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Cheryl Schaeffer's avatar

I hope we are scaring Donnie Dumb Dumb and his sheep. I hope they are shaking. It's time for them to be fearful of the real patriots who are defending our great nation, our constitution and our democratic way of life. #MeidasMightyStrong

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Gloria J. Maloney's avatar

Sheep are an exception to the natural order in the animal kingdom of democracy. Sheep will follow their leader over a cliff.

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Apr 16Edited
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Bob Churchill's avatar

BEGONE, spamming troll! This space is NOT a free billboard from which you get to sell your dubious wares. Reported to admin...

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Apr 16Edited
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Lady Emsworth's avatar

reported

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T Travis's avatar

I reported also

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Public Servant's avatar

Free Kilmer! Meidas Mighty should accompany democrats to El Salvador to rescue him. I wrote a poem about his liberation: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/a-poem-for-kilmar-abrego-garcia

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Toni Sammons's avatar

Other Congress people ought to. More sway.

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Wanda Ronk-Ford's avatar

They need to have armed security! Don’t want this to turn into a Jim Jones situation. You just never know with unstable dictators

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WJB Motown's avatar

Democrat Congressman Leo Ryan and his staff were gunned down by Temple members at Jonestown.......Cult leader Jim Jones gave the order.

Jackie Speir managed to survive.

Definatly......They should go in a miitary helicpoter with US forces protection.

Cult leader Donable Lector would give the order to open fire on US citizens on foreign soil. This would solidify his dream of becoming the next Adolf Hitler.

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Toni Sammons's avatar

That sounds right.

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ramona j's avatar

I remember that. Thought the same thing

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EUWDTB's avatar

Let's not fall into populism ourselves (THE main risk, right now, when it comes to the pro-democracy movement). Yes, we need some high-profile actions, of course. But what SO SO many Democratic Reps and Senators are doing in DC, day in day out, is extremely important too. As long as we don't learn to cultivate curiosity for their work and focus on "celebrity TV" actions only, democracy will always remain fragile... . It's actually how we got here in the first place. Democrats under Biden/Harris objectively did an absolutely outstanding job and yet, more than half of the country didn't know at all...

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Cory Clark's avatar

Democrats, ALL in congress need to STAND UP and STOP they're BS NYCIE NICE attitude!!! The wimp attitude of Biden needs to GO!!!!

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LJ Cooke's avatar

Last night I heard a Congressman from Maryland is heading down there.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

We extradite people all the time.

I've yet to see a report mentioning our treaties with El Salvador and our extradition history with them.

BTW, the Vatican probably can't help us extradite him as they have many times when we tried to get people out of Cuba, because Bukele's father converted from Christianity to Islam in the 1980s, became an Imam, and founded four mosques in El Salvador.

We don't live in a perfect world....even if Garcia is returned, he is subject to deportation to anyplace except El Salvador.

He had a hearing befora an IJ -- Immigration Judge -- who, in effect paroled him because to return to El Salvador was to jeopardize his life.

No doubt Trump is in contempt, but the procedure could be extradition.

https://www.oas.org/ext/Portals/33/Files/TreatiesB/USA_biltreat_elsal_eng_1.pdf

We have a checkered history with El Salvador. From AI

Challenges and Disputes:

There have been reports of the Salvadoran government refusing to extradite MS-13 gang leaders to the United States, despite extradition requests.

Some argue that the Salvadoran government may be protecting certain gang members, possibly in exchange for a reduction in violence.

This situation has led to tensions between the United States and El Salvador, with the U.S. government publicly pressuring El Salvador to extradite the gang leaders.

Key Points:

The extradition treaty provides a legal framework for transferring individuals to face justice in either country.

There are ongoing disputes and challenges related to the extradition of MS-13 gang leaders, with some reports suggesting that the Salvadoran government may be shielding certain individuals.

The situation has led to tensions between the two countries, with the U.S. government publicly pressuring El Salvador to comply with extradition requests

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WJB Motown's avatar

Eric Prince wants to build 5 private prisons in El Salvador for US citizens!!!!!!

Malcolm Nance has been right about all this so far!!!!!!

PROTEST PROTEST PROTEST...........JAN 14 TRUMPS MILITARY PARADE MUST BE BIGGEST PROTEST IN US HISTORY.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

n addition to a request for mandamus, if I were the ACLU, I'd hire a civil rights lawyer in El Salvador.

From AI: In El Salvador, habeas corpus is a legal remedy to ensure personal freedom and prevent illegal detention. The Supreme Court of Justice, and in some cases the Appellate Court, are responsible for protecting constitutional rights, including habeas corpus. The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over habeas corpus claims.

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WJB Motown's avatar

Sounds good and the right thing to do. The Orange combover regime is not paying attention to the legal system. Some law firms are kissing the Orange butthole. ........The GOP traitors have declared war on the voters and the people of America.............the people must keep hitting the streets in greater and greater numbers.

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

As insurance.

IMHO the court can turn this into Trump's folly .... Call witnesses....

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WJB Motown's avatar

Hopefully you are corect that the courts can do somethng........A governors house was hit by a deranged Maga arsonist.....ICE is using a axe to smash a car window......demonstrators are being tasered and arrested...........

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Karen Hounsell's avatar

People like Donnie Dumb Dumb (btw I love this) never get scared. They just continuously become more angry and unforgiving. This is why he's so dangerous and destructive. He will have to be led out of the white house in handcuffs. That's a dictator!!!

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Judi Purcell's avatar

That cannot happen soon enough! His minions too!

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Dena Heitner's avatar

The lies from their leader is getting louder and crazier and I have noticed an uptick in the crazy comments from his followers on social media posts. It is getting, meaner, nastier… the name calling seems to be their forte. They are definitely hearing us!

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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

One of the key ingredients of an effective resistance is taking control of the narrative. Thank you for providing factual information about the actions of the orange plague and the actions of the resistance. Thank you for recognizing the various organizations that are coming together for the resistance. Together, we can take control the narrative and push back against the propaganda and disinformation.

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Schmendryck's avatar

"Together we CAN," but we MUST, & it needs to be happening NOW, whether in the comments sections & letters pages or in the streets, or BOTH.

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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

If we are going to overcome the orange plague, we need a multifaceted, multi pronged strategy at every level - individual, small groups, local, state, national— across racial, demographic, socioeconomic groups. Here’s a draft plan.

1. Organize Collective Action: Create Solidarity and Mutual Support. Authoritarians often thrive when dissent is fragmented. Building broad coalitions across political, ethnic, and social groups increases the strength and legitimacy of resistance. Peaceful protests, labor strikes, and civic campaigns can apply sustained pressure. 2. Build and Support Independent Institutions: Educate and Empower. Strengthen independent media, courts, civil society organizations, and educational systems. These institutions help hold power accountable and provide counterbalances to authoritarian control.

3. Control the Narrative: Protect and Spread Truth. Authoritarian regimes frequently rely on propaganda and disinformation. Supporting fact-based journalism, independent research, and media literacy can help create an informed public that’s less susceptible to manipulation.

4. Defend Rule of Law and Democratic Norms: Pushback through Legal and Institutional Systems. Advocate for transparent governance, fair elections, and accountability. Even symbolic gestures (like protesting against unjust laws) help reinforce the public expectation that leaders must follow rules.

5. Use Art and Culture to Inspire and Mobilize. Music, theater, literature, and satire can challenge authoritarian narratives and inspire courage. Cultural resistance builds emotional connections and keeps the spirit of dissent alive.

6. Plan for the Long Game. Resistance isn’t usually quick or linear. Authoritarian systems may take years to erode. Strategic patience, resilience, and adaptability are crucial. Training future leaders, preserving resistance networks, and continuing advocacy during repression all contribute to long-term change.

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Suzanne Karbowska-Hayes's avatar

Excellent draft plan. No good just wringing our hands in despair. Urgent drastic action is needed to prevent this fascist dictatorship taking hold.

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ConfirmedBias's avatar

I love all of that! Such clear, excellent, concise steps! Thanks so much for this contribution !

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Daniel Solomon's avatar

Read Feathedrs of Hope. Jerry Weiss.https://jerryweiss.substack.com/

26 Senate Republicans voted to fund Ukraine, many more House Republicans. Many call Trump a liar when he says Ukraine started the war. Many didn't sign up to be members of the axis of evil.

https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2616

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r8d7q0200o

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r8d7q0200o

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/4/14/2316376/-Trump-blames-Putin-s-victims-for-getting-attacked-by-Putin?detail=emaildkre

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Steve's avatar

That's the least that we can do. Moreover, citizens in red districts must put pressure on their representatives and senators, who should now realize that Musk can't buy an election.

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Tricia's avatar

During Jim Acostas’ NYC townhall last night, the folks on the panel repeatedly said we need to strengthen and spread the word and knowledge of independent news sources because Americans’ are not receiving the real time truth from corporate sponsored MSM. 47’s regime has decimated news sources. It’s how fascism keeps hold. So subscribe and then send free subscription / recommendations to friends. Provide links in other subs and blogs.

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Ken Williams, PhD's avatar

Absolutely, we need to support independent news. Yes, great idea to subscribe and send subscriptions to others. Thanks.

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Brevity's avatar

Tricia, I agree! We need strategically placed billboards with eye catching content to alert Americans to independent news sources.

Another point made in the townhall-they are implementing the 2025 playbook page by page. We need to grow organization opposition starting locally, state, and federal to stay ahead of P2025 as Ken Williams outlined!

Ken also said, “plan for a long game.” We can do that with organization and self care.

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Linda Wilson-Gordon's avatar

Yes, we CAN! #resistance

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Andrea Madden's avatar

Thank you Guys so much! I never turn my lying TV Media on anymore! I look to you to give me truth, integrity and perspective that this will end some day! I am 83 years old and cannot believe what has happened to America! I blame family and friends for it!

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Peggy Fokkema's avatar

Same here..I agree

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Sara Tucker's avatar

Same here. I am done with the corporate scoured TV news media!

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Keith Gliponeo's avatar

ELBOWS UP ELBOWS UP ELBOWS UP. The Meidas trio keep up the good work

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Paul Guillaume's avatar

I’d like to add, if I may, those of us who can’t get to priests, we are still helping by reading the truth and spreading to others! That is powerful in itself.

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Kathy's avatar

Speaking of priests,a retired local priest in MAGAville,Fl just bravely wrote an OpEd calling out 😡 for his narcissistic behavior as my MAGA legislators act like there’s nothing to see here….

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Schmendryck's avatar

Let's keep track of both the hate mail and the local support he gets for his bravery, even as we mourn the fact that it takes bravery to do what he did

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Helen Hipps's avatar

Paul,

Every action is just as important as the next. You are here. Spreading the word. Thank you!!!

I have a friend of 35 years who I saw yesterday. I shared a bit of info with her, her response,

“Please, let’s not talk about politics”, followed by a dismissive statement about all politicians.

It is so sad. Head in the sand. She is a lifetime repub who recently told me, “I identify as an independent”. So, Paul, keep up the good trouble.

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Valerie Smyth's avatar

I hope they bring the Special Forces with them when they go to El Salvador to get Garcia—& who else? Are we to believe the there is only 1 “mistake”caught up in this????

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Alicia Stanley's avatar

There is the innocent young gay barber who got swept up in this too. He’s been forgotten it seems but my heart aches for him too. We really need to help him also.

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Linda Windsor's avatar

I keep wondering about him, too. I’m afraid he’s probably dead, too.

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Linda Windsor's avatar

The Special Forces is under trump’s thumb. They’re probably wasting their time—but we can “hope” they’ll get some info. I view them as trump’s hit sqad. US is PAYING El Salvador to take them—nobody said anything about keeping them alive.

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Lady Emsworth's avatar

And if trump just said "Return the prisoners or we WON'T pay" they'd be home on the next boat.

Plus, there was an extradition treaty signed between US/El Salvador in 1995. El Salvador would happily ship our criminals back - so why not innocent men?

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Valerie Smyth's avatar

Rump would not have to threaten, Bukele is asking “how high” to rump’s every jump order…

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Valerie Smyth's avatar

Should we hope that there is an uprising in the military?

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ramona j's avatar

If there isn't a push back to the regime by the military AND the rest of the Justice Warriors, we can't do anything. I am hopeful they all respect their oaths. They are Americans ,first. I refuse to believe they are all down with fascists.

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Lorraine Marshall's avatar

One item I heard was that maybe judges can stop the money going to El Salvador.

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Valerie Smyth's avatar

I thought it was just the Marines that were controlled by the executive branch…??

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Peggy Fokkema's avatar

I read an article in the middle of the night that stated that if he in fact comes home.. Trump is gonna send him back . Can you get over that?

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jv's avatar

Amazing message. You give us hope. Thank you so very much.

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Eileen Sparduti's avatar

Courage is contagious. Keep spreading it. 👍🏻

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Shery Clark's avatar

Thank you for being with us and keeping us informed!!!💙🩵💙

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L’Marie's avatar

Thank you for your dedication, integrity and being a beacon of light in the darkness!!

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Ethan Cochran's avatar

Thank you for the work you've done, and continue to do. I believe in a day when we can be proud to be Americans again, and you are a leader in that, so thank you and your brothers.

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Madmia's avatar

Thank you Ben and team!!! Medias Touch plays such an important role in this fight!! It’s a safe place to go and get honest insight into this regime’s actions — thank you! thank you! Keep yourselves and your beautiful families safe …

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Robert J. Hayes's avatar

"WE THE PEOPLE" 💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙🇺🇲💙

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Emily's avatar

Keep up the awesome work! I’m proud to support independent journalism! Thank you!

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SHARON KANE's avatar

Thank you for giving us hope.

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Sheilawallace's avatar

I’m so humbled and thankful to a part of this movement. We are making a difference we will keep it up!

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