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SPEAKER 1
Welcome to The Intersection with Michael Popak on the Midas Touch Network. Where do you begin a weekly podcast at the intersection of law and politics? Demystify everything. You begin at the beginning. Seems like no King's Day. Doesn't that seem like that was a generation ago? That was just this weekend.
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because it has to be put in the context of all the other resistance and defiance that's going on right now on the streets of America, because we're voting the only way we can while we wait for the ballot box in midterms. We're voting with our feet, we're voting with our signs,
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we're voting with our participation and our participatory democracy. And it matters. The arrest today of Brad Lander, a little-known politician outside of New York, another example of Donald Trump trying to put in jail his political rivals, that, for me, is not a dishonor for Brad Lander.

Popok Live on Political Arrests, Smear Campaigns, and Legal Resistance (Ad-Free)

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Join Michael Popok on The Intersection podcast as he tackles: Trump’s continued and coordinated arrests of his Democratic political rivals; MAGA’s smear campaign against Democrats in the wake of political assassinations; Trump’s rejection of his own intelligence community’s briefing as he pushes to start a war between the U.S. and Iran—while a bipartisan bill aims to stop it; whether the Ninth Circuit will side with states' rights and California or allow Trump’s troops to trample a blue state's sovereignty; the significance of a new lawsuit by the American Bar Association to protect the independence of lawyers in America; a separate legal challenge seeking to stop Trump’s attacks on women and survivors of domestic and sexual violence—and so much more at the intersection of law and politics.

Have you subscribed to The Intersection podcast yet? Add Popok’s new show right now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Drivin'Home's avatar

The officers who took down the US Senator Padilla need to have California state charges brought against them. Charge and arrest them. Jail them without bond until their trial. Start taking out the foot soldiers.

In fact, let's see ALL the ICE and DHS foot soldiers who make illegal assaults using EXCESSIVE force on arrestees face state charges. Take down the foot soldiers!

This is America. State AGs and governors need to push back for us. Use the power of the people.

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Becky's avatar

Yes. The courts are issuing orders, then not following through with contempt.

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KatyL's avatar

The courts don't have the authority, nor the personnel to enact an arrest of an ICE "agent". ICE has been given far-reaching latitude to arrest "undocumented" immigrants, unfortunately.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-are-ice-agents-legally-required-to-do-when-theyre-detaining-someone-heres-what-an-expert-says/ar-AA1ENjGD

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Carol Dimple's avatar

I have never been a fan of ICE. I believe it has been given latitude that was never intended by our founding fathers. If the majority of the Republican men and women in congress had any conscience at all they would do something about ICE and the current administration.

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Becky's avatar

If you remember correctly, Boasberg was going to issue contempt due to ICE not following court orders. They moved to a different court leaving Boasberg unable to follow through. I am not speaking of the Evil Ice agents and their phony BS of not producing a judicial warrant as is required.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

most of ICE are probably the J6 domestic terrorists.

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Drivin'Home's avatar

If you don't have a solution, don't stomp on the brainstormers.

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Drivin'Home's avatar

Wrong in large part. Anyone has the ability to contact the AGs office of their state. Why are you trying to quell a solution? Where ate your loyalties?

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J Ouderkirk's avatar

Who will take them down? Certainly not the Marines. Seal Team 6? Mossad? MI6? That plucky group of retired CIA agents determined to save America?

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Heather Bowler's avatar

If we’re taking bets—mossad especially after the exacting strikes in Iran, would be my bet.

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Drivin'Home's avatar

Mike Lee needs to be expelled.

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Rachel Brown's avatar

That guy is more offensive than trumps diaper. I hope his constituency is as shocked and appalled as the rest of the nation. What a complete amoral piece of shit

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Anne P. Sacco's avatar

Censured and Removed, along with ALL his staff.

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Bonnie Boyce's avatar

This is all a product of Stephen Miller’s illegitimate shadow presidency

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Cherrimae's avatar

I’m voting with my wallet. I’m a senior and a single mom (widowed) of a minor I have to put through college but I’ve been donating through Act Blue, especially to our exemplary Black female representatives, as well as others, for months. Democracy depends on us and we depend on them. I’m also a paid Meidastouch subscriber and proud owner of a pink Legal AF T shirt. You get what you pay for.

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ira lechner's avatar

Thank you for your dedication to a true Democratic future! Cherrimae please go to www.TurnUp.US which is run by brilliant former Harvard registering community college and high school seniors (now get this) ONLY IN “TRULY COMPETITIVE” congressional districts which is really significant! Also tax deductible as it is a 501c3! Thank you for your dedication!

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Heather Bowler's avatar

Pink shirt? 👚 I want that one, I’ll go look in the merch section!

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drbilldean@gmail.com's avatar

Who's Not Surprised by Cheeto Plunging America Toward War

Orange Cheeto is a belligerent angry bellicose hostile threatening confrontational POS who takes pleasure in inflicting emotional and physical pain in other human beings So why would it be surprising that this immorally bankrupt asshole wouldn't throw the country into war

And his Nazi sycophants in Congress will rubber stamp the effort because they can

Just another reason to encourage neighbors friends relatives to keep up the pressure on the Nazi party and Cheeto by Protest Protest Protest

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Rachel Brown's avatar

Am I the only one thinking senator Padilla needs to sue Fox

for a billion dollars for editing the footage they showed of the interaction?

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Sally Skellington's avatar

Hey Popok, God bless you.

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Claire Bonfilio's avatar

And Mike Johnson so “religious” saying Gov Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” a painful way to die. And we wonder why Democrats are being attacked jailed or killed??

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Sue Stjohn's avatar

Don't forget. Johnson is a Heritage Member as well as Leavitt, Vought, Thiel, Vance to name a few out approximately 177 that are in Trump's cabinet.

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Kate's avatar

Lil Mikey is no Christian...he's a sleazy hypocrite he needs to be impeached with the rest of the goon squad who owes their fealty to the 34x CONVICTED FELON RAPIST and NOT our Constitution or the rule of law! Out them NOW!!

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uRNangel423's avatar

They hide behind the “Christian Religion” title, but the are doing the devil’s bidding knowingly! A true Christian believes in loving thy neighbor, caring & healing thy neighbor as one who would be cared for, feeding thy neighbor, clothing thy neighbor, giving shelter to those who need it! Not this regime—they are all FAKE CHRISTIANS hiding behind the words they throw around so arrogantly!

Agreed Rachel B. Sen Padilla and everyone of the legislators that have been detained, handcuffed & manhandled should sue Fox along with the government agents, actors and ALL MEMBERS of this regime that have colluded in this evil partisan group of thugs!

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Linda's avatar

It appears these so called Christians are beckoning the reckoning

Oh bring on the rapture and watch all the tiny red caps disappear never to be seen again

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Kate's avatar

Wouldn't that be awesome?!!

They've obviously been drinking and continue the koolade craze! What they haven't yet realized is they're worshiping the antichrist!!!

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christopher wilson's avatar

Also a popular punishment for escaped slaves and black men in general I the mid 19th century.

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Harry Anderson's avatar

I agree any member of the Democrat Party being arrested is a badge of honor. They have more balls than any coward Republican standing up to Dribble Dick Dick-tator Diaper Donnie.

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Barbara's avatar

…arrested for democracy and also righteousness

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Karma Infinity's avatar

Thank you for shedding light on this unfolding situation. Regardless of political affiliation, the deeper concern here is about the health of our democratic systems and the integrity of legal processes. When arrests, investigations, or public narratives appear politically motivated—on any side—it erodes public trust.

What’s needed now more than ever is transparency, fairness, and a collective return to shared ethical standards. These aren’t just political moments—they’re tests of our institutional integrity and how we choose to treat each other as fellow citizens.

Appreciate the continued efforts to unpack the legal aspects in a way the public can engage with. Conversations like these—rooted in facts, not fear—are part of what keeps a society conscious and compassionate.

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Sally Skellington's avatar

The sickos are out worse than ever folks. PSALM 91. Stay strong, snakes slither....

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Debbie M's avatar

Mike Lee needs to be voted out of office. What a despicable piece of garbage. He needs to feel pain for the unbelievable horrible posts he put out there. What kind of person is he! Don't tell me he calls himself a CHRISTIAN!

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Anne P. Sacco's avatar

Censured abd REMOVED, along with ALL his staff.

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Connie Lynn White Writes's avatar

Elections...I wonder now whether the election was rigged. Deleting Democrat votes.

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Fox.or.Ox's avatar

Why aren't the threats and intimidation of the law firms Extortion/Blackmail? Trump made threats to deprive them of a property right if they did not give him what he wanted, loyalty and providing pro bono legal services to Trump's defense lawyers.

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Linda's avatar

I’m sick of having the President of the United States NEED defense lawyers

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Fox.or.Ox's avatar

Those attorneys are verrry expensive and you and I are paying them through our taxes and legislative cuts like Medicaid, veterans benefit, medical research, etc.

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J Frost's avatar

Does it signify that both hitler and Al capon had stage three syphlis?

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Linda's avatar

Both Hitler and Jim Jones were Methamphetamine users

I wouldn’t say the orange um man does speed but a lot of people say it people who worked with him

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Frank Kohl's avatar

Excellent observation.

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Orangeshitstain's avatar

When tragedies occur like the gunning down of Democrats in Minnesota, does anyone draw parallels to rump announcing his 2024 campaign on the anniversary of Waco.? if Timothy McVeigh

were alive, would he pardon him?

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Paula Roth's avatar

I am so tired of hearing and seeing not just the POTUS but his entire administration breaking the law and the Constitution daily but paying no consequences.

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Heather Bowler's avatar

Clinton, who was censured by Congress over Monica, in acts VAWA, and Trump, who is a convicted sex assault offender, is trying to irradiate VAWA? 🤔🤔🤔🤯🤦‍♀️

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Connie Harris's avatar

Stephen Miller needs to be held accountable

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Bob Prince's avatar

Brad Lander is a strong runner for NYC Mayor. I’ve known him since he first entered politics. Trump and Co know exactly what they’re doing; targeting him and Padilla. Disgusting. All so so so disgusting.

Thanks, Michael.

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RANDALL Ray's avatar

Am I wrong that the next and best step after No King day is a nation wide strike. No protests to give them a reason to attack but everybody just stay home. It will let them know who is real power is. SHUT THE COUNTRY DOWN!! SHUT IT DOWN!!

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Marilyn Ritcey's avatar

Mr Popok we can always count on you to keep us updated with the legal shenanigans of GJT and his cohorts.

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Jeanette Gavroy's avatar

Thank you, Michael and thank you all T Meidas+ and Legal AF for giving us the facts and explaining the situation, including legal processes, we may not be familiar with. It’s really a great comfort to me to have you to listen to thank you thank you thank you.

My daughters are in LA.

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Anne P. Sacco's avatar

All politicians and public servants need to be provided with armed security detail. You have to meet force with force. The federal government needs to be billed for all costs.

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DFA's avatar

If it doesn’t suit his narrative, he ignores it.

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Leslie Coker's avatar

Is there some person or way that Ice agents can be required to remove masks and have name tags?

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Anne P. Sacco's avatar

This is why politicians and public servants need ARMED security detail. Force must be met with Force. Period.

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Frank Kohl's avatar

It’s no wonder why the rest of the world has moved decades ahead of the United States 🇺🇸 when it comes to social justice because of the antiquated BS of the Reprobate ( aka Republican) Party.

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J Frost's avatar

No doubt whatsoever

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J Frost's avatar

Al capon gangster strongarm tactics.

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Frank Kohl's avatar

I call that BULL 🐂 SHIT 💩 J. Frost.

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J Frost's avatar

Is history a mystery?

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Frank Kohl's avatar

Stick it to that demented sexual predator and social pariah.

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Peggy O'Gara's avatar

Gavin & Pete 2028

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Michael Blair's avatar

Michael

Great podcast! I’m proud to say I know you. Keep up this very important work.

Thank you!

Your old friend,

Michael Blair

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

I needed to hear you Michael

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Fox.or.Ox's avatar

LAF always interesting. This podcast is a good continuing law education.

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markr61888's avatar

It seems to mire than appear that our runaway felon and breaker of all the commandments is so filled with hate and predjudice that he's on a wreckless suicide mission and he knows it and thinks he's untouchable so it's more than time that all the peeps that voted for him realize that he's a compulsive liar and does know how to fix a darn thing in this country or our relations with the rest of the world.his rage is so deep in this country that sooner or later there will be more blood shed if the Republicans don't realize that if they pass a bill that will not only knock out ability to pay bills ,medical etc then they have to get ready for the unfortunate consequences that they bestowed on this nation.

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christopher wilson's avatar

A curse is a cure on the Trump name and regime.

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Nancy Blodgett Klein's avatar

I wrote for the ABA Journal for four years, covering legal, political and social issues of interest. What I wrote about was very similar to the topics you cover on your shows, such as Legal AF. I interviewed Rudy Giuliani and Ralph Nader among other persons of interest. Perhaps you are talking about the ABA periodicals published for different legal subgroups such as a specific one for judges and another for student lawyers? I’d like to give you the benefit of the doubt since I like you and your shows.

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Marie Burrus's avatar

Thank you for all of the work and information.

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Gloria M's avatar

HELLO POPOK

KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!!

Is it true the orange scum sucking criminal Trump signed executive order claiming him and that other criminal Bondi are the law now?!?! IS IT TRUE??

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Pamela Wulterkens's avatar

Thank you for all the work you do , and all the information you provide.

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Teresa Johansen's avatar

Thank you Michael this is why I subscribe with you and Meidas Touch Netwprk Legal AF is great

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Sharon Gibson's avatar

Michael, you and Ben, are truly appreciated in all your work and info you put forth for us! Thank You Thank You Thank You 🙏🏼 🙏🏼🙏🏼🥰

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bblaK's avatar

Excellent synopsis, I look to you and your crew for news of where the rubber meets the road, via Substack, YouTube and BlueSky. Appreciate your brand expansion.

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Patrice Mobley's avatar

The most violent, inept, corrupted clown administration ever in history. Never stop resisting America our voting power is all we have left.

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menehune's avatar

ALOHA...

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Michael Doherty's avatar

Love Popok's passion today. Right on Michael...

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LJ Cooke's avatar

A legal question - can ICE be accused of kidnapping for their behavior.

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Mary Kay's avatar

He should NOT have the power to defund Homeland Security! What can be done, Popok?

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Lou's avatar

Today Trump said he might pardon P Diddy!!! A whole new level of disgust!! 🤢🤢

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Stephanie Munoz's avatar

No to Newsom for president. Too many people do not totally support him. There are many others better suited

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Melissa Hess's avatar

How, you ask?????? With a convicted rapist as President.

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Martin Buckley's avatar

I would like to see somebody keep a running list of the lawsuits with a win loss column for Trump and also who they were sponsored by. That would be a useful tool to show others when they see just one lawsuit mentioned that they’re really many many many many.

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Author: ChitlinKraut's avatar

Deplorable

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Frank Kohl's avatar

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2vB7Bh0E2Zk&si=-mgkPNMIuWK7szMf Roger Waters’s lyrics apply to DonOld Drumpf’s mental breakdown, Michael.

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Morovis1955's avatar

Disgusting that they make a statement and it is law. Something is broke af.

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Frank Kohl's avatar

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=nBoZDZnosNs&si=wrCCW9Mblk-3Qtgk This song by Queen is the perfect description of Drumpf’s mental illness, Michael.

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Terry McFarlane's avatar

awesome.

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Drivin'Home's avatar

You are more elderly than me, and supposedly more wise, yet you are asking questions rather than offering solutions? Go take a nap and let the real thinkers come up with a solution.

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Gail Talbot's avatar

It was reported that there were 5 million nationwide on No Kings Day.

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Connie Lynn White Writes's avatar

I read 11 and 13 million.. let's say more than 5 and up to 13!

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Margaret Redus's avatar

💙💙💙

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Ann Suthard's avatar

I have some feedback for you. I'm very interested in hearing your opinion on current events, but I struggle with your "introductions" where you talk about what's on the agenda for the day and how we can support/follow you". It is far too long. Can we just get to the topics and get your input on them instead of getting hints of what you are going to talk about and having to wait FOREVER until you actually drill into them. Today I think it was 17 minutes before we got to the items on the agenda.

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Sally Skellington's avatar

Dam, if this is the worse thing in your life lady I'd say you are pretty lucky. Popok does this for free as a public service which is very appreciated. If you don't like it or he's too slow for you go find another. It's that simple!

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Ann Suthard's avatar

Wow! I guess I pushed your button. I am not saying this is the worst thing in my life. I'm not saying I don't like it. I'm providing some feedback and it's intended in a constructive way. I think we allow that in a democracy.

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Sally Skellington's avatar

No, you didn't push my button. I'm tired of people attacking others that are trying to do the right things. You struggle with Popocs introductions. Sounds like a complaint. Why do you struggle? Maybe he's hearing about something for the first time. Yes, we all have the freedom to speak.

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peter's avatar

This assole talks way too much

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Cherrimae's avatar

Dude learn to spell you look stupid

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Sally Skellington's avatar

😂 you moles in the house are too funny. Does the truth hurt your ears?

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Donna Whyte's avatar

Trumpet? Who are you complaining about?

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Sally Skellington's avatar

Which assole? Be specific.

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we're voting with our participation and our participatory democracy. And it matters. The arrest today of Brad Lander, a little-known politician outside of New York, another example of Donald Trump trying to put in jail his political rivals, that, for me, is not a dishonor for Brad Lander.