellen's avatar

I resisted getting on Twitter for a very long time, and then for a reason I no longer remember, I decided to join.....I lasted less than a month and got banned........NO LOSS......

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Paul Thompson's avatar

So, we now are a group of Banned old women.

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Margaret's avatar

And proud of it!

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Pam Ponsart's avatar

Thank you for your inspiration. I'm an 82 year OLD woman here in northwestern Nevada and I pledge to do what I can also. Stay safe.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

Awesome; Mama used to say someday an army of gray haired old ladies were going to take over and fix things. This could be our time! You stay safe too. It's a little scary for us elderly folks with all his talk of cuts etc etc.

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Kim Friso's avatar

I'm also not the middle of the country, I'm in Wisconsin; so close to our friends & neighbors in Canada. I'm reading so many comments from women that like me, grew up in the 60's & 70's. Is it because of everything we lived through in the 60's & 70's that make us so willing to do what we can in the fight against Trump?

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Paul Thompson's avatar

Dear Fella (can't be fellow, right) roarer, keep it up. Roar to the skies.

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Frank Lara JR's avatar

Amen! Keep "Roaring" Gayle!

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Paul Thompson's avatar

Yep, and Im one of 'em. Hear me roar.

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Linda Rey's avatar

You go girl!!!!

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Margaret's avatar

I'm roaring with you!

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Kelly Kubitschek's avatar

I'm in the middle of the country too. I can't get out much so I've been roaring on social media. I have lost some friends (and a few family members) who are Trump supporters. It's sad, but they lack empathy, are close-minded and believe Trump is their savior. THANK YOU Ben, Brett and Jordon, you have saved my sanity and give me hope. This grandma is sending a hug to each of you.

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Lil wil's avatar

Damn Skippy! I'm not young anymore, but I've lived all over this country and I have a voice. From the many come big things. We are the many, THE Meidas Mighty!! I am woman, hear me roar!

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MMS's avatar

This is what he’s banking on, our fear and the chaos in which you see happening now! If we don’t stick together and stay strong, then we might as well throw up our hands and surrender!

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ramona j's avatar

NEVER. I will never accept this nonsense. I might get my down days. I may not be a young person anymore. But I'm an AMERICAN. I want OUR COUNTRY BACK. We need leaders and people like Ben.. where are the new leaders!!! we need to hear from them

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Paul Thompson's avatar

Hmmm. President Ben. Works for me.

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Suzanne Livingston's avatar

Another old woman who at 80 is F___ing angry at DJT and his crowd. At least his crowd is growing smaller by the day as folks begin grasping what his "

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Sally Skellington's avatar

It is the voices that do not sleep! It is the voices that will be heard! Always go forward.

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Lil wil's avatar

Well put, well put indeed!

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chuckiecasale's avatar

The jerk off will blame , the black passenger, the black mechanic who worked on the apache or the black janitor in charge of cleaning the control tower. Buffoon is an understatement.

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes I heard he blamed dei hiring, Obama. Lol. In the army they don't just let anyone fly. They would need to be twice as smart as the Donald! Math skills, map reading, able to read a book!

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Anxious247's avatar

The head of the FAA was fired by Trump.

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Linda Koch's avatar

This of course was prior to the crash, just to be clear. All the agencies are in total chaos right now thanks to him, Musk, and the rest of his Project 2025 handlers. 🤬

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes you're right Linda! AOC was just talking about how Donald gutted the airline safety agency! Including how it's affecting Guardia and JFK! The fed controller staff are taking the 7 month severance! Cotton wants the interviews stopped! He will gut the EEOC like con did the last time! He wants to privatize the VA! We are the ones here holding the line!! Really! Holy Crap! 😂 Get that 80 yr old with her cast iron skillet on Cons nose!

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes! Agree! And for Donald with his personality disorder? He feeds off the chaos! Its from his childhood! Howard Stern tried to tell him! He "needs a mental health councelor! " He treated himself last term. White House Pharmacy not accountable for Ambien for sleep and Prodigal to be alert? Pentagon report 2024! Is that another reason Don wants to get Milley? My guess not enough caffeine in the case a day diet cokes? Or half a.case? Another question to ask him on mighty? He he he

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Sally Skellington's avatar

I swear all these trump supporters need a good ass whipping! 🤬

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Scott Bump's avatar

I hear ya Sally! How can anyone be so easily manipulated? Yesterday within an hour outside I spoke to two dooms dayers! I tried to correct them and they were not hearing it nor me? Or didn't want to hear me? In a muck and want to stay in the muck? The more toxic for them the better?

If the Donald says go right? I'm making a hard left and not looking back at the buffoon news reporter wanna be! He's crazy! That's a psych level 3 step 8 RN telling ya that!! :-)

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Sally Skellington's avatar

Not only manipulated, but brainwashed. It's truly sad that many cannot open their eyes to see what may come. Until they loose what they do have to learn to appreciate what they can have. Power, control, and egos is all it is. I'm not fighting with arguments anymore to any of them. They are going to learn the truth the hard way. The bickering back and forth is nothing but wasted energies. We know there are problems in the world, we can fix them. But only with each other. Not with separation and division. Use skills and commen sense to you trump supporters.

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Paul's avatar

With Cat o' Nine Tails!

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Sally Skellington's avatar

Can you speak English?

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

Bingo!! Lawsuit waiting to happen!!

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Paul Thompson's avatar

Sadly, an initial conclusion I heard was that the helicopter appeared to have been at fault.

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Mr. D.'s avatar

Senator, and former Apache helicopter pilot, Tammy Duckworth opined the helicopter should have been, “hugging” the eastern shoreline when traveling from point 1 to point 4(whatever that means). Helicopter was in the middle of the river when it collided. Also, she suggested to let the investigators complete their task and allow families to deal with the tragedy.

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

I was thinking the very same thing!! I hope some lawsuits come out of this on the appropriate people!! The more defeats for Cheeto face, the better!!

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Vel Santic's avatar

My sentiments exactly about the airplanes incident - the criminal scumbag scoundrel pete hegseth caused it, ovations pete hegseth, u started "reaaaal gooooood, u rrrrrrrreal maaan" may u rot, terrorist pete hegseth!!!!!

the same pattern as New Orleans tRumputinist terrorist-Las Vegas tRumputinist terrorist-California fires set up by tRumputinist terrorists - ALL perpetrated terrorist attacks on BLUE Cities or Counties (New Orleans and Las Vegas) or States or Territories (California and Washington DC)!! So typical - especially tRumputin blaming the victims - then you know who is the perpetrator - tRumputin&his. Always throw everything at him&his, folks!! Fight back relentlessly and unabashedly against the terrorist quisling traitor&his cult of death!!

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes our elected need to model Gov Neusom! Grip his hand as hard as you can look him in the eye of his putrid face and bounce your pointing finger at the stinking slime! And wash your hands of him twice singing happy birthday! Where were his hands last? Changing his diap? Or reaching in to see if he needs changing? Ivanka isn't telling him now? Don Jr. Will? He's to busy altering news feed I think!

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Vel Santic's avatar

Exactly!!

For decades I've been asking - when will Democrats who follow the excellent FDR's rescue of USA - at long last grow the spine and be self-defensive!! When will Democrats at long last be confident and unabashed!! When will Democrats at long last practice the true Freedom and Solidarity with the true friends who are loyal to Liberal Democracy instead of dreading, cowering and appeasing tRumputinist repukkkes&bigots who are clearly the enemy within (no wonder why tRumputin was projecting the opposite - he was describing himself&his cult of death, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that!!). When will Democrats quit depending on that enemy within!! When will Democrats start practicing - do NOT tread on me rule (without the snake! I say) that teaparty-terrorists who led to tRumputinists had stolen, twisted and coopted from Social Liberal ideology and practice when teaparty-terrorists were the ones treading on us, not we the Social Liberals on them!!

Democrats gave everything for unity of USA - and allowed themselves to lose. Isn't it time to look at the ugly reality in the face as it is without any sugarcoating i.e. that it's literally impossible to live in the one and the same country in this shape and form with tRumputinists and turn the other page?? Start being self-defensive and effective in counteroffensive, Democrats, at long last, already!! Democrats must have the concrete-strong will and resolve for to be the winners with people who are loyal to Democracy!!

I'd love nothing more than USA as a country being able to survive in this shape and form but it's so obvious USA can not. However, our Democratic lives, rights and interests still MUST SURVIVE AND THRIVE AND THANKFULLY AMERICA HAS ENOUGH OF GEOGRAPHICAL ROOM FOR THE SEPARATION OF THE TWO SIDES OF DIVIDE TO BE PEACEFUL AND POSSIBLE!! So, hold onto all the BLUE Counties (understood, with Cities) everywhere as the election showed on the map - that is all visible - and find a way of Governing Reorganization and/or Territorial Divorce from the red!! All other options are unacceptable - surrender-civil war-submission into terror, f..k that!! Make sure tRumputinists do NOT have a control of Nuclear Weapons nor of any Weapons of Mass Destruction!! And make sure tRumputinists do NOT even exist in Washington DC as Washington DC is the most Democratic-voting American Territory!!

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Paul's avatar

NO KILL THE REDS!

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iktus1818bp's avatar

Jesse Dollemore is in DC. He just applied, but he expects to be ignored.

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Sharon German's avatar

I love Jesse… I support his organization too!

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Scott Bump's avatar

I sure hope if is accepted prepared for retaliation! Asking question to a pathological liar? Its a waste of time! Lies are. Not answers! My opinion! Stephenopolus was sued for saying the wrong word a couple times? Giving the Crooks all your personal information, personal background history? N O! what's don Jr gonna do with that? Play our game! Not his! Invite the Donald to the mighty!! Don Jr to the mighty? No have some questions. I can even answer for him so there easy yes or no !!

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Scott Bump's avatar

But? I would love to ask him what NATO stands for? As a gotcha! He he he

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Scott Bump's avatar

Or favorite bible verse? Just one. Not like you answered the last time!

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Scott Bump's avatar

But check his ears, he likely would be wired so he can answer the questions he's stupid

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WJB Motown's avatar

He is a great guy and should be part of the anti-Fascist coalition forming up.

Donable Lector could be setting up a trap........Opus Die-2025-Heritage cannot be trusted.........until the totaly throw out the entire 2025 agenda and release all the secret documents........give back all security clearances....etc etc.

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GreenEyedLady's avatar

My question is how are the various coalitions going to come together? I'm familiar with 1 that's quite open about it on YouTube, for as long as that's allowed, and they do a lot on Discord. I'm sure there are a great many other groups, but we need a way to connect, and to coordinate planned actions. I'm afraid Trump may have us in a catch 22, when we start loudly protesting, he'll take that as an excuse to impose martial law, because the police will turn our peaceful protests violent. I use a motorized wheelchair, but I'm willing to put my broken old body on the line. During the BLM protests and other regional protests I was still limping along with a walker, so I kept my butt at home and provided free childcare for protesters. I want to know what I can do right now to help. My body may be worn out, but my mind isn't, and I think I'd be a real asset in helping with organizing.

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WJB Motown's avatar

MeidaTouch is great.....Stephanie Miller is my morning AM raise your spirits up and get ideas...have some laughts....I listen to John Fugelsang almost every night from her sight.He will inspire you

IHIPNEWS is great for inspiration and ideas.

Right now I am reading 2 books on resistance against Hitler during his dictatorship......the White Rose student resistance movement for one..

The so sad fact is that Project 2025 has been online at least a year!!

There has been plenty of time to get ready for this but nothing was done.......

except groups and government lawyed up.

Write letters..phone...put up posters.........it never stops.

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Scott Bump's avatar

I think your right! But maybe this might help some? I emailed my NY Senator Rep and simply n asked him to vote responsibly! Pointed out we now have the town drunk alleged sex offender running our DOD! With the nuclear codes! honestly How could they / He do that?

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Paul's avatar

Get rid of him! And that FBI slimy cunt too!

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes! It looks like.Don Jr. Is the.recruiter! Remember the.last.Coup he.said."you're a hero or.a.zero?". But he might have been using his.nose? Or.was.thatat the party during the J6 attack?

After Jr. emailed Meadows".they had it.all covered".with the.fake.electors! .its.Jr. But nust.follow.the.money our.34 time.felon president can be bought so?? Sorry they are playing the.maga followers big time right now!

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Ivelisse's avatar

Also David Packman applied

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CP Gurch (tina g.)'s avatar

Oh no Packman drank the mango juice🤣 I'm kidding. He'd be able to walk that line. Just don't tell trump he's Latino.

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Ivelisse's avatar

The more, the merrier..

Let go!!

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Lois's avatar

Great idea. Although I can't imagine they will give Meidas a pass. Why would they? They only want sycophants. Not truth tellers.

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Francine Shea's avatar

Then MTN can call them out on their selection process

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ramona j's avatar

The so called press secretary vowed to not lie, and then proceeded TO LIE. Invoked Joe Biden as the problem, more than once. In normal times, I would agree. None of their nonsense is normal. They seem to forget they got what they wanted. Still looking to blame someone else. Sick.

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Susan Bender's avatar

I think, however, she might be a vampire slayer with that huge cross hanging on her neck. Can't this administration hire someone that doesn't remind Trump of his hot daughter and with experience ?

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Mary willett's avatar

Thought the exact same thing.

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Scott Bump's avatar

Letting them in is like Charlotte's Web! Invite the fool to their podcast? Why bother asking a buffoon liar questions that he will target in rrtaliation?

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Terazel's avatar

I think that would be an idea to be considered IF the Felon in Chief actually wanted podcasters that talked TRUTH! Have you checked out or even heard of the plethora of tRUMP lackeys out there with podcasts? And if you read this post, why would MTN consider it? I AM HORRIFIED for so many Americans right now, including Ben and the Meidas Mighty. We are ALL under attack by our own "President" .

Bless you Ben and all the Meidas Mighty ❣️

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WJB Motown's avatar

We are dealing with a full blown Hitler wanna be dictator. MTN is a strong Churchillian, we will never surrender people oriented democracy based platform.

I would never take the chance to be treated like a pushover pussy like Chamberlin was.

NEVER EVER fall for the honeymoon period that Narcissists like Donald J Orange use to suck in and destroy good, faithful people with honest hearts. Stay away from the Rapist-34xFellon

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Linda Koch's avatar

Unfortunately, the newly admitted members to the WH press are right-wing podcasters and news shows who claim to be “journalists.” I saw a few of them today during the lunatic’s deranged presser regarding the disaster last night in DC. They’re there to spread lies and praise Trump, their leader. There’s not a chance in hell they’ll let any real independently-minded journalists into the fold.

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Scott Bump's avatar

Yes exactly!! The fake news is them! Nancy Pelosi sold her Nividia last Fall! She was out of Congress no insider! Congress can trade! Just like the Donald! I admire Nancy standing up to the fool Donald! That's why he is targeting her now!

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Anna B's avatar

IMO, it seems likely that they are looking for an easy way to find all the smaller, vulnerable podcasters/content creators who are not Trumpers, in order to flood them with bots and hate group posters. Inundating them with threats and disgusting posts, to drive them away from social media of any kind, plus crashing their sites when possible.

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Scott Bump's avatar

Exactly including bombarding with fake claims!! Donald can break the law while in office!! And he is daily!!

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Debi Heather's avatar

But look what happened to Jim Acosta? Could they be setting up reporters for a smack down?

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JMoreland's avatar

There is no good intention that comes with that.

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Nancy Chapin's avatar

100% Meidas is not the podcasters/content creators they are looking for at the All White House.

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Roxy Morgan's avatar

That’s a great idea! I don’t think it will be something that would last, but it might surprise us all. Keep up

The great work, Ben and brothers.

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Emily K.'s avatar

That's be wonderful, but it's unlikely. The WH doesn't want to field difficult questions. The last thing they want is to be questioned by the opposition. The Meiselas brothers and associates are way too intelligent and threatening to this administration to be welcomed into the press corp.

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Christina Weibel's avatar

Not a good idea!

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Scott Bump's avatar

Francine better idea? Invite the Donald to the mighty? We can ask him simple yes or no questions, ?? but it must just be him! Not additional ear wire or Tele prompter? He would storm out like he did Leslie CBS 60 minutes. Than come back and drop a fake health care plan binder! Odd how not much comment about that! Maybe dare him to to show his thin skin emotionally driven behaviors?

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Sonya S's avatar

I suspect MTN will be denied, but it'll further prove the administration's inability to be held accountable.

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Mike Hammer's avatar

Thank you for this very personal message, Ben. My family experienced the horrors of the holocaust and your message is a reminder of man’s inhumanity to man and how it can happen here. God bless you and your family and all the work you do and please stay safe.

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Maureen Brodie's avatar

My family also lost many in the Holocaust. This is gut wrenching and must be stopped. I applaud your work and am spreading the word. My heart is with you.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

Many of my mother's relatives were lost in the Great Walk; the Trail of Tears when Natives were rounded up and marched across the country. I keep thinking some day things will change and people will just be people without the hate and discrimination but it seems every couple generations we get reminded again how ugly people can be.

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RiverCrow's avatar

You are so correct. Before 2016, I had been living in a bubble where I had met many people who shared my philosophies, and I had begun to believe the country had become people just allowing people to be who they are, letting hate drain away. Trump was like being hit in the head with a lead pipe. His cult of angry haters smacked me back to a reality that I didn't want to accept.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

I think a lot of us felt that way and didn't really feel like we had any place to turn or anyone to listen.

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Schmendryck's avatar

Especially now, as Brando pointed out, they have dropped all pretense and are including Hitler in useful examples for teaching our children.

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Harriet Romero's avatar

Yes, NO pretense. We should be very concerned 😧.

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Nancy (South NJ coast)'s avatar

My family lost a beloved son fighting the nazis in the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Several years ago, my husband and I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau to bear witness in his memory.

Like Ben's, my fight against trump and maga is personal. Never in my six decades of life did I think that I, too, would have to battle fascists--in my own country. But I am up for it, and trying to do some small thing every day to resist and help others resist. I am so grateful for Ben, the Meidas Touch Network, and this powerful community.

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Mike Hammer's avatar

May the memory of your lost son last forever. During times like this the saying “all we have is each other” really rings true.

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Nancy (South NJ coast)'s avatar

He was my father's brother--his only sibling, and the uncle I never knew. He was my grandmother's son. Loss of her son continues to ache down the generations, as such losses undoubtedly do in all Gold Star families.

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GreenEyedLady's avatar

I have the same kind of connection to the right against the NAZIs. Thankfully, my ancestors had left Germany about 80 year's before arriving in the US in the early 1900s. My mother was the strongest woman I have ever known. Through years of fighting breast cancer, until it eventually killed her, she never once broke down. The only time she ever cried was once when I was young, I asked her about her twin brother that I'd never meet. He was 24 when he was shot down over Italy in 1945. That pain never left her or the rest of their family, but I'm incredibly proud of all 3 of my uncles who fought bravely in that war .

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Through research I found our family members who were murdered in Theresienstadt. Recently read Jan T. Gross, "Revolution From Abroad," which concentrates on the Soviet occupation in Eastern Poland starting +- Sept 7, 1938. . All of Mr Gross' books particularly "Neighbors" feel in the moment here with the new regime. Stay Safe

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Mike Hammer's avatar

Thank you for that reference Sarah, will check it out. Rough road ahead.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Neighbors is a compelling read you might check your library. I read it straight thru

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Mike Hammer's avatar

Absolutely! Check out Nazi Town, USA. An American Experience: Season 36, Episode 1.

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Paul Thompson's avatar

I didn't grow up too far from one of the Bund Hitler children's camps north of Milwaukee.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

I just looked this up I hadn’t realized how organized the camps were here in the US

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JK102's avatar

Also thanks, Sara. I’ll also check it out.

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CP Gurch (tina g.)'s avatar

I love this reference. My mom's mom, I'm told, was born in Prussia. Now Poland? Married an American soldier, my grandfather. I don't know much about my grandmother but sounds like she had a pretty lonely life with a controlling, isolating, abusive husband. They both passed before I was 5 yrs old. Time for me to get to know something about Gramma Zacharias. Thank You! 💜

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Sara Frischer's avatar

You can try FamilySearch. Which is free for starters. Around the holidays. One of their volunteers indexed papers from 1896 where for the only time my GGF noted he arrived from Mariupol. He had entered “Rusland’ on any other document I had located. So it’s a challenge. But, very satisfying at times. Also when you search you take your mind off everything else!

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

My parents were both Holocaust victims. They lost close relatives who were shot in oil fields and gassed.

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Mike Hammer's avatar

Have you ever read the story of Geddy Lee, the bassist and frontman for Rush? Both parents survived and he’s always been very vocal and proud of his heritage. Truly inspiring book “My Ef**ing life.

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

I haven’t but will look for it. Thanks

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Sara Frischer's avatar

I am glad your parents survived. Sending love

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Margaret's avatar

I too appreciate your personal story. Our stories have power.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

I didn’t know where we were from. After I followed Timothy Snyders class The Making of Modern Ukraine. I started searching

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Leslie Goodman-Malamuth's avatar

Proud to be a member of the Meidas Mighty! This California native stands in solidarity with the Mexican-Americans who contribute daily to the country we love, support, and fight for.

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Public Servant's avatar

Stand with Mexicans. Pledge allegiance to the flag, not the fascists! https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/i-pledge-allegiance-to-the-flag-not

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

These motherfuckers are traumatizing children. I’m sticking around. (Excuse my language, Ben) I call ‘em as I see ‘em.

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Kathy H's avatar

I think you say it well. This is deeply personal for a lot of us & I, too, am committed with every fiber of my being for this very reason. Even if if one doesn't know the personal experience of being terrorized as a child & living in fear, we damn well know that violence & abuse can't be tolerated, ESPECIALLY while making false claims of morality. This is not something we're going to live with, the harming of our most vulnerable.

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Sondra's avatar

Do not hold back there, Brent. Tell us how you really feel. 😉

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Brent Abrahamson's avatar

That is me fucking holding back.🤬

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Rob Jonas's avatar

I made a phone call last night to Senator Thune. He is the current Senate majority leader. I told him the current immigration round up reminded me very much of the newsreels I watched about the Nazi rounding up Jewish people in Germany. Basically, t/rump and his supporters are fascists. There is no denying this fact. I therefore urge EVERYONE who cares, to deluge your representatives and senators with protest calls about what is happening right now. I have also decide to NEVER again vote for what I call the Rethugs. I didn’t abondon the Republican Party , it abandoned me.

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Robin's avatar

thank you Rob. This is part of what it's gonna take. Americans are by nature, lazy (including yours truly), so they know when we Do Something, it matters. #stayAwesome

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ramona j's avatar

202-224-3121 CALL

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Laura Who's avatar

Where does this.number take you to? I mean, who answers when one calls that number?

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Rob Jonas's avatar

You get the answering machine for the Representative or Senator. Sometimes during business hours, you get a staffer. More than one staffer has pissed me off with their attitude. I lost my temper with one ignorant moron and told him to just Fu*k yourself. He immediately hung up on me, but it felt good to unleash some crap on the condescending asshole.

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ramona j's avatar

It's the US Capitol switch board to reach your rerepresentatives in the senate and the HOR

They will ask you which representative you are looking for. Say your reps name, they connect you to their office. I always get a machine. Some people get thru

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GreenEyedLady's avatar

Correction, that isn't the number for the White House, it's the number for the Capitol switchboard. By dialing that number you can be put through to your Representative or Senators, or any other member of Congress. If you doctor know the names of those people, then the switchboard operator will look up the information, and then connect you.

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ramona j's avatar

Fixed it. So sorry. That's who to call anyways. They WORK FOR YOU. call them and tell them to do their jobs

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Laura Who's avatar

Thanks everyone

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Jo Dee's avatar

Looks to be the number for the U.S Senate.

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GreenEyedLady's avatar

It's actually the general number for the switchboard for both the Senate and the House.

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Heather Hay Charron 🇨🇦's avatar

Rob, what did Senator Thune say? It will be useful to have comments/responses from senators and members of congress handy when they’re up for re-election. I’m sure someone, somewhere, must be keeping track of what they’re saying when their feet are held to the fire.

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ramona j's avatar

You get answering machines. Leave messages. They log the calls.

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Rob Jonas's avatar

You don’t get to actually talk to these senators. You only get their answering machine. I NEVER leave contact information with these people. I only let them know that the actions of t/rump are unacceptable and by not stopping him, they are complicit in the chaos and mayhem he causes.

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GreenEyedLady's avatar

The problem with not leaving any contact information is that the people who represent you are going to post more attention if they know that you live in their area. If you aren't someone who's vote they have to earn, they have less incentive to care what you think.

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Rob Jonas's avatar

I understand what you are saying, but with the current regime in place, leaving a message opposing t/rump with your personal info attached, might lead to a knock on the door in the middle of the night. The MAGA cult members are leaving death threats on opposition sites against t/rump. Sorry, I am not taking chances with the Gestapo like tactics employed by the current regime.

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Sylvia Gee's avatar

Please talk about the concentration camp being prepared, on Trumps orders, at Gitmo. This must be stopped. Thanks.

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Kathy McLain's avatar

He has a thing about Gitmo. I've often said he likes it so much, we should send him there permanently.

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Judith McDanniel's avatar

He should of been sent there years ago !

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Kathy McLain's avatar

Yes he should have.

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Linda's avatar

Good point. The cost will be unbelievable. Using military planes is not only expensive but a threatening signal in other countries. Those countries are wary of having a US military force in their countries, just in case the US wants to expand bases there. Greenland, Panama, Caribbean Islands?

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Harriet Romero's avatar

Yes Meidas, Cover what may be happening at Gitmo.

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Kathy H's avatar

I agree that is important. The way that prison stock jumped with the election was telling. The twin objectives of maximum financial exploitation & cruelty for its own sake are clear patterns. Gitmo shows it well. Almost no attention was paid to what was being done to children the last time around. We need to talk about this, what has really been happening in migration & how what is being done is completely divorced from the reality & humanity.

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R Cyclone's avatar

Thank you! And we all must be in this fight. It is a fight for the soul of America!

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Amy Gentry's avatar

Very moving. Empathy is needed when this shitshow doesn’t impact you directly because history has shown, at some point they will come for you

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Laura Who's avatar

Exactly!!

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Becky's avatar

Sending love and strength to you and your family. And, actually, to all of us. We must stand strong and together.

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Violet Starr's avatar

Thanks Ben for sharing your story. I’m a California Latina native. I grew up in East Los Angeles now living in San Francisco Bay Area. as a kid and a teenager I’ve experienced being racially profiled when we had Pete Wilson in office and prop 147 was happening. People will yell at me to go back to Mexico and I didn’t understand back then because I was born here, my skin color that hated. I was a kid at the time this all feels very triggering at the moment. now I’m worried about my own children being profiled making sure they have a copy of their passport on their person when they go to school or work.

I haven’t been able to sleep since basically I think the elections and then it got really real when the orange blob came into office.

I’m a School-Based Therapist, my caseload is mostly all children and families who are here on asylum and they’re scared shitless to be sent back and possibly pew pew in their home country and I feel very powerless, there is no amount of goals and interventions to support this kind of experience. one of my clients yesterday said to me “why do they hate me for the color of my skin”, they are very scared that 🧊 Will come to the school and take them and their friends..

then yesterday our school had a training on protocols on what to do if they show up to the school there’s three protocols that involve lockdowns and previously we only do lockdowns when there’s danger in the neighborhood or around the school due to community violence. but this danger is different and it saddens me to feel that is happening.

i’ve been very emotional for for over a week now. it hurts to know how much people really hate us for the color of our skin. the way i describe it to my own therapist is “i feel like an ant like when someone disrupts the ants environment, and the ants are running around, not knowing where to go feeling like there’s chaos around you. before being stepped on or exterminated, That’s how I feel.”

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Deborah solleveld's avatar

Your post hurts. America isn’t supposed to be like this. I’m glad you have a therapist, most of us will need one by the time rump (not a typo) and his crew of misfits are gone. How can so many people support him? Take care of yourself and your charges. ❤️💙🙏🏼

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Terazel's avatar

Thank you for sharing this horrific nightmare you are experiencing. I cannot imagine how much worse I would feel than I already do if I were in your shoes. And thank you for helping those innocent children.

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ramona j's avatar

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. It's just horrible. No one asked for this. Hard-core criminals and drug dealers are one thing. This is just disgusting.

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

My heart is crushed for everyone and for you, Violet. Here, you have to keep a brave face for these children while deep inside, you are deflated and worried also. I wish for individual school districts to lock their doors and not allow these soulless people to enter. Let the schools stockpile food and clothing that will last months/years. Sounds ridiculous? Desperate times, desperate measures. Violet, you’re a good and decent person. You are needed. You have my warmest regards.

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Laura Who's avatar

Omgosh Violet, how scary! I didn’t understand how much ugly is in America until trump came to office. The amount of pure hatred from his followers is astonishing and disgusting. I can’t even begin to imagine what you and your community is going through. Thank you for speaking out and letting us know the anguish your family, community and all Hispanics are going through right now. I’ll pray for everyone targeted by that insufferable orange psycho.

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Louise Reardon's avatar

Not everyone hates because of your skin color. I do not, I am only 1 person but when we stand together we are mighty! Thank you for helping the children. I can only imagine how scared everyone must be my family has been here for generations and I’m scared and my skin is white. I am praying for you all and for our country I don’t know what’s going happen, but please remember God is always with us..

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Mozart Rat's avatar

We’re in this together Ben!💙 Thank you 🙏🏻

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Gwendolyn King's avatar

I Stand On The Side Of The Truth Thank You Ben ✊🏾💙

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Marlene's avatar

WE WILL NOT GIVE IN TO THE LIES.

WE WILL NOT GIVE IN TO THE FEAR.

#🏴

The Resistance is growing. Winter is coming.

ICE came to my very blue neighborhood in red Ohio over the weekend seizing 3 workers from a well known Mexican restaurant that has been a community mainstay for years. The restaurant has had to shut down due to lack of employees and similar restaurants in OH are facing employees not showing up for work now out of fear. All this because nothing speaks of free-loading/dangerous immigrants like those working in a restaurant.

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Sara Frischer's avatar

Feels like a knife in my own heart. Stay safe

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Gayle Falkenthal's avatar

Once a few more businesses shut down and the white co-workers lose their jobs, it might finally dawn on people what the consequences of their vote means. FAFO.

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Julyluv31's avatar

Good morning Ben, the fabrics of America is not what we know, but you are not alone! We must continue to fight and Always know the Truth will overcome, Blessings to your family and you.

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Magia's avatar

God bless you and your family, please don’t stop we are with you. 👏👏👏

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Ranie Crompton's avatar

Love you. We are all in this together.

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