The government is going to shutdown and the Democrats better not fold like a cheap suit. Millions are losing their access to healthcare and we cannot allow more to have their costs ballon. Schumer and Jeffries need to be front and center pinning this on MAGA Mike and Prince Andrew’s favorite President.
Schumer and Jeffries need to step aside and let people who can meet this moment, like we are fighting for our very existence, take the reins. There is no working with the other side. The other side approves of this shitshow and wants more.
I agree, they’ve had 8 months to stand up and do something. Schumer probably doesn’t have it in him anymore and Jeffries just isn’t a fighter. Bet Nancy Pelosi has more fight than them both.
Have you heard anything out of Pelosi lately? She can surely speak up if she's still got the fight in her. AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury and even Tom Massie are speaking out. But when the MAGA Ratpublicons won't speak to Dems or even negotiate what would you have them do? It's like screaming into the void.
Article 25 needs to be used but even before that, Stephen Miller needs to go.
She had her hip replaced in Dec. As much as we have become used to the usual people stepping up, we had better start looking for new heroes. None of us are getting any younger.
You're being way too polite in your description of the odious Stephen Miller. I used to think Dick Cheney was the most evil behind-the-scenes string puller who could possibly exist but I was wrong.
Yes. Isn’t it amazing how every new generation of republican gets worse, more extreme, more toxic. The party is devolving instead of evolving. The old republican guard seems moderate in comparison. The goal posts are being dragged to the right when Chris Christy, the Cheney’s, G.W.Bush are now reasonable, honest brokers. I hope it’s they who are changing, not that I’m getting numb. Maybe civility is just the latest casualty along with Free Speech, Due Process, Democracy, Justice, Kindness, Equality……..
We are a minority party and need a few Congressional Republicans to come to their senses.
"Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) pitched a framework Saturday for breaking the government funding stalemate. Her proposal would tie three full-year funding bills — agriculture, veterans affairs and military construction, and the legislative branch — to funding through Nov. 21 for the rest of the government. It also proposes a one-year extension of the credits and extending funding the administration recently tried to claw back unilaterally.
"But Republicans are also trying to jam Democrats into accepting their bill — something Democrats have vowed not to do without a bipartisan negotiation. Schumer and Jeffries reiterated in their letter that they are “ready to work toward a bipartisan spending agreement that improves the lives of American families and addresses the Republican healthcare crisis.”
The House is currently out of town until after the shutdown deadline, meanwhile the Senate will return with less than 48 hours to go. [Majority leader] Thune said he intends to bring the GOP bill back up for another vote.
See — they are doing their job, We just want them to walk on water, and I get that. I think we'd all love a miracle worker who just made Trump disappear as if he never existed.
The Democrats don't have the power to invoke article 25; not their wheelhouse. I get we're frustrating and casting about for a miracle to fix things, but come on, people.
What would that "something" be, considering they don't have the numbers? Keep in mind, their role is not to be dramatic speechifiers, holding rallies and producing sound bites but to work behind the scenes to minimize GOP damage which they have done. I've never seen such profound misunderstanding of the role of our congressional party leaders (although the excoriation of Harry Reid came close) except the attacks on the brilliant Pelosi which was mostly left-wing misogyny in my opinion. Pelosi trained Jeffries and he is doing a good job. His job isn't to be Jasmine Crockett; that is HER job.
Or, beholding to Israel over USA needs, especially considering the humanitarian situation in GAZA. Our cluster bombs contributed to this destruction and large scale civilian deaths.
That would be a friggin' disaster. I know a lot of lefties are infatuated with him but he has accomplished almost nothing in his congressional career and has no leadership skills, starting with the ability to negotiate across the full range of his caucus. He's legendary for his grumpiness and treating people badly which I saw first hand when he came to Cleveland to campaign for Nina Turner's congressional campaign in 2021. This is why we probably shouldn't be commenting on leadership and educating ourselves more about the protocol and procedures of Congress instead of blaming our leaders for no performing miracles and think someone else could. (And I think I will scream if anyone says the equally unaccomplished and much less experienced AOC should be House leader.)
Also Bernie isn't as progressive as you think in his actual work in the Senate. He's the second most progressive senator—from Vermont. Maybe Peter Welch should be the Senate leader?
I guess you don't get actual news. The Senate rejected dueling stopgap spending bills on Friday: a GOP-led bill that would fund the government until Nov. 21 and a Democrat bill that would link government funding through Oct. 31 with health care policies and limits on Trump’s ability to withhold money Congress has approved.
Yes Daniel. And yet, still some defected. We are in big trouble. If the mistake DonOld made with that truth to Blondie doesn't get the attention it deserves. We are no longer a country of law and order.
Sacrifices must be made--no one gets away unscathed in the fight for liberty and truth. Always worth whatever it takes. This is a live or die crisis, and some of us probably will die..
If Schumer and Jeffries can’t fight and will crack under pressure, then let Jasmine Crockett and Melanie Stansbury do the job!! I know there are others that would stand behind them and not give in. I really like Jeffries but idk what’s going on with him lately and why he’s not fighting like he used to. It’s just time for Schumer to step down!
Jasmine Crockett would be a great choice for the House Leader. For the Senate, despite his age Bernie has more fight than half the caucus put together.
True!! Bernie should have been president. I also forgot to add AOC and if those 3 ladies could band together I think they can do great things!! Right now they are fighting separately and in today’s world you need a group!
This is why we should leave governing to professionals. I can think of about 50 Democrats (or more) in congress better suited for leadership roles. Bernie would've been a terrible president; thank god we nipped that in the bud.
No, she would not. The job of House leader is not to make fiery speeches and rouse the public. I love Jasmine Crockett but she has no position in leadership, not even the types of entry level positions that future leaders such as Joe Neguse and Lauren Underwood have, which means she would come in like a high school biology student asked to do brain surgery. She's not prepared. She has her own valuable role.
So is my Shontel Brown. "My" Senator Bernie Moron-o sends the same email no matter what you write him about and "my" other senator Jon Useless hardly responds at all except to send you an occasional non-response email telling you about the great work he is doing(isn't) doing.
EVERY American needs to FIGHT LIKE HELL NOWWWWW for democracy...EVERYONE NEEEDS TO DO EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY CAN.. it's long past time, or very very soon you will not have a country left to fight for. (USA is now officially thought of as a dictatorship.) This is insanity.
What exactly would you have every American do? We protest, we support the good leaders, we boycott, we write and call our Reps and Senators. What else would you have us do? Please, WHAT ELSE?
It would be great if more and more Americans were like that. :) And if more people spoke up in the media ~ ESPECIALLY more celebrites, and EXPERTS. If people donated to more democracy causes (IF THEY WERE ABLE TO). If people had massive fundraisers to fight for democracy. HUGE concerts. HUGE awareness campaigns. Something as silly as putting stickers and flyers EVERYWHERE. If more people boycotted and protested. If there were MORE massive PROTESTS. If people camped out near the whorehouse, I mean whitehouse 24/7. If more youtubers became alll about democracy... wayyy more voices and public voices. WALKOUTS FROM WORK EN MASSE. WAY MORE VOICES ARE NEEDED and way more action. Way more outside the box action. MORE documentaries about what EXACTLY is happening. Researching and boycotting all MAGA companies.. huge databases with alll the info of who to boycott. Putting up signs on lawns. Everyone attending everything they can. HUUUUUGE FREE CONCERTS !!! And I'm sure there are zillions of other things which could be done and thought of.
More and more people are getting involved every day. It's a process. Hopefully more will show up on October 18. (I assume everyone here will find a "No Kings" rally to attend?) And as someone with a lifelong career in the music business, I can tell you that "HUUUUUUGE FREE CONCERTS" are one of the emptiest and most sheerly performative gestures. People are there for the headliners and go home and forget about any action they were asked to take.
Yes, they raised hundreds of millions of dollars for a specific cause and people didn't mind paying because they got to see famous people. But I wonder how many people became activists and continued to work on behalf of these causes after the concerts. They were mostly for "easy" issues such as hunger than could be addressed by throwing money at them. They weren't about challenging democracy or the status quo or getting people directly involved. Concerts don't do that; they raise money. what would they be raising money for here?
Massive concerts SPREAD AWARENESS. And I think most would agreee that tons more needs to be done. Tons more EVERYTHING. It's only a country at stake. It's only EVERY SINGLE THING at stake...
"Awareness" is nothing. You don't educate many people at a concert. It's not a place for changing minds or providing serious information. I've been involved in these since the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 and despite the huge selling album and involvement of a Beatle, virtually no one was any more aware of Bangladesh.
Look behind the curtain on the voting process. Statistical analysis of the 2024 election shows signs of election fraud. Big time. Some vote tabulators in PA were not certified. There were last minute code changes that were not reviewed as required. All sorts of stories. Our target needs to be boards of elections, scrutinizing every step. (Stats done by election truth alliance and smart elections )
No, no credible information shows that. There was no serious issue with vote tabulators anywhere that would've changed a result. There are all sorts of conspiracy theories because it's hard for us to accept the result, and our fantasies (about 2016) enabled Trump to spread HIS fantasies about 2020.
I worked for my board of elections; they are super-scrutinized and super-nonpartisan, about the most bureaucratic and by-the-book organizations you can think of. Clinging to the fantasy that we actually won but somehow the voting system was rigged blinds us to how they ACTUALLY "rigged" it: not by sinister manipulation of voting tabulators, but by voter suppression and voter discouragement on a major scale.
I've been studying election issues for 20 years so I could give you dozens of examples but here's just one. A friend of mine (who was sworn in as a citizen Friday — yay, Bella!) has been doing work for the Young Latino Network and when I saw her at their booth at a recent festival, the conversation came around to why Puerto Ricans (a large chunk of our population here) hardly vote at all. She told me that they are fed misinformation about whether they are eligible (they are) and what happens when ineligible people try to vote, so they just wash their hands of it and don't turn out. Do you think this confusion is accidental?
We need to stop buying into these fantasies about voting machines and start pushing back against the misinformation being fed to people and the obstacles being placed in the way of voting.
Yes there are a lot of things going on. I agree voter education is very much needed. Multiple things like how confirm a vote was recorded for you.
The statistics of the aggregate votes show the underlying algorithm. This is the same evaluation method used when election fraud experts (PhD folks) look at other countries like Russia and Georgia. Small sample audits do not pick this up. It’s not proof, it’s evidence. You can pick apart one method and claim it’s a sign of block voting. Then you can look at drop-off rates and see that swing states are very different. Discount that look at flipped counties. All turning red. Never has happened before. Discount that, you can move onto a public confession by the president-elect. We all know they have little regard for the law right? I and others want to quit giving them the benefit of the doubt and verify the vote with paper ballot recounts large enough to thoroughly evaluate this without having to sue the board of elections. We have 22 months. What exactly is the downside of that?
I think wearing us down with the 2016 allegations was part of their strategy. Accurately tallying the vote is so very important I and many others want to verify the accuracy of the vote.
All of that has been looked at and there is zero evidence of problems within the voting system. I'm sorry this narrative ever got started and our side started it in 2004 with allegations that were frankly ridiculous. (I'm extremely well acquainted with them because they started here in Ohio.) She have paper ballots and they are verified, and there is no hanky panky going on at boards of election, no matter how hard Republicans tried to find some in 2020. But the ramped-up efforts to prevent people from being able to cast a ballot or have their ballot counted, or to scare people from voting, should be heavily watched and fought back against. THIS is their strategy, nt some near-impossible technical thing with the voting system. More stuff like threatening to station ICE outside voting locations and stop anyone who looks Hispanic for questioning. If you were Puerto Rican — a legal resident and legal voter because Puerto Ricans are — and knew you might lose an hour or more being questioned by ICE outside a polling place, would you vote?
There are still SO MANY people who aren't doing a single thing. Most of my friends, in fact. It's just as frustrating and painful as having family members that follow MAGA, which I also have. Point is, it sounds like you and a percentage of people are taking on the beast, while others have excuses. Thank you for leaning in with us!!
Here are the other things that you and anyone else can do in addition to or instead of what you have already listed. We are in the campaign season now and we need to rebuild our democracy from the ground up. Check this out: "Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
So sorry to disillusion you, but "EVERY American" isn't going to fight for democracy. Americans aren't a homogeneous group wanting the same thing. I suspect that they're like Canadians in that respect.
It's so irritating when people post things like, "Sorry to disillusion you." And you understand that the post was communicating a distress signal. We passed hopes for a homogeneous America, literally centuries ago. What we need now is to welcome anyone and everyone who sees the con, and lean in together.
I do not believe you are correct that "we passed hopes for a homogeneous America, literally centuries ago." There are still many people looking for homogeneity, which mostly translates into trying to make America -- or more accurately, the United States -- a white, fundamentalist Christian country. The belief that "EVERY American" wants the same thing contributed to Dems losing the presidency. And as far as welcoming "anyone and everyone who sees the con," that's not for me. You can see the con -- if you're referring to Trumpty Dumpty -- acknowledge what a thug he is, and yet still truly believe women should only be valued if they're trad wives and OK to force to give birth, even to a child conceived by rape. Thanks but no thanks to "lean[ing] in together" with them.
You've misunderstood too much for me to correct. But I will assure you that I'm am leaning AGAINST all that Trump, MAGA, and The Heritage Foundation represents. I think I was clear on that, but I'm glad to repeat my stance until the end of time. Best regards, my fellow commenter.
I am worried Schumer and Jeffries are on Putin’s/Trump’s corrupt payroll now. He either has significant dirt on them after stealing the secret files, has paid them off, or both. Basic mobster tactics. Our focus needs to be on how to prevent the rigging of the midterms. I’m pretty sure the Magats are going to win just like they did in 2020 “bigly” if we do not do everything in what is left of our power to protect and defend the free elections. And find a way to get the free press back. I just don’t have the answers on how to do it. I was hoping Obama/Hillary/ Bernie/ our OGs could provide guidance. So far it seems like they just want us protesting and voting. If we can’t use courtrooms to stop the steal and the pedo can manufacture whatever laws now with the fake SCOTPedo, what do we do?
Rallying and Voting are important, but each one of is not an island unto ourselves. We are a big 'ole continent and we have the numbers to hold our democracy no matter who else won't or can't. We have to be the dam behind our leaders and boost them up. We have to get our candidates ready for the next election no matter what comes down the road next Summer/Fall. We need to get out there and do everything we can to put our people back in the elected seats... Numbers matter and your "one" number adds to all the other "numbers!"
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved. If you want other ideas on what you can do, check this out:
I’m not a huge fan of Schumer and Jeffries but I don’t think they are in bed with the Russians! That’s a very big jump to take. I just wish Schumer would retire and Jeffries had a modicum of charisma!👹
I'm afraid of this, too. I'm tuning in more and more to election truth alliance about last cycle's vote counts. I'm sorry that I can't recall the name of the other task force involved in vote counts. Last week, a group self-named, "GenZ" in Tibet, voted for their new leader- a woman under 20! on DISCORD! And had her sworn in within the week!! Nepal has been struggling for -ever- so, this isn't meant to sound easy. But it does inspire me that some creative organizing can make that difference, and that we need to think BIGGER! But unless the big protest organizers has a plan emerging, I have only hope about our elections- and not much.
This is nonsense, and I think it shows a certain derangement on our parts, understandable given the present situation, but not helpful in fighting back. it's more likely Bernie Sanders is on "Putin's" payroll than Jeffries and Schumer and it's not very likely although how he fumbled the issue of Russian interference in 2016 was annoying and helped Putin, although not likely on purpose.
Putin's fingerprints are all over the Epstein files -- that's his kompromat on people in government and business. He doesn't want them released, and Trump is doing whatever he can to please him. Trump is not the only powerful man who was part of Epstein's circle.
I don't see them folding. I see them everywhere. I hear their speeches. I watch their YouTube, their Reels, their Instagram posts. I read their substacks and watch their videos. They are all over this... Plus+++
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved.
In what specific way did they "fold"? You know that one of the things that weakens us is not having our leaders backs. We want everything and want it NOW or we savage our leaders. It's our worst trait. The GOP can get away with anything because (at least until the Epstein thing) the base was always with them. We quickly abandon our leadership when they don't produce miracles so we're also to blame if indeed they "fold."
We know how strong they are. They just voted to lionize Charlie Kirk as a great American. Kirk, a man who promoted hate and thought Biden should be jailed or killed.
Just watched. Very informative. Several preemptive accusations like Harris wants to do away with the country…no that’s Vance,Thiel & Curtis Yarvin. Traitorous president Biden…no that would be Trump. Every accusation is a confession or a plan. Thanks for video
Ben, I admire what you're doing and you have my support, but, as an 81yr old Brit living in London I cannot afford to support you financially. I live on a fixed income pension and it hardly covers my living expenses. I wish I could afford to pay but I just can't. Good luck to you and your brothers.
The fact that you are here is terrific. Ben is perfectly aware that they’re people who for various reasons simply can not afford to be a paid subscriber. Unlike some, Ben sees you and he understands. As do I. Please stay, and participate however that looks for you.
Hear hear Margaret! Many elderly are on fixed incomes and are already struggling to make ends meet along with people of all ages thx to the Felon Robber Baron and his wretched family and cabal who are blatantly raking in billions off of our backs. George, just the fact that you care all the way across the pond is help enough. Bless you and your fellow Brits!
I don’t think revolutions cared about what you could afford as opposed to one of the main reasons to revolt …what you can’t afford… to lose our rights and freedoms
The democrats need to become assertive! They came back in September the way they left! Wimpy! We have a handful who are doing all the work! They better unite , get vocal, point out all the wrong doing or we are screwed! We can’t let a few do all the work ! Time to unite.
To me it seems that the Democrats that are fighting back are not getting much support from the rest, less vocal members. They need to Organize, speak with one voice and be unrelenting.
We need to write to your democratic senators and congressmen in your state if you have them and tell tell they need to step up to the plate and call out everyone on the Republican side that is allowing all these rules to be broken! They need to be bombarded with calls and letters from us and we expect them to step up to the plate and make it public, file charges against Trump for violating the constitution!
But in the end they all cave, even those who are "concerned" or who swore on all the morning news shows they'd not vote for a bill that made cuts to medicaid.
Yes... contact them. If they won't answer the phone, then send a FAX or an email... Check this out for more actions and how to reach out to any member of Congress...
I love the ideas on the now what do we do, but do you have thoughts on which Dems who are not very vocal that we might have the most impact on if we call? I call the ones I know are out there working for us to tell them how much I appreciate them (and goodness you would not believe how grateful the people are that I talk to....I thank them too as they are on the front line and get so much crap from maga callers). But I don't know who to call that a little encouragement might help them stand up a bit taller and speak out a bit (or a lot) louder.
Thank you for your support George!!! I have suggested several times that there be a less expensive subscription like maybe $5 a month and I think that would help many join. Like you I am on a fixed income (although I really think basically everyone is, not just those of us here in the States on Social Security). And although this would be a nightmare, if there could be a "pot" we could contribute to ...if lots of us could put in a dollar or two a month and then that could pay for subscriptions for others... For now, what I do is at the end of the month if I have any money left I split making donations to MTN on the web page and United24 for Ukraine. Sometimes even if I don't have money left over I put a donation on my credit card hoping next month will be better!
Me too, in rural Cumbria but I’ve subscribed because I need Meidas to keep doing their powerful work. Everything happening in US affects the world. We need to know and do whatever tiny thing we can to fight the fascists everywhere
A lot of Americans-young & old- are in this very same position.
I have done my max & more: subscriptions for myself, my S/O & my adult daughter.
What I find truly difficult is that there are SO MANY independent, extremely valuable voices that need to be supported.
My hope is that some can join together under some beneficial & supportive collaborative so I can support more with my extremely (I exist on disability alone) resources.
So, PLEASE, Substack voices- can you find a way to package yourselves so we can ALL benefit? 🤞🙏🏻🤞
Dear George , I would be so happy to gift you a subscription to Meidas Touch Network . If there is a why to do this , I hope Ben Meiselas will let me know . Sincerely , Lisa
Lisa, you're so kind to offer me a subscription. I've been a viewer of Meidas Touch since it started, and watch every video. I also save the most important posts (I have around 4-5000) as I feel it's an important part of US history that my grandchildren will be able to go through long after I'm gone. Until Covid struck I was a regular visitor to the US, I was working then and could afford the flights and I stayed with US friends in Nashville and Washington. Covid cost me my job and therefore my income and I was obliged to resort to my pension. In the UK we have the worst pensions in the whole of Europe and many countries further afield. Thankfully we still get free medical treatment. OK, it's not 'free' but paid for through general taxation but it's mainly free at the point of use.
We the people! Remember this, we are the ones who will save democracy. We need to get off our butts and do something ourselves. If you can’t give money, then send emails , make phone calls, send postcards, get out and protest. I’m canvassing today to make sure everyone here in California votes yes, on proposition 50, the election rigging response act. The last election sadly was won by the maga people. Not enough of the Democrats got out and voted. This needs to change. WE the people. Amen.
Thank you for your support from "across the pond". It's important for everyone who is able worldwide to keep fighting for freedom and empathy for our fellow human beings.
I hope that your country does not have to face this type of takeover once again, that "the mustached man" from the 1940's tried to accomplish. Please spread the word to your fellow countrypersons that not all Americans are in support of what is happening politically over here.
I feel you. So many great independent newsletters, but so little cash to cover them all. I intend to pay for this one with the money I won't spend renewing my subscription to the Washington Post which FINALLY runs out soon!
The struggle is real everyday. Never stop fighting the good fight. “A little good news today”, My grandson was born at 1:30 this morning! I’m deeply grateful for everyone fighting to make things right for our future and for the future of all of our families. I love you all
Congratulations. That is good news! My granddaughter was born a month ago. With everything going on, I kinda feel like I'm stuck on an emotional roller coaster. But I believe in my bones that events will happen as they must and we will get thru it and see better days for our grandbabies..🫶
Congratulations 🎉! Your grandson’s future is what we are all in this fight for. May it be bright, clean, and free from authoritarianism! We can do this for all of us, but especially for the little ones!
I appreciate that. Thank you. I can’t even tell you how good it feels to have so many fighting for everyone. I find the good in everything no matter what is happening. There is good. Sometimes you just have to look harder. And I won’t give up fighting for mine and all of yours. Today is a good Sunday.
Congratulations, Connie! I became a first time abuela at the end of August, and my grandson is such a sweetie. We have to fight for them to live in a better world.
That is good news!!!! And sometimes it's news like what you have shared that gives us that extra push to keep fighting..a great reminder of just why we are doing all we can!
And I am fighting for my grandchildren as well - I have been an activist since my college years in the '60's and have seen it all - and have marched, canvassed and grieved. I never thought I'd be fighting for the rights we won long ago again. Now at 83 years old, I'm still doing all I can - and fortunately I can lend a good bit of financial support to the fight. I don't want to see our country fold and give in. I am too old to relocate and I won't suffer the worst consequences of living under a fascist for too many years - BUT - and this is a big BUT - I have one of the most brilliant granddaughters who is now a college sophomore and has so much promise and potential - she is certified off the charts genius with a good heart and all the sweetness to go with it. Her field is science - and her love of learning and research is now being threatened by our cruel government. I am fighting for her and her little sister who is following close behind her and has so much potential. For years as we've watched the climate crisis unfold, we've put our faith in the upcoming generation to help solve that and other problems to make the planet survive with dignity and quality of life. To see our high tech innovators turn their backs on science and democracy was the first blow to strike - now to see so many young people being brainwashed by the ultra right and becoming more radicalized by the right making a martyr of Kirk, it's even more frightening to watch how much harder it's becoming to fight back. If we don't succeed at stopping Trump and bringing our country back to sanity in the next year, I fear we will never do it. I can see a future for my children and grandchildren that will now include living in the America I grew up in and loved. They will get out before it is too late! Right now we're being protected by living in blue states with strong governors - but how long will that last. I am not giving up - but I am less hopeful that we can stop the train wreck that is moving faster every day.
I am the Debbie Downer in this thread. But, my motivation is true. When I think of a newborn, I also think of the newborn Palestinian baby in Gaza who, obviously, doesn't have much of a future, if any. The main emotion there is probably despair. If we here in the US aren't willing to fight the fascist regime even to being imprisoned or worse, what is to say your grandchildren won't end up like Palestinians in Gaza? We need to resist. To fight. With all we have.
Thank you for all you’ve done and are doing. I have 5 well grounded children also and now 3 grandchildren. I will never stop. Some of my kids are in a very strong state. They make good choices and have my will to fight for what’s right. Thank you for commenting I appreciate hearing about others. And I believe we will make it out the other end.
Thanks Ben for delivering us the truth and for putting together this network. I have spoken to a couple of MAGA voters that live on my block here in Dayton, Ohio - they are not happy and are worried about some of the same things we are (healthcare & finances) and feel as though Trump has let them down. We must continue spreading word about this network and grow this community, our efforts are working.
I truly beleive the shit will hit the fan when a huge number of MAGAs finally realize that all they ever meant to Trump was a vote. I'm not a *I told you so* type of person, but this is the exception to my rule. I'll be ecstatic and shout it from the rooftops!
There is very little community consciousness anymore…it has to hit home before the majority of ppl wake the ‘F’ up!! And yes, we will be screaming w/ you!
Your Sunday posts while drinking my coffee are my favorite as well! Thank you so much for what you do. I’m already a free subscriber…but I do have some free’d up money now from canceling Disney/Hulu/HBO! 👌🫶✌️
I cut it all months ago. The extra money is great. I am still waiting for my checks for being a protestor. Talk about the checks in the mail! l 😆 🤣 😂 😹
I was watching MSNBC last night and Andy Bashear of Kentucky said if the government does shut down, Republicans own it. They have all three branches of government and it may pass in the house but it didn't pass in the Senate. I think Republican Senators are waking up and saying that what he is doing is wrong. Free speech, voting rights, women's rights, workers rights to a union. He is out of control. Free speech will be hard for him to get rid of because the Supreme Court voted 9-0 that free speech is essential in our country. I can't figure out why this is happening in the most free country in the world. I think MAGA is waking up too, not all of them but I think enough that Republicans will lose the majority in 2026 and will lose the white house in 2028. People are tired of living paycheck to paycheck. Prices are out of control and its all Trump's fault. Trump needs to be impeached. Even my congressman in Massachusetts has been getting death threats to him, his family and staff. This is what this idiot has caused and it was because he had the foresight to talk about how awful Jimmy Kimmel getting fired and free speech for me, not thee. We need to stand up and fight back, otherwise more and more people will get threats or even end up in jail. Thanks Ben for always bringing us the truth and you, your family and brothers stay safe.
Canadians love Americans, however, USA was never considered the most free country in the world. But that is what Americans were taught in American schools. Much of the rest of the world was taught about the entire world.
I love Canada as well. I'm really talking about the freedoms we already had as opposed to countries with dictators and authoritarians. Now any freedom we had he will suppress or do away with altogether. I actually will be going up to Canada probably in November, Vancouver. My fiance's son is there while his dad was in Gaza. I'm looking forward to doing some sightseeing while I am there. Theh one place I need to visit before I die is the hockey hall of fame, lol. You have a great day Kim.
Actually its my fiance and he isn't in Gaza anymore, thank God. He got out of there before the war so I am thankful for that. But I do always pray that God watches out for him and my soon to be stepson. Thank you so much and I hope God watches over you and your family as well!!!
You are so right!!! It's pretty easy to give a brief litany of how not free/equal justice for all we have been/are...the Puritans sure weren't accepting of other religions, then there were those folks in VA that brought slavery, and then all of the folks who booted out the Native Americans, and then the whole slavery thing that lasted for so long, only to be ended by a civil war, then great discrimination against various waves of immigrants who came here from other nations, then decimating against our own when California enacted the "No Oakies" laws during the dust bowl....and those things are just off the top of my head!! But, no, except the Civil war were pretty much were not taught any of that (and now the Republicans want to redo our history books to say slavery wasn't bad at all, in fact is was good for the slaves). So I am very very thankful that the rest of the world keeps more accurate accounts of the US, and now more than ever that is going to be important as the Republicans rewrite all our history and support trumps pronouncements that he is at worst the third best president after Washington and Lincoln, but in their eyes (and of course his) the best president ever. Stay strong Canada and keep good records of how trump and the GOP took our nation from a nation with a difficult history that did end of doing a lot of good things to a nation that is a fascist third world nation with lousy education, lousy health care, the greatest gulf between rich and poor, basically no civil rights, and a lot more poverty than ever before. Please keep the reality alive!
I appreciate Canada right now for taking in Ansley and his family. This is a Haitian refugee who came here after being beaten and getting death threats back home, and was "adopted" and sponsored by a couple in our church. He is such a lovely man! He was doing everything by the book, had legal status, eventually brought his family here — and then Trump was elected and threatening to strip legal status from refugees. Luckily, he and his wife both had relatives in Canada, the couple here jumped through hoops to get them to the border, and they are now happily in Montreal with their two kids.
Looking forward to massive protest on Oct.18, but more than that - an organized walkout, a collaborative union strike, all the unions from teachers to teamsters - demanding this lawlessness stop. Who can organize this? Don’t care about a government shutdown. As far as I’m concerned, it shut down Jan. 20.
Something anyone can do is vote with their pocketbook. BOYCOTT the corporations funding this regime. We did a damn good job tanking Tesla (and thank you to the Europeans who really helped!), we are hurting Target big time, and Disney is learning about FAFO with their cancellation page crashing repeatedly since they fired Kimmel.
I would get rid of all Disney affiliated TV but my husband only watches sports; taking ESPN away from him would make my life utterly miserable. But we don't pay for Hulu OR Disney+; we still have cable --because watching anything with balls (or pucks, or horses, or cars) makes him happy and keeps him out of my hair. (wink )
Walking out of what? I work from home and part of my job is disseminating information about how the Ohio GOP is stabbing us in the back. I don;'t know of anyone who could organize this because we're a huge diverse country, not like smaller countries such as France that have had "general strikes."
Yes, we are going to fight! We are going to fight for our freedom and democracy. We are going to fight for what’s right in our country and not all the political posturing and deception. It is time for both parties to do what they were elected for - represent WE THE PEOPLE! The Supreme Court, the Democrats and the GOP all took the oath to uphold and protect our Constitution, and WE THE PEOPLE need to hold them to it! America and the whole world deserve better than all the lies, deceit and drama that we are given on a daily basis. Yes, we are going to for our Constitution!
Thank you Ben for your honesty, integrity and speaking truth to power!!!
You are absolutely right. They need to be called out everyday w/regards of their actions in relationship to their oath and the Constitution they swore to uphold! The only place this can be done now w/o censorship is on independent social media. Shut down legacy media, shut down our economy as much as we can by boycotting any and all corporations that bend the knee to rump!
Unfortunately, we don't need a hunger report to know that people are hungry, that people are struggling to or unable to meet basic needs.
Because the need is increasing, my volunteer-based nonprofit (Homeless & Human) has joined with the Salvation Army and other nonprofits to form the Anti-Hunger Alliance. Starting on the Eastern Shore, we've got a food pantry, a class on cooking using what you have on hand, and are starting awareness campaigns.
If you'd like to be involved or would like help to set up an anti hunger program near you, please do not hesitate to reach out. Remember: every act has an impact!
Wow, you and your volunteers are amazing!!!! I have very mixed emotions about donating to food banks...I live in the Ozarks and we have the Ozarks Food Harvest here and they have been begging for donations since trump and the GOP Congress ended the federal government donations. Well, half (or maybe more) of me feels they should have had plans in place to deal with this before they voted for trump (this is a very very very red area) and I resent that I still have to basically pay the same in taxes (I'm in a low enough tax bracket the change in my rate won't come near to covering the higher costs of groceries, gas, insurance) and they want me to help them too. I'd think that the really rich folks who got the big tax breaks would be stepping up enough so that they don't have to ask anyone else for help. So for now what I do when I have a little money left over at the end of the month I split what I have between MTN and United 24 (the Ukrainian charity). The folks in Ukraine did not vote for the war they are in and it disgusts me that the GOP Congress has abandoned them and now all our (former) allies in the Baltic. Having said that, I also want to say keep up the good work!! I saw a new story several weeks ago from a local TV station in Texas talking about how many active military folks were relying on food banks now, and that is just disgusting that that's what the GOP thinks of our military. And I am thankful that there are good folks like you that truly embrace the word of God, and you don't ask why do you need help, you just help. For now, sadly, personally I can't get past the feeling that there needs to be consequences for your actions. But then of course there are millions suffering who did not vote for trump because of all those who did, and I that greatly saddens and confuses me as to what I should be doing.
You are so right...no matter what the GOP Congress and trump say, people know they can't afford all the groceries they want, they sure can't afford to buy a house, and if they have lost their job they know another one is hard to find. I hope for many the lies the GOP tells them about how great the economy is will indeed lead to their disillusion with the GOP and get them to give the Dems a chance (basically to restore what they lost when they voted for trump and all the GOP Congress).
Your posts and podcasts, as well as Substack generally, have replaced TV broadcasts in my life. Sitcoms, dramas, and news on traditional TV networks do not offer the kind of content that I want anymore. These times are so different from those of just a decade ago and so much worse than just ten months ago. It’s hard to believe how this nation has failed. Can we ever be truly sure that this is not just a setback but really a permanent reordering of our lives? We are all responsible but not all in a position to be the standard bearer for a change. I know looking for a hero is basically lazy, but every generation has had one. Why not this generation? Is destruction necessary before a renewal?
Well said, your post actually brought tears to my eyes. You were able to put into words***
" Can we ever be truly sure that this is not just a setback but really a permanent reordering of our lives? We are all responsible but not all in a position to be the standard bearer for a change. I know looking for a hero is basically lazy, but every generation has had one. Why not this generation? Is destruction necessary before a renewal?"***
Everything I've been carrying in my head just couldn't find the words to articulate it.
I don't think we have to allow everything to be destroyed before it can be renewed. But whatever is destroyed, we can build it back better.
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved.
The government is going to shutdown and the Democrats better not fold like a cheap suit. Millions are losing their access to healthcare and we cannot allow more to have their costs ballon. Schumer and Jeffries need to be front and center pinning this on MAGA Mike and Prince Andrew’s favorite President.
Schumer and Jeffries need to step aside and let people who can meet this moment, like we are fighting for our very existence, take the reins. There is no working with the other side. The other side approves of this shitshow and wants more.
I agree, they’ve had 8 months to stand up and do something. Schumer probably doesn’t have it in him anymore and Jeffries just isn’t a fighter. Bet Nancy Pelosi has more fight than them both.
Have you heard anything out of Pelosi lately? She can surely speak up if she's still got the fight in her. AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Jamie Raskin, Melanie Stansbury and even Tom Massie are speaking out. But when the MAGA Ratpublicons won't speak to Dems or even negotiate what would you have them do? It's like screaming into the void.
Article 25 needs to be used but even before that, Stephen Miller needs to go.
She had her hip replaced in Dec. As much as we have become used to the usual people stepping up, we had better start looking for new heroes. None of us are getting any younger.
I did not know that. I appreciate the info. Yet another story about a Democrat not being reported.
No we sure aren't getting any younger. I fear for my grandchildren and great grandkids.
Kamm, spot on 🎯
Get rid of Stephen Miller, he’s a monster!
Every Heritage member needs to be exposed and dealt with.
You're being way too polite in your description of the odious Stephen Miller. I used to think Dick Cheney was the most evil behind-the-scenes string puller who could possibly exist but I was wrong.
Yes. Isn’t it amazing how every new generation of republican gets worse, more extreme, more toxic. The party is devolving instead of evolving. The old republican guard seems moderate in comparison. The goal posts are being dragged to the right when Chris Christy, the Cheney’s, G.W.Bush are now reasonable, honest brokers. I hope it’s they who are changing, not that I’m getting numb. Maybe civility is just the latest casualty along with Free Speech, Due Process, Democracy, Justice, Kindness, Equality……..
He's a close second.
When Dems speak up it's not reported.
We are a minority party and need a few Congressional Republicans to come to their senses.
"Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) pitched a framework Saturday for breaking the government funding stalemate. Her proposal would tie three full-year funding bills — agriculture, veterans affairs and military construction, and the legislative branch — to funding through Nov. 21 for the rest of the government. It also proposes a one-year extension of the credits and extending funding the administration recently tried to claw back unilaterally.
"But Republicans are also trying to jam Democrats into accepting their bill — something Democrats have vowed not to do without a bipartisan negotiation. Schumer and Jeffries reiterated in their letter that they are “ready to work toward a bipartisan spending agreement that improves the lives of American families and addresses the Republican healthcare crisis.”
The House is currently out of town until after the shutdown deadline, meanwhile the Senate will return with less than 48 hours to go. [Majority leader] Thune said he intends to bring the GOP bill back up for another vote.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/20/trump-democrats-shutdown-meeting-00574336
See — they are doing their job, We just want them to walk on water, and I get that. I think we'd all love a miracle worker who just made Trump disappear as if he never existed.
I liked Nancy, but it's time for her to name her replacement. She's just too old to run again. Enjoy your remaining life with your family, Nancy.
I agree. She has sacrificed enough. We should let her use her voice whenever she wishes though. Very smart and successful 👏
The Democrats don't have the power to invoke article 25; not their wheelhouse. I get we're frustrating and casting about for a miracle to fix things, but come on, people.
What would that "something" be, considering they don't have the numbers? Keep in mind, their role is not to be dramatic speechifiers, holding rallies and producing sound bites but to work behind the scenes to minimize GOP damage which they have done. I've never seen such profound misunderstanding of the role of our congressional party leaders (although the excoriation of Harry Reid came close) except the attacks on the brilliant Pelosi which was mostly left-wing misogyny in my opinion. Pelosi trained Jeffries and he is doing a good job. His job isn't to be Jasmine Crockett; that is HER job.
msw is a scammer troll with a fake account. Don’t hit the link which is spam. Report and block.
Schumer needs to step down and allow someone with an ounce of guts to lead.
We need democrats who aren't in the hip pockets of corporations.
Or, beholding to Israel over USA needs, especially considering the humanitarian situation in GAZA. Our cluster bombs contributed to this destruction and large scale civilian deaths.
Let Bernie do it!!!
That would be a friggin' disaster. I know a lot of lefties are infatuated with him but he has accomplished almost nothing in his congressional career and has no leadership skills, starting with the ability to negotiate across the full range of his caucus. He's legendary for his grumpiness and treating people badly which I saw first hand when he came to Cleveland to campaign for Nina Turner's congressional campaign in 2021. This is why we probably shouldn't be commenting on leadership and educating ourselves more about the protocol and procedures of Congress instead of blaming our leaders for no performing miracles and think someone else could. (And I think I will scream if anyone says the equally unaccomplished and much less experienced AOC should be House leader.)
Also Bernie isn't as progressive as you think in his actual work in the Senate. He's the second most progressive senator—from Vermont. Maybe Peter Welch should be the Senate leader?
I guess you don't get actual news. The Senate rejected dueling stopgap spending bills on Friday: a GOP-led bill that would fund the government until Nov. 21 and a Democrat bill that would link government funding through Oct. 31 with health care policies and limits on Trump’s ability to withhold money Congress has approved.
Yes Daniel. And yet, still some defected. We are in big trouble. If the mistake DonOld made with that truth to Blondie doesn't get the attention it deserves. We are no longer a country of law and order.
SHUTDOWN. Demand change.
SHUTDOWN!!
I agree with Ellen.
It is like popping a pimple, sometimes when it is all inflamed and filled with puss you just gotta pop it and push the puss out.
I’m on Medicaid. I will die if that happens
People will not be able to afford their Healthcare without these subsidies. Negotiate
Negotiate with a strong hand, shut it down, show them you are NOT caving. The subsidies for Obamacare stay IN.
Sacrifices must be made--no one gets away unscathed in the fight for liberty and truth. Always worth whatever it takes. This is a live or die crisis, and some of us probably will die..
So you’re fine with the disabled and elderly being your martyrs? I’m not cool with that, as a disabled person on Medicaid.
I'm one of the elderly, my dear.
How did Lisa Murkowski vote?
Here is the link to find out how anyone in Congress votes on anything....
"Roll Call Votes" - https://www.congress.gov/roll-call-votes
Got it. Thanks.
Shut it Down!
Strap your spurs on and giddyup... Talk is cheap y'all.
Which people do you suggest step up if Schumer and Jeffries were to step aside?
If Schumer and Jeffries can’t fight and will crack under pressure, then let Jasmine Crockett and Melanie Stansbury do the job!! I know there are others that would stand behind them and not give in. I really like Jeffries but idk what’s going on with him lately and why he’s not fighting like he used to. It’s just time for Schumer to step down!
Jasmine Crockett would be a great choice for the House Leader. For the Senate, despite his age Bernie has more fight than half the caucus put together.
True!! Bernie should have been president. I also forgot to add AOC and if those 3 ladies could band together I think they can do great things!! Right now they are fighting separately and in today’s world you need a group!
Donna, I agree with you completely 💜
This is why we should leave governing to professionals. I can think of about 50 Democrats (or more) in congress better suited for leadership roles. Bernie would've been a terrible president; thank god we nipped that in the bud.
James, you are absolutely correct! The women are much better fighters as usual!
No, she would not. The job of House leader is not to make fiery speeches and rouse the public. I love Jasmine Crockett but she has no position in leadership, not even the types of entry level positions that future leaders such as Joe Neguse and Lauren Underwood have, which means she would come in like a high school biology student asked to do brain surgery. She's not prepared. She has her own valuable role.
I agree that Schumer needs to step down. He does not respond to any of my emails.
Same here. Also, no one ever answers his phone. His staff sent to blame for unanswered emails. He hires and directs them. Or at least he should do so.
That would be his staff. At least Durbin and Duckworth respond.
Mike Quigley is a democratic congressman that responds and speaks out as well.
So is my Shontel Brown. "My" Senator Bernie Moron-o sends the same email no matter what you write him about and "my" other senator Jon Useless hardly responds at all except to send you an occasional non-response email telling you about the great work he is doing(isn't) doing.
EVERY American needs to FIGHT LIKE HELL NOWWWWW for democracy...EVERYONE NEEEDS TO DO EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY CAN.. it's long past time, or very very soon you will not have a country left to fight for. (USA is now officially thought of as a dictatorship.) This is insanity.
What exactly would you have every American do? We protest, we support the good leaders, we boycott, we write and call our Reps and Senators. What else would you have us do? Please, WHAT ELSE?
It would be great if more and more Americans were like that. :) And if more people spoke up in the media ~ ESPECIALLY more celebrites, and EXPERTS. If people donated to more democracy causes (IF THEY WERE ABLE TO). If people had massive fundraisers to fight for democracy. HUGE concerts. HUGE awareness campaigns. Something as silly as putting stickers and flyers EVERYWHERE. If more people boycotted and protested. If there were MORE massive PROTESTS. If people camped out near the whorehouse, I mean whitehouse 24/7. If more youtubers became alll about democracy... wayyy more voices and public voices. WALKOUTS FROM WORK EN MASSE. WAY MORE VOICES ARE NEEDED and way more action. Way more outside the box action. MORE documentaries about what EXACTLY is happening. Researching and boycotting all MAGA companies.. huge databases with alll the info of who to boycott. Putting up signs on lawns. Everyone attending everything they can. HUUUUUGE FREE CONCERTS !!! And I'm sure there are zillions of other things which could be done and thought of.
More and more people are getting involved every day. It's a process. Hopefully more will show up on October 18. (I assume everyone here will find a "No Kings" rally to attend?) And as someone with a lifelong career in the music business, I can tell you that "HUUUUUUGE FREE CONCERTS" are one of the emptiest and most sheerly performative gestures. People are there for the headliners and go home and forget about any action they were asked to take.
PS BANDAID concerts raised hundreds of millions of dollars, as did many many many many many other concerts throughout history.
Yes, they raised hundreds of millions of dollars for a specific cause and people didn't mind paying because they got to see famous people. But I wonder how many people became activists and continued to work on behalf of these causes after the concerts. They were mostly for "easy" issues such as hunger than could be addressed by throwing money at them. They weren't about challenging democracy or the status quo or getting people directly involved. Concerts don't do that; they raise money. what would they be raising money for here?
Massive concerts SPREAD AWARENESS. And I think most would agreee that tons more needs to be done. Tons more EVERYTHING. It's only a country at stake. It's only EVERY SINGLE THING at stake...
"Awareness" is nothing. You don't educate many people at a concert. It's not a place for changing minds or providing serious information. I've been involved in these since the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 and despite the huge selling album and involvement of a Beatle, virtually no one was any more aware of Bangladesh.
Look behind the curtain on the voting process. Statistical analysis of the 2024 election shows signs of election fraud. Big time. Some vote tabulators in PA were not certified. There were last minute code changes that were not reviewed as required. All sorts of stories. Our target needs to be boards of elections, scrutinizing every step. (Stats done by election truth alliance and smart elections )
And Tom (not nice ICE) Homan has been caught taking a $50,000 cash bribe on video before the election, allegedly for getting people to vote for tRUMP
No. It was not about voting. The FBI posed as business men and offered the bribe in return for preferential access to government contracts. 👹
Thank you for the correction. I was misinformed about the reason for the bribe. (I do not ever want to intentionally spread false information).
No, no credible information shows that. There was no serious issue with vote tabulators anywhere that would've changed a result. There are all sorts of conspiracy theories because it's hard for us to accept the result, and our fantasies (about 2016) enabled Trump to spread HIS fantasies about 2020.
I worked for my board of elections; they are super-scrutinized and super-nonpartisan, about the most bureaucratic and by-the-book organizations you can think of. Clinging to the fantasy that we actually won but somehow the voting system was rigged blinds us to how they ACTUALLY "rigged" it: not by sinister manipulation of voting tabulators, but by voter suppression and voter discouragement on a major scale.
I've been studying election issues for 20 years so I could give you dozens of examples but here's just one. A friend of mine (who was sworn in as a citizen Friday — yay, Bella!) has been doing work for the Young Latino Network and when I saw her at their booth at a recent festival, the conversation came around to why Puerto Ricans (a large chunk of our population here) hardly vote at all. She told me that they are fed misinformation about whether they are eligible (they are) and what happens when ineligible people try to vote, so they just wash their hands of it and don't turn out. Do you think this confusion is accidental?
We need to stop buying into these fantasies about voting machines and start pushing back against the misinformation being fed to people and the obstacles being placed in the way of voting.
Yes there are a lot of things going on. I agree voter education is very much needed. Multiple things like how confirm a vote was recorded for you.
The statistics of the aggregate votes show the underlying algorithm. This is the same evaluation method used when election fraud experts (PhD folks) look at other countries like Russia and Georgia. Small sample audits do not pick this up. It’s not proof, it’s evidence. You can pick apart one method and claim it’s a sign of block voting. Then you can look at drop-off rates and see that swing states are very different. Discount that look at flipped counties. All turning red. Never has happened before. Discount that, you can move onto a public confession by the president-elect. We all know they have little regard for the law right? I and others want to quit giving them the benefit of the doubt and verify the vote with paper ballot recounts large enough to thoroughly evaluate this without having to sue the board of elections. We have 22 months. What exactly is the downside of that?
I think wearing us down with the 2016 allegations was part of their strategy. Accurately tallying the vote is so very important I and many others want to verify the accuracy of the vote.
Thanks for the discussion.
All of that has been looked at and there is zero evidence of problems within the voting system. I'm sorry this narrative ever got started and our side started it in 2004 with allegations that were frankly ridiculous. (I'm extremely well acquainted with them because they started here in Ohio.) She have paper ballots and they are verified, and there is no hanky panky going on at boards of election, no matter how hard Republicans tried to find some in 2020. But the ramped-up efforts to prevent people from being able to cast a ballot or have their ballot counted, or to scare people from voting, should be heavily watched and fought back against. THIS is their strategy, nt some near-impossible technical thing with the voting system. More stuff like threatening to station ICE outside voting locations and stop anyone who looks Hispanic for questioning. If you were Puerto Rican — a legal resident and legal voter because Puerto Ricans are — and knew you might lose an hour or more being questioned by ICE outside a polling place, would you vote?
There are still SO MANY people who aren't doing a single thing. Most of my friends, in fact. It's just as frustrating and painful as having family members that follow MAGA, which I also have. Point is, it sounds like you and a percentage of people are taking on the beast, while others have excuses. Thank you for leaning in with us!!
I agree. I’m so surprised and disheartened that people with megaphones greater than ours are not to be seen.
Here are the other things that you and anyone else can do in addition to or instead of what you have already listed. We are in the campaign season now and we need to rebuild our democracy from the ground up. Check this out: "Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
***
https://substack.com/@bluesmurf
So sorry to disillusion you, but "EVERY American" isn't going to fight for democracy. Americans aren't a homogeneous group wanting the same thing. I suspect that they're like Canadians in that respect.
To feel optimistic is to feel divine. Fight for DEMOCRACY. Fight for KNOWLEDGE. Fight to get rid of bots.
It's so irritating when people post things like, "Sorry to disillusion you." And you understand that the post was communicating a distress signal. We passed hopes for a homogeneous America, literally centuries ago. What we need now is to welcome anyone and everyone who sees the con, and lean in together.
I do not believe you are correct that "we passed hopes for a homogeneous America, literally centuries ago." There are still many people looking for homogeneity, which mostly translates into trying to make America -- or more accurately, the United States -- a white, fundamentalist Christian country. The belief that "EVERY American" wants the same thing contributed to Dems losing the presidency. And as far as welcoming "anyone and everyone who sees the con," that's not for me. You can see the con -- if you're referring to Trumpty Dumpty -- acknowledge what a thug he is, and yet still truly believe women should only be valued if they're trad wives and OK to force to give birth, even to a child conceived by rape. Thanks but no thanks to "lean[ing] in together" with them.
You've misunderstood too much for me to correct. But I will assure you that I'm am leaning AGAINST all that Trump, MAGA, and The Heritage Foundation represents. I think I was clear on that, but I'm glad to repeat my stance until the end of time. Best regards, my fellow commenter.
I am worried Schumer and Jeffries are on Putin’s/Trump’s corrupt payroll now. He either has significant dirt on them after stealing the secret files, has paid them off, or both. Basic mobster tactics. Our focus needs to be on how to prevent the rigging of the midterms. I’m pretty sure the Magats are going to win just like they did in 2020 “bigly” if we do not do everything in what is left of our power to protect and defend the free elections. And find a way to get the free press back. I just don’t have the answers on how to do it. I was hoping Obama/Hillary/ Bernie/ our OGs could provide guidance. So far it seems like they just want us protesting and voting. If we can’t use courtrooms to stop the steal and the pedo can manufacture whatever laws now with the fake SCOTPedo, what do we do?
Rallying and Voting are important, but each one of is not an island unto ourselves. We are a big 'ole continent and we have the numbers to hold our democracy no matter who else won't or can't. We have to be the dam behind our leaders and boost them up. We have to get our candidates ready for the next election no matter what comes down the road next Summer/Fall. We need to get out there and do everything we can to put our people back in the elected seats... Numbers matter and your "one" number adds to all the other "numbers!"
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved. If you want other ideas on what you can do, check this out:
"Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
***
https://substack.com/@bluesmurf
Maybe start with local state, County election boards, and Secretary Of State to concentrate on.🤔
It’s where the GOP started. Having the state houses, courts , etc allowed them to exert control.
I’m not a huge fan of Schumer and Jeffries but I don’t think they are in bed with the Russians! That’s a very big jump to take. I just wish Schumer would retire and Jeffries had a modicum of charisma!👹
I'm afraid of this, too. I'm tuning in more and more to election truth alliance about last cycle's vote counts. I'm sorry that I can't recall the name of the other task force involved in vote counts. Last week, a group self-named, "GenZ" in Tibet, voted for their new leader- a woman under 20! on DISCORD! And had her sworn in within the week!! Nepal has been struggling for -ever- so, this isn't meant to sound easy. But it does inspire me that some creative organizing can make that difference, and that we need to think BIGGER! But unless the big protest organizers has a plan emerging, I have only hope about our elections- and not much.
It's time to stop attributing every bad thing to politicians being bought by Putin. That is conspiracy 101.
This is nonsense, and I think it shows a certain derangement on our parts, understandable given the present situation, but not helpful in fighting back. it's more likely Bernie Sanders is on "Putin's" payroll than Jeffries and Schumer and it's not very likely although how he fumbled the issue of Russian interference in 2016 was annoying and helped Putin, although not likely on purpose.
Putin's fingerprints are all over the Epstein files -- that's his kompromat on people in government and business. He doesn't want them released, and Trump is doing whatever he can to please him. Trump is not the only powerful man who was part of Epstein's circle.
"it's more likely Bernie Sanders is on "Putin's" payroll than Jeffries and Schumer" ? That is nonsense. Pure and utter nonsense.
A few days ago it seemed that the Democrats were finally ready to fight and take no prisoners. Now why are they already folding? Sad!
I don't see them folding. I see them everywhere. I hear their speeches. I watch their YouTube, their Reels, their Instagram posts. I read their substacks and watch their videos. They are all over this... Plus+++
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved.
"Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
***
https://substack.com/@bluesmurf
In what specific way did they "fold"? You know that one of the things that weakens us is not having our leaders backs. We want everything and want it NOW or we savage our leaders. It's our worst trait. The GOP can get away with anything because (at least until the Epstein thing) the base was always with them. We quickly abandon our leadership when they don't produce miracles so we're also to blame if indeed they "fold."
We know how strong they are. They just voted to lionize Charlie Kirk as a great American. Kirk, a man who promoted hate and thought Biden should be jailed or killed.
Everyone should watch this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oVcnGg1w2Y
Just watched. Very informative. Several preemptive accusations like Harris wants to do away with the country…no that’s Vance,Thiel & Curtis Yarvin. Traitorous president Biden…no that would be Trump. Every accusation is a confession or a plan. Thanks for video
I couldn't get past the first minute.
Schumer was totally not convincing that he'll fold
Agreed
Doesn't matter since The Republican Cult in Congress is derelict in their duty - why pay them?
With the way this regime has already trashed the framework of US Government, how does one even recognize anymore that it's been shut down?
Ben, I admire what you're doing and you have my support, but, as an 81yr old Brit living in London I cannot afford to support you financially. I live on a fixed income pension and it hardly covers my living expenses. I wish I could afford to pay but I just can't. Good luck to you and your brothers.
The fact that you are here is terrific. Ben is perfectly aware that they’re people who for various reasons simply can not afford to be a paid subscriber. Unlike some, Ben sees you and he understands. As do I. Please stay, and participate however that looks for you.
Hear hear Margaret! Many elderly are on fixed incomes and are already struggling to make ends meet along with people of all ages thx to the Felon Robber Baron and his wretched family and cabal who are blatantly raking in billions off of our backs. George, just the fact that you care all the way across the pond is help enough. Bless you and your fellow Brits!
Your words and speaking truth to power, are needed more than money. Keep speaking out. Do not leave. Subscribing is free. You are still needed . ✌️ ☮️
So true Ramona!
I don’t think revolutions cared about what you could afford as opposed to one of the main reasons to revolt …what you can’t afford… to lose our rights and freedoms
Right!
The democrats need to become assertive! They came back in September the way they left! Wimpy! We have a handful who are doing all the work! They better unite , get vocal, point out all the wrong doing or we are screwed! We can’t let a few do all the work ! Time to unite.
To me it seems that the Democrats that are fighting back are not getting much support from the rest, less vocal members. They need to Organize, speak with one voice and be unrelenting.
We need to write to your democratic senators and congressmen in your state if you have them and tell tell they need to step up to the plate and call out everyone on the Republican side that is allowing all these rules to be broken! They need to be bombarded with calls and letters from us and we expect them to step up to the plate and make it public, file charges against Trump for violating the constitution!
Have you noticed that Democrats in Congress vote as a bloc while the GOP struggles to get all its members on board?
But in the end they all cave, even those who are "concerned" or who swore on all the morning news shows they'd not vote for a bill that made cuts to medicaid.
Well, if it was trump, he'll threaten to Primary, if someone doesn't tow the line.
Any ideas for how we reach those less vocal members?
Yes... contact them. If they won't answer the phone, then send a FAX or an email... Check this out for more actions and how to reach out to any member of Congress...
"Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
***
https://substack.com/@bluesmurf
I love the ideas on the now what do we do, but do you have thoughts on which Dems who are not very vocal that we might have the most impact on if we call? I call the ones I know are out there working for us to tell them how much I appreciate them (and goodness you would not believe how grateful the people are that I talk to....I thank them too as they are on the front line and get so much crap from maga callers). But I don't know who to call that a little encouragement might help them stand up a bit taller and speak out a bit (or a lot) louder.
Call any and all of them... I'm sure they would love to hear a supportive voice on the other end of the line.
Thank you for standing behind us Americans
Another UK pensioner here echoing George. Keep up the good work Ben, we know where this political behavior leads.
And another 🏴
Thank you for your support George!!! I have suggested several times that there be a less expensive subscription like maybe $5 a month and I think that would help many join. Like you I am on a fixed income (although I really think basically everyone is, not just those of us here in the States on Social Security). And although this would be a nightmare, if there could be a "pot" we could contribute to ...if lots of us could put in a dollar or two a month and then that could pay for subscriptions for others... For now, what I do is at the end of the month if I have any money left I split making donations to MTN on the web page and United24 for Ukraine. Sometimes even if I don't have money left over I put a donation on my credit card hoping next month will be better!
Me too, in rural Cumbria but I’ve subscribed because I need Meidas to keep doing their powerful work. Everything happening in US affects the world. We need to know and do whatever tiny thing we can to fight the fascists everywhere
A lot of Americans-young & old- are in this very same position.
I have done my max & more: subscriptions for myself, my S/O & my adult daughter.
What I find truly difficult is that there are SO MANY independent, extremely valuable voices that need to be supported.
My hope is that some can join together under some beneficial & supportive collaborative so I can support more with my extremely (I exist on disability alone) resources.
So, PLEASE, Substack voices- can you find a way to package yourselves so we can ALL benefit? 🤞🙏🏻🤞
Dear George , I would be so happy to gift you a subscription to Meidas Touch Network . If there is a why to do this , I hope Ben Meiselas will let me know . Sincerely , Lisa
Lisa, you're so kind to offer me a subscription. I've been a viewer of Meidas Touch since it started, and watch every video. I also save the most important posts (I have around 4-5000) as I feel it's an important part of US history that my grandchildren will be able to go through long after I'm gone. Until Covid struck I was a regular visitor to the US, I was working then and could afford the flights and I stayed with US friends in Nashville and Washington. Covid cost me my job and therefore my income and I was obliged to resort to my pension. In the UK we have the worst pensions in the whole of Europe and many countries further afield. Thankfully we still get free medical treatment. OK, it's not 'free' but paid for through general taxation but it's mainly free at the point of use.
We the people! Remember this, we are the ones who will save democracy. We need to get off our butts and do something ourselves. If you can’t give money, then send emails , make phone calls, send postcards, get out and protest. I’m canvassing today to make sure everyone here in California votes yes, on proposition 50, the election rigging response act. The last election sadly was won by the maga people. Not enough of the Democrats got out and voted. This needs to change. WE the people. Amen.
Thank you for your support from "across the pond". It's important for everyone who is able worldwide to keep fighting for freedom and empathy for our fellow human beings.
I hope that your country does not have to face this type of takeover once again, that "the mustached man" from the 1940's tried to accomplish. Please spread the word to your fellow countrypersons that not all Americans are in support of what is happening politically over here.
What's up with Schumer and Jeffries asking for a meeting with Cankles? I swear if these two end up folding they need to be ridiculed and fired!
I feel you. So many great independent newsletters, but so little cash to cover them all. I intend to pay for this one with the money I won't spend renewing my subscription to the Washington Post which FINALLY runs out soon!
The struggle is real everyday. Never stop fighting the good fight. “A little good news today”, My grandson was born at 1:30 this morning! I’m deeply grateful for everyone fighting to make things right for our future and for the future of all of our families. I love you all
Congratulations to your family Connie. Nothing is more perfect in life than the innocence of a brand new life❣️
Thank you. That’s for sure. He definitely is precious and made me remember the good is here too.
God bless your grandson and his family. May the world become better for him and all the young ones of today.
That means the world to me.There’s nothing better on earth than seeing Gods eyes in a baby’s. My fight just got stronger. Thank you 😊
Congrats on birth of grandchild and still thinking positive.
Thank you.
Congratulations. That is good news! My granddaughter was born a month ago. With everything going on, I kinda feel like I'm stuck on an emotional roller coaster. But I believe in my bones that events will happen as they must and we will get thru it and see better days for our grandbabies..🫶
Thank you. Congratulations to you also. We will get through this.
Congrats! Blessings abound!!!!!
Thank you very much
Congratulations 🎉! Your grandson’s future is what we are all in this fight for. May it be bright, clean, and free from authoritarianism! We can do this for all of us, but especially for the little ones!
I appreciate that. Thank you. I can’t even tell you how good it feels to have so many fighting for everyone. I find the good in everything no matter what is happening. There is good. Sometimes you just have to look harder. And I won’t give up fighting for mine and all of yours. Today is a good Sunday.
Bless you, bless you, bless you and congratulations. Wishing you joy, wonder, and some sleep.
Yes sleep lol. Thank you bless you also. Happy sunday
Congratulations to Connie! Welcome to the world new one!
That qualifies as the best news of the day! Congratulations! to the babies mama and husband!
Thank you very much. I will let them know. ❤️
Congratulations, Connie! I became a first time abuela at the end of August, and my grandson is such a sweetie. We have to fight for them to live in a better world.
Yes we do. Together.
That is good news!!!! And sometimes it's news like what you have shared that gives us that extra push to keep fighting..a great reminder of just why we are doing all we can!
Thank you. Everyone needs some good news to spark energy to keep fighting.
And I am fighting for my grandchildren as well - I have been an activist since my college years in the '60's and have seen it all - and have marched, canvassed and grieved. I never thought I'd be fighting for the rights we won long ago again. Now at 83 years old, I'm still doing all I can - and fortunately I can lend a good bit of financial support to the fight. I don't want to see our country fold and give in. I am too old to relocate and I won't suffer the worst consequences of living under a fascist for too many years - BUT - and this is a big BUT - I have one of the most brilliant granddaughters who is now a college sophomore and has so much promise and potential - she is certified off the charts genius with a good heart and all the sweetness to go with it. Her field is science - and her love of learning and research is now being threatened by our cruel government. I am fighting for her and her little sister who is following close behind her and has so much potential. For years as we've watched the climate crisis unfold, we've put our faith in the upcoming generation to help solve that and other problems to make the planet survive with dignity and quality of life. To see our high tech innovators turn their backs on science and democracy was the first blow to strike - now to see so many young people being brainwashed by the ultra right and becoming more radicalized by the right making a martyr of Kirk, it's even more frightening to watch how much harder it's becoming to fight back. If we don't succeed at stopping Trump and bringing our country back to sanity in the next year, I fear we will never do it. I can see a future for my children and grandchildren that will now include living in the America I grew up in and loved. They will get out before it is too late! Right now we're being protected by living in blue states with strong governors - but how long will that last. I am not giving up - but I am less hopeful that we can stop the train wreck that is moving faster every day.
I am the Debbie Downer in this thread. But, my motivation is true. When I think of a newborn, I also think of the newborn Palestinian baby in Gaza who, obviously, doesn't have much of a future, if any. The main emotion there is probably despair. If we here in the US aren't willing to fight the fascist regime even to being imprisoned or worse, what is to say your grandchildren won't end up like Palestinians in Gaza? We need to resist. To fight. With all we have.
Thank you for all you’ve done and are doing. I have 5 well grounded children also and now 3 grandchildren. I will never stop. Some of my kids are in a very strong state. They make good choices and have my will to fight for what’s right. Thank you for commenting I appreciate hearing about others. And I believe we will make it out the other end.
Thanks Ben for delivering us the truth and for putting together this network. I have spoken to a couple of MAGA voters that live on my block here in Dayton, Ohio - they are not happy and are worried about some of the same things we are (healthcare & finances) and feel as though Trump has let them down. We must continue spreading word about this network and grow this community, our efforts are working.
I truly beleive the shit will hit the fan when a huge number of MAGAs finally realize that all they ever meant to Trump was a vote. I'm not a *I told you so* type of person, but this is the exception to my rule. I'll be ecstatic and shout it from the rooftops!
There is very little community consciousness anymore…it has to hit home before the majority of ppl wake the ‘F’ up!! And yes, we will be screaming w/ you!
For some, until they feel it, until it hits them personally, there will be no turnaround. As for the diehard, weak-minded, don't count on it.
I hear ya!
Your Sunday posts while drinking my coffee are my favorite as well! Thank you so much for what you do. I’m already a free subscriber…but I do have some free’d up money now from canceling Disney/Hulu/HBO! 👌🫶✌️
I cut it all months ago. The extra money is great. I am still waiting for my checks for being a protestor. Talk about the checks in the mail! l 😆 🤣 😂 😹
I was watching MSNBC last night and Andy Bashear of Kentucky said if the government does shut down, Republicans own it. They have all three branches of government and it may pass in the house but it didn't pass in the Senate. I think Republican Senators are waking up and saying that what he is doing is wrong. Free speech, voting rights, women's rights, workers rights to a union. He is out of control. Free speech will be hard for him to get rid of because the Supreme Court voted 9-0 that free speech is essential in our country. I can't figure out why this is happening in the most free country in the world. I think MAGA is waking up too, not all of them but I think enough that Republicans will lose the majority in 2026 and will lose the white house in 2028. People are tired of living paycheck to paycheck. Prices are out of control and its all Trump's fault. Trump needs to be impeached. Even my congressman in Massachusetts has been getting death threats to him, his family and staff. This is what this idiot has caused and it was because he had the foresight to talk about how awful Jimmy Kimmel getting fired and free speech for me, not thee. We need to stand up and fight back, otherwise more and more people will get threats or even end up in jail. Thanks Ben for always bringing us the truth and you, your family and brothers stay safe.
Canadians love Americans, however, USA was never considered the most free country in the world. But that is what Americans were taught in American schools. Much of the rest of the world was taught about the entire world.
I love Canada as well. I'm really talking about the freedoms we already had as opposed to countries with dictators and authoritarians. Now any freedom we had he will suppress or do away with altogether. I actually will be going up to Canada probably in November, Vancouver. My fiance's son is there while his dad was in Gaza. I'm looking forward to doing some sightseeing while I am there. Theh one place I need to visit before I die is the hockey hall of fame, lol. You have a great day Kim.
Have an amazzzzing trip. The rockies are nearby and are breathtaking. Hope you have the chance to come back again and again. xo
May your soon to be father-in-law be protected over in Gaza and return Stateside safely.
Actually its my fiance and he isn't in Gaza anymore, thank God. He got out of there before the war so I am thankful for that. But I do always pray that God watches out for him and my soon to be stepson. Thank you so much and I hope God watches over you and your family as well!!!
You are so right!!! It's pretty easy to give a brief litany of how not free/equal justice for all we have been/are...the Puritans sure weren't accepting of other religions, then there were those folks in VA that brought slavery, and then all of the folks who booted out the Native Americans, and then the whole slavery thing that lasted for so long, only to be ended by a civil war, then great discrimination against various waves of immigrants who came here from other nations, then decimating against our own when California enacted the "No Oakies" laws during the dust bowl....and those things are just off the top of my head!! But, no, except the Civil war were pretty much were not taught any of that (and now the Republicans want to redo our history books to say slavery wasn't bad at all, in fact is was good for the slaves). So I am very very thankful that the rest of the world keeps more accurate accounts of the US, and now more than ever that is going to be important as the Republicans rewrite all our history and support trumps pronouncements that he is at worst the third best president after Washington and Lincoln, but in their eyes (and of course his) the best president ever. Stay strong Canada and keep good records of how trump and the GOP took our nation from a nation with a difficult history that did end of doing a lot of good things to a nation that is a fascist third world nation with lousy education, lousy health care, the greatest gulf between rich and poor, basically no civil rights, and a lot more poverty than ever before. Please keep the reality alive!
I appreciate Canada right now for taking in Ansley and his family. This is a Haitian refugee who came here after being beaten and getting death threats back home, and was "adopted" and sponsored by a couple in our church. He is such a lovely man! He was doing everything by the book, had legal status, eventually brought his family here — and then Trump was elected and threatening to strip legal status from refugees. Luckily, he and his wife both had relatives in Canada, the couple here jumped through hoops to get them to the border, and they are now happily in Montreal with their two kids.
Agree. Americans live in a brainwashed culture. Arrogance and ignorance has gotten us here.
Free speech for me not thee. Freedom belongs to those who own the chains. Trump is the biggest chaing gang owner in the world.
Looking forward to massive protest on Oct.18, but more than that - an organized walkout, a collaborative union strike, all the unions from teachers to teamsters - demanding this lawlessness stop. Who can organize this? Don’t care about a government shutdown. As far as I’m concerned, it shut down Jan. 20.
US Unions are prohibited by law from banding together for a national strike.
https://www.findlaw.com/employment/wages-and-benefits/taft-hartley-act-overview.html
Something anyone can do is vote with their pocketbook. BOYCOTT the corporations funding this regime. We did a damn good job tanking Tesla (and thank you to the Europeans who really helped!), we are hurting Target big time, and Disney is learning about FAFO with their cancellation page crashing repeatedly since they fired Kimmel.
It's difficult, I know, but boycott AMAZON as much as you can. Go directly to the companies to purchase from them instead of through Bezos. For a short list go here: https://thepeoplesunionusa.com/boycott-list/f/the-summer-blackout-list
I would get rid of all Disney affiliated TV but my husband only watches sports; taking ESPN away from him would make my life utterly miserable. But we don't pay for Hulu OR Disney+; we still have cable --because watching anything with balls (or pucks, or horses, or cars) makes him happy and keeps him out of my hair. (wink )
Walking out of what? I work from home and part of my job is disseminating information about how the Ohio GOP is stabbing us in the back. I don;'t know of anyone who could organize this because we're a huge diverse country, not like smaller countries such as France that have had "general strikes."
I stand with you, Ben! MAGA is a terrorist organization!
Thank you for the Sunday Morning update. Keep on even in these scary times. We need the truth. Thank you, Meidas Mighty.
Yes, we are going to fight! We are going to fight for our freedom and democracy. We are going to fight for what’s right in our country and not all the political posturing and deception. It is time for both parties to do what they were elected for - represent WE THE PEOPLE! The Supreme Court, the Democrats and the GOP all took the oath to uphold and protect our Constitution, and WE THE PEOPLE need to hold them to it! America and the whole world deserve better than all the lies, deceit and drama that we are given on a daily basis. Yes, we are going to for our Constitution!
Thank you Ben for your honesty, integrity and speaking truth to power!!!
You are absolutely right. They need to be called out everyday w/regards of their actions in relationship to their oath and the Constitution they swore to uphold! The only place this can be done now w/o censorship is on independent social media. Shut down legacy media, shut down our economy as much as we can by boycotting any and all corporations that bend the knee to rump!
Stay strong Ben!!!!
Very informative- glad you’re sharing your findings
Unfortunately, we don't need a hunger report to know that people are hungry, that people are struggling to or unable to meet basic needs.
Because the need is increasing, my volunteer-based nonprofit (Homeless & Human) has joined with the Salvation Army and other nonprofits to form the Anti-Hunger Alliance. Starting on the Eastern Shore, we've got a food pantry, a class on cooking using what you have on hand, and are starting awareness campaigns.
If you'd like to be involved or would like help to set up an anti hunger program near you, please do not hesitate to reach out. Remember: every act has an impact!
Wow, you and your volunteers are amazing!!!! I have very mixed emotions about donating to food banks...I live in the Ozarks and we have the Ozarks Food Harvest here and they have been begging for donations since trump and the GOP Congress ended the federal government donations. Well, half (or maybe more) of me feels they should have had plans in place to deal with this before they voted for trump (this is a very very very red area) and I resent that I still have to basically pay the same in taxes (I'm in a low enough tax bracket the change in my rate won't come near to covering the higher costs of groceries, gas, insurance) and they want me to help them too. I'd think that the really rich folks who got the big tax breaks would be stepping up enough so that they don't have to ask anyone else for help. So for now what I do when I have a little money left over at the end of the month I split what I have between MTN and United 24 (the Ukrainian charity). The folks in Ukraine did not vote for the war they are in and it disgusts me that the GOP Congress has abandoned them and now all our (former) allies in the Baltic. Having said that, I also want to say keep up the good work!! I saw a new story several weeks ago from a local TV station in Texas talking about how many active military folks were relying on food banks now, and that is just disgusting that that's what the GOP thinks of our military. And I am thankful that there are good folks like you that truly embrace the word of God, and you don't ask why do you need help, you just help. For now, sadly, personally I can't get past the feeling that there needs to be consequences for your actions. But then of course there are millions suffering who did not vote for trump because of all those who did, and I that greatly saddens and confuses me as to what I should be doing.
You are so right...no matter what the GOP Congress and trump say, people know they can't afford all the groceries they want, they sure can't afford to buy a house, and if they have lost their job they know another one is hard to find. I hope for many the lies the GOP tells them about how great the economy is will indeed lead to their disillusion with the GOP and get them to give the Dems a chance (basically to restore what they lost when they voted for trump and all the GOP Congress).
Your posts and podcasts, as well as Substack generally, have replaced TV broadcasts in my life. Sitcoms, dramas, and news on traditional TV networks do not offer the kind of content that I want anymore. These times are so different from those of just a decade ago and so much worse than just ten months ago. It’s hard to believe how this nation has failed. Can we ever be truly sure that this is not just a setback but really a permanent reordering of our lives? We are all responsible but not all in a position to be the standard bearer for a change. I know looking for a hero is basically lazy, but every generation has had one. Why not this generation? Is destruction necessary before a renewal?
Well said, your post actually brought tears to my eyes. You were able to put into words***
" Can we ever be truly sure that this is not just a setback but really a permanent reordering of our lives? We are all responsible but not all in a position to be the standard bearer for a change. I know looking for a hero is basically lazy, but every generation has had one. Why not this generation? Is destruction necessary before a renewal?"***
Everything I've been carrying in my head just couldn't find the words to articulate it.
Thank you so much.
Thank you!
I don't think we have to allow everything to be destroyed before it can be renewed. But whatever is destroyed, we can build it back better.
The Democrats are out there winning elections right and left. We added two Dems to the House of Representatives just in the last few weeks, and State legislatures have been winning Democrats for months now in special elections. Democrats are winning seats on School boards, water board, fire districts, mayoral elections, county commissions, and city councils all over the U.S. Check it out....
We are in the process of rebuilding our democracy from the ground up all around us. Call your local elections office to see what is happening in your area, then get involved.
"Now What Do We Do? The Way Out Of This Mess!!!" - https://bluesmurf.substack.com/p/now-what-do-we-do-the-way-out-of
***
https://substack.com/@bluesmurf
When rules (constitution) are ignored and referees (coequal branches) are disdained or broken, any player can destroy our government (society).
Well said. We have a constitution that is not being followed. SCOTUS is seeing to it. July 1, 2024 immunity ruling put the last nail in the coffin.
As long as frump owns the supreme court he will continue to do whatever he wants.