367 Comments
User's avatar
Keith Olson's avatar

Merry Christmas Ben, Brett and Jordy and your families and to all of the Meidas Mighty. Thank you for holding the line against this tyrannical regime.

Linda Weide's avatar

Calling Musk "her" is not my idea of being the opposite of Trump. I am insulted. I think Ben's gender should own the assholes of their gender without calling them "her."

Jim's avatar

Hmm, I noticed that too, but it seems like a typo to me because it really doesn't make sense otherwise. There's no previous indication to me that Ben would troll him like that. I mean, it would make sense if Musk were rumored to be some closet queen, or evil homocon who tried to distance himself from being the "wrong kind of gay." For example, Remember Michael Huffington, who ran for Senate in California, and he said he was a homosexual, not "gay." We in the gay community might have said, "Get a load of her!" But, even if that were the case, I still don't think Ben would say that. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Katey's avatar

Rest assured it was a typo. Merry Christmas everyone 🎅

Fraser's avatar

Absolutely Jim!

WJB Motown's avatar

It is common knowledge that Musk has "baby mama's" on ever street corner. Stop wasting time on these GOP vampires of society.

Why not put 24/7 energy and commitment into getting 12.5 million into the streets for NOKINGS III??????

USA...saving you democracy should be the priority.

Kirsten's avatar

Ben has corrected the typo and thanks the readers for catching it. Linda is right that far too many men think women are inferior and therefore calling a man a woman is a great insult. Then even guys who don’t consciously think that start using it. I’m very glad this wasn’t deliberate.

Kelley Selby's avatar

Linda, That is a typo. NO ONE on the Meidas Touch Network has EVER made derogatory remarks about gender. You do realize that Ben and everyone else is by the hour bringing us news. Perhaps you could possibly consider this before you start making remarks...

elliemae.padme66's avatar

It's called autocorrect. Sometimes I just know I spelled the word correctly; but autocorrect will say no, you must have meant this word. Of course, it's soooo easy for my fingers to airbrush another key and presto the substance of everything has changed. Guilty of not catching every typo.

Jean Conley's avatar

I'm glad I'm not the only one this happens to (not that I wish it on you, elliemae!). But yes, the autocorrect is very frequently WRONG and when it's done "correcting," the comment ends up not meaning what the one who wrote it meant at all.

Camille Kelly's avatar

Merry Christmas to you as well Jean Conley!☃️

Deli Lanoux's avatar

Oh, yeah. This happens to me, too. So relatable. Either clumsy fingers at play or fingers with a mind of their own. Merry Christmas, Elliemae!

Camille Kelly's avatar

Merry Christmas to you Deli Lanoux!🥂

Deli Lanoux's avatar

Aww... That is so beyond sweet, Camille! Thank you! Merry Christmas to you!

Camille Kelly's avatar

Merry Christmas Elliemae. Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday and healthy, happy, New Year.💚

Linda Weide's avatar

How is it autocorrecting "him" into "her?" Also, why put it there in the first place? It is not needed. Think about it. Does it make sense to put "him" in parentheses?

Mary Wurl's avatar

Then we need better editing.

Sandy's avatar

Wow, the scrooges are on it early. It's Christmas. Lighten up!

Mary Wurl's avatar

So are the gas-lighters, I see.

Laurie Blair's avatar

I agree, Linda

Weide. I thought it is an error, it is so tone deaf.

Linda Weide's avatar

Laurie, I wrote more on it somewhere below. I think it is tone deaf, but I have caught other such things in Substacks from people I like and feel duty bound for my gender and that of my daughter to point it out. They can say it is an error, or apologize.

Laurie Blair's avatar

Linda, I agree that something like this should be pointed out because it is not ok.

Doc Blase''s avatar

My take as well, and more: it's giving Oblong Mush positive attributes women have that he doesn't deserve or possess.

Barry Cusitar's avatar

This is typical Democrat thinking - we get hammered with insults and garbage all day long, every day, from the idiots on the right, especially from the Orange stooge, yet one little word and it's "oh my, we can't say that" - give me a break. No more playing nice with these sicko pedophile protecting sub-humans. Unfortunately, this is the reality - and PS - that was a typo!!

Linda Weide's avatar

If Candice Owen was called a man for her behavior would you feel that your gender was used to insult people Barry?

Jean Conley's avatar

Bingo, Barry! Those d**n "community guidelines" (on just about all those other sites). They let the right/republiCRAPS get away with pretty much every degrading/insulting comment they make, but if a democrat (or Democrat-leaning) person uses one little word "off," the comment is censored because of those (prejudice) guidelines.

Jeff Palmer's avatar

Linda,

The folks at Meidas are at it non stop 24/7. Thousands of pages to read. Thousands upon thousands of words typed into posts for our benefit and little time to sleep. A mistake not caught in the heat of the work being done is all it was. Please save your hate for those who deserve it. The orange asshole and the hoards of his enablers and followers. Merry Christmas.

Linda Weide's avatar

Jeff, your word "hate" is not appropriate. When a woman complains about a misuse of her pronoun why is my standing up for myself and my gender viewed as hate? My husband has certainly heard complaints about his sexism more than Ben probably will from me. My daughter always points out when we use an offensive word. Sometimes these are argued, but not in a case like this. You claim it is a mistake. What is your evidence for this? Looking at usage, I don't see it. Logically why is someone putting a wrong gender pronoun in parentheses next to Elon Musk's name as if we don't know HIS gender. I understood it to mean an insult to Elon because he is a known female hater. Still, even if Musk hates my gender, can one not find a more appropriate word to insult him with? I think Nazi is correct and offensive even if Musk relishes it.

Jeff Palmer's avatar

Linda,

I hear you and apologize. Just my gut reaction to a complaint against the folks who have been working so hard to keep us informed and to hold the corrupt accountable. No harm to you or women intended.

Kelley Selby's avatar

Linda, I have had enough. YOU are not standing up for yourself. This was a typo regarding a MAN musk. You are internalizing something that has ZERO to do with you. You got triggered by a typo. Anyone who is questioning this BS needs to take it down a notch. ALL of Meidas Touch podcasters and their teams are working 24-7 to help keep us informed and to keep us in a solid body of support for our democracy. If you are going to run your mouth and accuse Ben, one of the founders of this network of misogyny or insensitivity to gender identification then you should get OFF this thread. It's Christmas and instead of being supportive of all that Meidas Touch has accomplished, you are whining about something so small, WHICH MAKES YOU SAMLL. GOT IT ?

Fun FACT Linda.. Ben is a Civil Rights Attorney. I have never met a Civil Rights Attorney who has ever been accused of what you are accusing Ben of. I have met plenty of them..

Elise Feder's avatar

I could not agree more. Like, yikes.

E.C.'s avatar

Using any reference to a female with "her" or women's body parts or perceived weakness is wrong. It demeans women, not the men it's used against. On the other hand, I'm hoping it's an editing error.

E L Nolan's avatar

Why are you insulted over something said about someone else? I have called he she and she him. I did not insult the person or the people next to them. Why were you insulted?

Linda Weide's avatar

EL if you do not get it, I can Womansplain it to you. We do not think our gender's pronoun should be considered a way to insult someone who is of a different gender, as if being a "her" is a bad thing.

E L Nolan's avatar

Interesting that you take it as an insult. Wonder why... and PLEASE feel free to "womansplain" it. Can't wait to see this.

Linda Weide's avatar

I just did "Womansplain" it.

E L Nolan's avatar

Sad, and don't not speak for women.

As above, so below's avatar

Hoping it was an error because if not…just why?

Jean Conley's avatar

Rest assured that the Brothers DO read a LOT of the (our) comments. I'm sure one of them--probably all three) will realize it and send out a notice/email and correct it. OH--AND apologize.

Jean Conley's avatar

Oh! Kind of figured if he hadn't he would. Thanks!

Linda Weide's avatar

Jean, that is why I spoke up.

Mary Wurl's avatar

I came here to say the same thing. Really?

James Wilson's avatar

Merry Christmas to you Ben, your entire family, and to all of the Meidas Mighty around the world. Wish the millions of peace and joy on this wonderful day and a prosperous year ahead.

Two thing I know that will lay ahead in the New Year, independent media will be the ones to break news and hold the regime accountable. Legacy media continues to abdicate responsibility and in cases like CBS they are working with the regime to suppress facts. Second thing I am sure in the New Year, the Meidas Mighty will continue to grow and stand strong together.

Connie L's avatar

Merry Christmas everyone! Find the good today, it’s a special day. Notice a neighbor who might be alone and say Hi. Never give up on hope, love, empathy, morals, values and human decency. You definitely are loved and appreciated. Make it a good day please. I’m sending love to all of you from my family to you. Thank you Meidas you guys are priceless.

Kati Kertesz's avatar

Agreed. There’s a lot of people without family.

I picked up a friend and drove her home after a hospital procedure.

Love is in the giving.

Wanda Enman's avatar

Nice. You are good peeps. Thank you for your humanity. Have a wonderful holiday seasons.

Fraser's avatar

Yup-enriches the soul too Kati:)

Andi Johnson's avatar

I'm hosting an adult orphan dinner at my UU Church this afternoon.

elliemae.padme66's avatar

That's really nice of you, Andi. Makes me reflect on my experience the other with a customer service rep at PayPal. Somehow my measly $20.00 donation to a charity morphed into a $150.00 donation. Wanted to make sure my cancelation request went through. It did, thankfully. The customer service rep started talking about how he was an orphan. Since this was a stranger speaking unsolicited, I wasn't sure how to proceed. Ended up advising him to create his own family. Hope I didn't come across too harsh, but was caught off guard. Plus, at this particular time of year, am leary of any scams. Happy Holidays

Andi Johnson's avatar

I started doing these after Mom died. I have no siblings. I'm also kind of a loner, so it was a real stretch for me. We had a lot of food and some great conversations today.

Sarah Larkin's avatar

There’s family of origin, and family of choice. I think you gave that agent good advice.

Claire's avatar

Priceless! A perfect word to describe our wonderful news team!!

Monica Mac's avatar

Indeed! I had Christmas lunch at a local Church hall with lots of other people who were going to spend the day by themselves. We had a lovely time, full of conversation and making new connections with others. It was difficult to walk through those doors because I knew absolutely no-one there, but once I sat down and started chatting to the lady next to me and a few other people, it was all good. The people who organised it and worked so hard during it, need medals. Really kind and caring. My local Baptist Church, btw.

Connie L's avatar

I love this. Thank you for sharing I love hearing good stories. Merry Christmas

Ben Meiselas's avatar

Thanks for pointing out my typo where I wrote “her” instead of “him” regarding Elon Musk. The typo has been fixed. Merry Christmas.

GingerLee's avatar

Rest up today you 3 you are loved and so very much needed in these times..

Sherri's avatar

Merry Christmas to everyone at Meidas touch. For their efforts to save the sanity of America and Americans we thank you all.

Kati Kertesz's avatar

Thank you, Brothers M! So appreciate you.

A very happy holiday to you & your family!

Onward and upward.

Finney Catherine's avatar

Happy Holidays to you and our loved ones!

Dr. Odutuga's avatar

I knew that blob of cholesterol was gonna ruin Christmas. Not for me though. I’m determined to stay happy. I didn’t bring Trump upon myself. Trump was imposed on us by many of the sadists that will probably make the majority of those in Church attendance today. They deserve the shitty part of whatever this Christmas brings. Not me . I choose happiness.

Marti York's avatar

Thank you for always showing up! I imagine it's exhausting, but your persistence is making a huge impact.

Elizabeth Alexander's avatar

Merry Christmas Ben, Brett & Jordy and ❤️to your families . Thanks for what you do. Thanks for helping us to never lose sight of truth and integrity. Those fighting hard and truthfully are a colourful family that need protecting. They come from all corners. What I see as important is to always try and recognise the manipulators and those those that can’t speak truth, even to themselves. Some of us are more articulate than others but in all my years, I have learnt to spot a good heart from a bad egg. A shout out to the MeidasMighty… Thanks for what you do to protect Democracy in the WORLD and for helping to give a louder voice for those who speak truth and have integrity. ❤️ from an old soul in London

M. Dove's avatar

Merry, Merry! Thank you for all you do to keep us informed.

TriTorch's avatar

A Story for You this Christmas Morning, Bett, Ben and Jordy

The Christmas Scout, By Samuel D. Boga [Modified]

“When we encounter suffering, we can either lean in or look away. When love wins the day, looking away is never an option — because love always leans in.”?— Santiago Mellado

In spite of the fun and laughter, young Frank Wilson was in poor spirits.

It was true that he had received all the presents he wanted along with some special surprises. And of course, he enjoyed these traditional Christmas Eve reunions of relatives—this year at Aunt Susan’s—for the purpose of exchanging love and good wishes.

But Frank was almost devestated because this was to be his first Christmas without his brother, Steve, who earlier in the year had been the tragic victim of a reckless driver. Frank deeply missed his brother and the close companionship they had together.

Suffocating at this memory, he said good-bye to his relatives and explained to his parents that he was leaving a little early to see a friend. Since it was cold outside, Frank put on his new plaid jacket. It was his favorite gift. The other presents he placed on his new sled.

Then Frank, seeking that missing companionship of his brother, headed for the Flats, hoping to find the patrol leader of his Boy Scout troop. This was the section of town where most of the poor lived, and his patrol leader did odd jobs to help support his family. To Frank’s disappointment, his friend was not at home, but running errands.

As Frank hiked down the street, he caught glimpses of trees and decorations in many homes. And although not meaning to pry, out of the corner of his eye he detected a shabby room with a couple of small limp worn and dirty stockings hanging over an empty fireplace. A woman was seated near them weeping. The stockings reminded him of the way he and his brother had always hung theirs side by side, but theirs were big, and new, and clean, and the next morning would be bursting with candy and glimmering prizes. Unlike these which would surely be no different, even they sat there all the way through next Christmas and out the other side. Then it hit him that he had not done his “good turn” for the day.

He knocked on the door.

“Y..yes?” the sad shaky voice of the woman inquired.

“May I come in?”

“You are very welcome,” she sighed, “but I have not food or gifts for you. I have nothing for my own children.”

“That’s not why I am here,” Frank, surprising himself, announces with all the authority of a scout leader. “You are to choose whatever presents you need for your children from this sled.”

“Why, God bless you!” the amazed woman answered hesitantly but deeply grateful.

She gingerly selected some candies, a game, the toy airplane, and a puzzle. When she slowly reached for the new Scout flashlight, Frank almost cried out but he regained his composure in a flash. Finally, the stockings were full.

“Won’t you tell me your name?” she almost pleaded as Frank was leaving.

“Just call me the Christmas Scout,” he replied.

That night Frank saw that his sorrow was not the only sorrow in the world and before he left the Flats, he had given away the remainder of his toys. The new plaid jacket had gone to a shivering boy.

He trudged homeward, cold and uneasy - all that mystifying scout authority fleeing him. Having given his presents away Frank could think of no reasonable explanation to offer his parents. He wondered how he could make them understand.

“Where are your presents, son?” asked his father as he entered the house.

“I gave them away.”

“But I thought you were happy with your gifts.”

“I was, very happy,” the boy answered lamely.

“But, Frank, how could you be so impulsive?” his mother asked.

His father was firm. “You made your choice, Frank. We cannot afford any more presents.”

His brother gone, his family disappointed in him, Frank suddenly felt dreadfully alone. He had not expected a reward for his generosity for, in the wisdom of young grief, he knew that a good deed always should be its own reward. It would be tarnished otherwise. So he did not want his gifts back. Frank thought of his brother and sobbed himself to sleep.

manger night gathering light

The Light is Gathering

The next morning he came downstairs to find his parents listening to Christmas music on the radio. Then the announcer spoke:

“Merry Christmas, everybody! The sweetest Christmas story we have this morning comes from the Flats. A crippled boy down there has a new sled to get around in this morning. Another youngster has a new plaid jacket. And several families report that their children were made happy last night by gifts from a teenage boy who simply referred to himself as the Christmas Scout. No one could identify him, but the children of the Flats claim that the Christmas Scout was a personal representative of old Santa Claus himself.”

Frank felt his father’s arms go around his shoulders, and saw his mother smiling through her tears. “Why didn’t you tell us? We are so proud of you, son.”

The carols came over the air again filling the room with music.

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on Earth.

elliemae.padme66's avatar

Thanks for sharing this warmhearted story. Reminds me of an O'Henry story.

Barb Baker's avatar

Thanks for all your work and effort. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄

Bernie King's avatar

Thank you Ben And team ! We all appreciate you very much shout out coming from Four Oaks, North Carolina !

Deli Lanoux's avatar

Wow. A whole year of Trump. Longer, really. He was never gone even during Biden's term and his stench will outlive him, sadly. Yet here we still are: traumatized, enduring heartache and heartbreak because of the suffering endured by so many, but more resilient than ever and, certainly, more determined than ever. I can't imagine life without the MTN opening our eyes and ears (minds, hearts, and souls) to the moronity and cruelty of the Trump regime. These are ugly times but these are hopeful times, too. We couldn't have gotten here without you. Thanks, Ben.