With the issue of taking away birthright citizenship (which, by the way, many countries in the world DON'T have either), given how it's been presented, I realized that, since neither of my parents were citizens when I was born in the 1950s, technically, I would not be a citizen. They were not both naturalized until I was 5. Can I please get deported to Slovenia? It's a beautiful country. They speak English. Housing is more affordable. Everyone has health care. College is free. Food is healthier. Not everyone can have guns that wants them. Childcare is more available. Taxes are not unreasonable.
Add to that, though, the depression that comes from the hate that emanates from MAGA that affects me and my family. They, in effect, hate my son. Hate my niece. Hate my friend's 5 year old. Hate my best friend. Hate Muslims. Hate POC. As much as I work to not let this stuff get to me, it's a constant barrage of their garbage everywhere you go. And they do stupid stuff like now changing the Department of Defense to the War Department. Who asked for that? Just stop.
Thanks for letting me vent. I'm not sure what more I can do to deal with.
Oh, Barb, I had to chuckle at your comment about moving to Slovenia. How many times have my husband and I fantasized about moving away from here since January?!? I’m sorry for the way you are feeling and can definitely relate. It is the hate that is the hardest to take, especially when it comes from family members and people you’ve known your whole life…, and to make it worse, you just can’t understand how those people can BE that way! Sending good wishes for you to get out, enjoy some sun, or do something for YOU today to give you a break from this! ♥️
I actually wanted to move to Canada about 20 years ago, because I had my fill of stupid Republican Presidents' policies, proliferation of guns and gun violence, and the observation that things were not headed in the right direction. Alas, they didn't need ICU nurses at the time, so I was stuck here. No country is perfect, but the promise of the United States for average folk has been unravelling since the days of Reagan. I now spend time trying to convince my son to move to a country more deserving of him and his talents. Thanks for your thoughts.
Canada has become extremely expensive now. Housing is next to impossible to purchase with starter homes starting at $600,000. Taxes are in the 15% range on everything you buy. Groceries are skyrocketing. But I still love my home country of Canada.
I sure hope that you Canadians will soon be able to buy European Grocereries for a fair price-if so you will be better off in the End.The US-Food industry is killing their customers anyway with their shit they sell.
This is true. All the additives in their food and the diet of fast food is horrible. I am shopping at all Whole Foods but I have to complain that they only give you a discount if you have an Amazon account. I refuse to have an Amazon account.
Homes in my area are being built for $550,000 and up. Yes, way more expensive than they are worth. But you don't have the gun violence. You have health care like we don't. Those two make up so much of the "deficit." Someone explained to me recently how much you all pay for income taxes up there, and, when I factored in the cost of paying for private insurance family plan ($25k a year), your taxes for income at least, weren't unreasonable. Count your blessings. Not being the king of the world is also a benefit of living in Canada.
However, healthcare is not great in all areas especially in rural areas. I know for specialty doctors even in cities the wait time is six months plus. I was born and raised in Canada and lived there for 50 years. However, I met the man of my dreams here in the States and he was a navy veteran. After seeing what my parents and aunts and uncles went through because of Hitler and communism, I am willing to stay here and fight in my husband's memory.
But don't forget. The exchange on the Canadian dollar means that US dollars are worth 30% more. Yes, it is expensive in Canada, but I far prefer Canada than to living under the current US regime.
🔷🔹🩵 I feel like you too! I’m glad my time on earth is mostly over.
But one thing we can do is call members of Congress. I don’t hold back.
202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Give a name! Sometimes you get a person. I always leave a message. I also like to call the trump ass kissers. It’s easy n I am pretty sure they keep track of yay or nay! Start today.
In addition, please use the 5Calls app to contact your legislators. Many times a person answers and they are so grateful for your call. I've made over 250 calls.
Thank you for mentioning the 5calls app. I downloaded it and will be making calls. I also write postcards for Activate America. My son just called me a hippie today and I was pretty proud of that. But I think my kids are pretty proud of what I am doing.
The actual number I've used that is listed on the Call Congress assist, is 202-224-3121. I double checked and your 225 one also goes through with the same message to ask for the Congress person you want to talk to. If I'm calling a MAGA person not in my state, before I call I look up a town in that person's district with a real zip code in case they ask if I'm a local constituent!
I was going to leave a snarky jab at humor—Pancakes and Big Coffee always helps….but no, knowing the cruelty and hunger in this world knocked me right down. Wish—Any recommendations for food donation distributions that won’t end with killings of the hungry?
I’ve been following trump’s so-called career for decades starting when I was living/working in midtown Manhattan near trump tower. His reputation as a cheater, liar, fraud, bully, racist, con, mob-style bully, racist bigot, misogynist who hires undocumented workers then stiffs them, and a womanizer who assaults women is well known. He’s despised by most New Yorkers. So I was stunned when he ran for president and was actually nominated!
But my sister and I used to laugh hysterically at the sheer notion that he could possibly win! And then, we were speechless when he actually did win.
But the fact that republicans didn’t stop him by indicting him and removing him from office after the Democratic house impeached him TWICE was incomprehensible. But then they renominated and re-elected him???? It’s stupifying. It seems the fix is in…P2025 is rapidly being implemented by some very powerful people…can WE THE PEOPLE STOP THIS?
Your description of the orange monster is spot on. May I add one more to your list? Narcissistic is also a diagnosis that is backed up by Mary Trump and fitting for the vile felon.
Absolutely. I studied psychology in premed undergrad, specifically focused on deviant behavior. And I’ve been following Mary Trump for the past few years. Because of her professional training AND because she is a family member who grew up with him, she knows better than anyone that trump is a pathological sociopathic narcissist. And that underlying psychosis makes him dangerous and drives his behavior.
Thank you for sharing your professional diagnosis. I feel that the SCOTUS and the GOP have created this monster that will continue to harm so many of us. It feels that the monster has no guardrails.
I was working at Rockefeller center the day Bonwits came down. I was mortified the city let that happen.The day I saw him come down that escalator I screamed “HELL NO” so loud my dog made a mad dash for the back of the closet. Election night I screamed again even louder. Every time I heard his voice I threw stuffed toys at the tv. I knew what a pig he is after running into him at 54 and he asked to buy me a drink. My skin crawled.
I so agree with you but not because I intentionally followed his career but since I was in junior high he has been on everything! Gossip rags, mainstream news, talk shows, tv, magazines! I have found him arrogant since the first time I saw him interviewed. Like I have said too many times, if you are over the age of forty there is no way you didn’t know what he was about!
Technically Trump himself wouldn't be a citizen. Frederick and Elizabeth Trump weren't citizens when they had Fred Trump (Donald's father). So DJTs wouldn't have been a citizen and even though his Mother was apparently that's not good enough in Trumpland. This makes me think that he's violating the qualifications for becoming president. You know, having to be a naturally born citizen of the United States. Deport his ass.
I m heartbroken for you and your family and .many others! What the idiots in charge dont realize is that WE'RE ALL IMMIGRANTS!! This administration is
daily ripping this entire country to shreds because of the morons who continue to support A CONVICTED FELON RAPIST who has and continues to lie for his own benefit. As well there are no Republicans who have the GUTS to stop his and his GOON SQUADS criminal behavior! The ice raids the birthright citizenship fiasco the SCOTUS dealing blow after blow to the laws and ignoring Constitutional precedent giving this FASCIST FELON free reign IS so much to take! It's deplorable DISGUSTING and the maggots who are still in his corner have ruined America!! And who will stop the lawlessness?!! The GOP and the FELON need to be IMPEACHED IMMEDIATELY!! Hard to still have hope but we SHALL OVERCOME SOMEHOW!!!
The press did the same thing his first term, all donald all day every day. Press got so lazy, they didn't even have to do anything except parrot that despot. Now they're back at it again. Some days I just skip it and have a day of peace.
Terry, unfortunately I don't think you would be welcomed since it was at one time a Communist country making up part of Yugoslavia, and it is mainly Christian. I "My tribe" would not be welcomed either.
But I just read something remarkable in the NYT. Halfway down the digital page, but at least it wasn't hidden. More than 100,000 marched in Hungary today for Pride Day. Usually a low-key event. I didn't know they have been having them since 1995. Orban banned it, threatened "legal consequences" but Budapest's liberal mayor allowed it. Rainbow flags.Turned into a mass rally against Orban and his authoritarian regime. Somebody said "they think we're stupid. It's a distraction from the stealing and other problems".Someone showed up with her son in a wheelchair just to show " she was fed up with this gov't trying to make us all afraid".
The Orange Menace, who how many times in his rallies talked about the "great Viktor Orban"" and welcomed him to Mar-a-lago, as he was planning his coup, while Orban probably gave him the "Authoritarian for Dummies" playbook should take heed.
This was my favorite part: "A minor kerfuffle broke out when a Dutch evangelical Christian walked through the crowd carrying a cross and cursing participants as "traitors to G-d" followed by a man from Sweden waving a copy of the bible"
No offense to anyone's religion but these are the hypocrites hiding behind their cross.How dare they judge anyone who wants to live their lives in peace as a "traitor"? I will always stand up for LGBTQ rights . I have family and
many friends. Keep hope. 🙏 (I can't find the pride flag emoji on my kindle fire. The worst) but I raise it for you and all my friends and family.
Raissa, I hear you loud and clear, and agree. I am being active in all the ways I know how… I write and call my representatives and my governor- multiple times. I donate money to those fighting for people’s rights- the ACLU, activist groups, and give to my local food banks. I attend the meetings and rallies and protests, but sometimes it feels like it’s all doing very little good. I’m fighting, but sometimes I don’t know how much good I’m doing.
If multitudes of us do what you do (and I was happy to see your list of what you do is similar to mine), it DOES make a difference! I'm also on The Contrarian substack and they are involved in the law part of it as well, and we get the most encouraging updates from behind the lines. That helps me a lot!
That's exactly what Jesus said would happen as the end times neared. People would carry on as if all is normal as the world falls to pieces around them.
You are blessed to be able to see it.
It's amazing how the Biblical prophecies are coming true. God Bless.
I don't think his deficit & disorder is primarily "attention", even though his inability to be consistent in anything is a defining characteristic & the use of Adderall seems evident. I believe his truly is a deficit of character, a dangerous lack of grounding ethics & principles. He only seems to believe in his own superiority & that is totally disconnected from the reality of human experience. That's what is so maddening, though, I agree, humans can't thrive in constant chaos & that is his whole M.O. He once said that, his ability is in creating "controversy". That's deliberate.
Unfortunately, I know the experience, too, of death being the only end to it. But, I think it's going to take more to break the chains of generational trauma, it's not just dying out, but comes back in awful ways. Somehow maybe we can do whatever work is necessary to prevent this imbalance again. Project 2025 has been a long game in the making, Felon47 seems like the worst there has ever been, but clearly there is no shortage of people willing to take that role. I hear what you're saying, the relief would be welcome, but really not an end to it, but the beginning of the work that needs to be done. I saw it that way if Harris had been elected, too, a lot of work to be done. Maybe that would have only put off the inevitable, we need significant change in our country so that power does not become so imbalanced again. I pray the people take back power & stay involved so we are never held hostage like this again. It breaks my heart that more generations would know the experience that we did. It's a call for everyone to step up as adults.
Yup, I don't think we can disregard the opinions of professionals. And, psychological diagnosis aside, anyone that has any experiences with abusive people or bullies can recognize the behavior. I'm having a real hard time with people somehow being OK with that, it shows how unwell we are culturally. I talked myself sick again with a neighbor I am trying to find common ground with still, & they keep insisting this what "everyone" voted for. I don't care, even if that was true, it's not healthy. How can you claim to be an honest person & support someone you know is dishonest? I wish to hell it wasn't affecting our lives & we could count on politics balancing out & the system correctly itself, but I don't trust that now, we let those self-absorbed with their own promotion have too much power.
very abnormal situation you are all in but it can’t last and all past dictators came to a bad end. I sincerely hope he meets his soon ( Epstein situation might help ) Much support from UK x
I know that we were warned it would be this way, and that feeling so depressed is exactly what the administration wants. It’s just hard to try so hard… writing letters, making calls, attending rallies, and feel like we may never tip the balance.
I think I’m also just so disillusioned by how our government, which was built to avoid this dominance of power, is NOT working. I read about people getting angry with the Democrats in Congress. There are some who are fighting tooth and nail with us, but as long as those Republican Congressmen and Congresswomen and Senators (which are ALL of my representatives, btw) will not budge… even when people voice their displeasure, and when the Supreme Court appears to be largely in the administration’s pocket, there’s no way to check the Executive Branch.
I will try to take some time away from the news today to try and regain some of my “fight”. It’s just good to hear from all of you that I’m not alone! Love and light to you all!
I had a triple bypass February 5th and a side effect is depression. None of what’s been going on is helping that so I have decided to go see a therapist. We need to take care of ourselves as well as all the people who need help from this regime. Stay safe friends and please get the help you need to get healthy so we can fight back and keep our sanity.
This is all I can handle reading these days. I don't watch the news. Some days, I can't even do my Substack favorites. I know we have been in this place before historically, and I know this too shall pass, but not before destroying America's ability to be a global leader and an economic beacon.
I hope the Dems are regrouping, reinventing, and creating a plan to not only right this sinking ship, but make it impenetrable from future Oligarchy Autocratics trying to rule as Kings.
I'm with you. Lately, I can't even read some of my favorite Substacks. I click on the post, scroll briefly and have to close the window. It's all just too much cruelty and insanity.
Understandable. Try to take some actions against any of this horrible mess - even just understanding more of what is happening and why. Then take breaks and get some sunshine and watch some soul supportive things and talk to good people, even if just online. Think of and do what sustains you and helps you feel like you can keep soldiering on with the rest of us, who certainly have our low moments as well. We have to nurture our souls in the midst of all this soullessness. Hoping for you and all of us.
His success is largely due to the huge number of sycophantic manboys in this country who can't pass a shiny object by. Not because of genius. I have thought he's pretty loony for years.
He got out over his skis when he went to Germany and campaigned for the Nazi AFD party. Germans don’t much like Nazis and musk is a Nazi. May his brand continue to sink. I have nothing against the Tesla cars per se but his persona has ruined it.
I think Musk is nothing more than a "trumped up" persona. I don't believe for one moment he's the richest man in the world, a genius or anything other than a propped up puppet acting in a realtime movie of the week.
The same for The Donald. Players. Actors. Nothing more.
Elon Musk is equally a psychotic, scumbag! Dude stole government code and data; then had the audacity to destroy working families livelihood. He’s a con artist.
Such sadism has never been paraded as a point of pride before in our country. Now it has become a badge of honor and the best way to rise in the ranks. This nation has become unrecognizable.
Obviously not!! What a bunch of SUCKERS AND LOSERS THEY ALL ARE!! ESPECIALLY THE CONVICTED FELON RAPIST!! IMPEACH THEM ALL! And yea ole McConnell is a TRUE POS!!! Yea " oh they'll get over it" talking about millions losing healthcare!!! This FELON being in power is on his hands!!!
Yes, it is disgusting. As we have been saying all along, the cruelty is the point. I can' wait until Kristi Noem (and her botoxed countenance) along with her fellow terrorists and abusers are standing trial, Nuremburg-style. Do you think this will come to pass?
Also. It is unbelievable to me that this THIS horrible idea of Gator Alcatraz is Ron DeSantis's big redemption play. This is what will get his numbers up?! Omfg. It makes me believe that Satan is actually walking the Earth and having a massive laugh about having co-opted Christ's supposed followers for his own ends.
There has been a strain of ugliness and meanness in our society for a long time. Trump has given people permission to be their absolute worst selves, and you see it in politicians such as De Santis, pandering to the desire to punish and inflict pain on "those people".
Nothing says Tourists are welcomed in the United States. We might feed you to alligators or deport you to El Salvador. To the world I say please visit Canada 🇨🇦 where you are welcomed.
Mennonites are a borderline cult......they call themselves a sect. They have private schools...vote???? The Amish all supported Taco Tits....anti-vaxxers......raw milk BS......these religous groups and cults cause more harm than good..
You are right some sects are borderline cult. You are right many were decieved by Felon47, and that makes me very sad. I believe Felon47 goes against our teachings of loving our neighbors. are right some are anti vaxxers recently in Texas. My family had cows, and we did not drink raw milk. Just like any group of people not all Mennonites are monolithic. Some sects if your house burns down, the neighbors come build a new house. If you have a hospital bill you can't pay, they get together and pay your hospital bill. They are not perfect people. God's grace is sufficient for us that have a past.
Basic teachings of Jesus have been trashed by the fake Christian nationalists and false prophets like Paula White...etc.... Matthew 25.....has been torn out of the pages of the Trump FakeNews Bible.......welcome the stranger!!!! help the poor!!!!
My personal biblical reseach often leads me to Matthew 7:22-23 .......On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.
I follow IHIPNEWS......The ladies live in Oklahoma where there is a mega-church on every corner and fake christians have taken over the state.
Amen!!!!Preach it Brother!!!! I have the same beliefs, and I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!! I live in Houston, Texas. White Christian Nationalist is a cancer in our country.
I only had the privilege to visit St John's island one time. One of the great memories in my journey of life. If I were young, I would be moving to Canada 🇨🇦. Prime Minister Mark Carney is the leader of the free world. Their economy is going to grow, and the United States economy is shrinking fast because of tariffs.
Why are we building houses for folks who already have houses and should stay in them while their cases are heard. We could put the ice guys to work in vacant jobs that they could wear less clothing items in the heat.
Law of gravity.... What goes up must come down.... musk is on the way down and will hit bottom sooner than I thought... Trump is next. When he comes down I hope he smashes into Oblivion. And yes he will spiral down!
THE PRIVATE PRISON RUN IN FLORIDA IS A MONEY MAKING INVESTMENT TO ALL THE BILLIONAIRES AND POLITICIANS THEY SUPPORT. THEY ARE PLANNING TO STOCK THEM, NOT ONLY TO SHOW MAGA HOW "TOUGH" THEY ARE, BUT TO ALSO GET BILLIONS IN GOV'T PAYOUT AND SUPPORT FROM THEIR PRIVATE PRISON INVESTORS.
Not that I feel sorry for the sales executive that Elon fired, but come on, Elon is the one who is 100% responsible for the devastating drop in Tesla sales. What a dork. A mean dork.
Thank you for this "Random Thoughts" report, Ron! What a lovely surprise. I always miss you on your days off... (are you feeling guilty yet? I'm JOKING of course! 😄). ❤️💙💛☘️
Thank you Ron for narrowing down all the news that’s fit to make you barf. The Supreme Court is not so supreme any longer. I’m trying not to get overloaded and overwhelmed with all the crap the orange dick-tator is doing. Some days I just won’t read anything. When I do, it’s either your reports or Ben/Meidas. You all have saved my sanity. 💙
I am extremely grateful for Ron Filipkowski because he is a consistent source of news without boasting about how great he is, and soliciting for paid subscribers.
🤮😵💫🤢every day I wake up and realize this unraveling of our democracy is a death of 1000 cuts… it truly is up to we the people! Over all we the people are forgiving, naive? In denial???And really we have never been here before in this way! The slow boil frog 🐸 syndrome! Grateful for Substack as it gives me hope, and clear reports of what is really going on! Plus the ability to make action steps! I keep saying this evil is unsustainable… other regimes always crumble! The USA is in its largest crisis perhaps ever! We must focus on what we want, and stay positive towards our country and democracy!
202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Give a name. Sometimes you get a person, but leave a message. I like to call the trump ass kissers. They need to know the big bad bill needs a complete overhaul!
I’m so depressed.
With the issue of taking away birthright citizenship (which, by the way, many countries in the world DON'T have either), given how it's been presented, I realized that, since neither of my parents were citizens when I was born in the 1950s, technically, I would not be a citizen. They were not both naturalized until I was 5. Can I please get deported to Slovenia? It's a beautiful country. They speak English. Housing is more affordable. Everyone has health care. College is free. Food is healthier. Not everyone can have guns that wants them. Childcare is more available. Taxes are not unreasonable.
Add to that, though, the depression that comes from the hate that emanates from MAGA that affects me and my family. They, in effect, hate my son. Hate my niece. Hate my friend's 5 year old. Hate my best friend. Hate Muslims. Hate POC. As much as I work to not let this stuff get to me, it's a constant barrage of their garbage everywhere you go. And they do stupid stuff like now changing the Department of Defense to the War Department. Who asked for that? Just stop.
Thanks for letting me vent. I'm not sure what more I can do to deal with.
Oh, Barb, I had to chuckle at your comment about moving to Slovenia. How many times have my husband and I fantasized about moving away from here since January?!? I’m sorry for the way you are feeling and can definitely relate. It is the hate that is the hardest to take, especially when it comes from family members and people you’ve known your whole life…, and to make it worse, you just can’t understand how those people can BE that way! Sending good wishes for you to get out, enjoy some sun, or do something for YOU today to give you a break from this! ♥️
I actually wanted to move to Canada about 20 years ago, because I had my fill of stupid Republican Presidents' policies, proliferation of guns and gun violence, and the observation that things were not headed in the right direction. Alas, they didn't need ICU nurses at the time, so I was stuck here. No country is perfect, but the promise of the United States for average folk has been unravelling since the days of Reagan. I now spend time trying to convince my son to move to a country more deserving of him and his talents. Thanks for your thoughts.
Canada has become extremely expensive now. Housing is next to impossible to purchase with starter homes starting at $600,000. Taxes are in the 15% range on everything you buy. Groceries are skyrocketing. But I still love my home country of Canada.
I sure hope that you Canadians will soon be able to buy European Grocereries for a fair price-if so you will be better off in the End.The US-Food industry is killing their customers anyway with their shit they sell.
This is true. All the additives in their food and the diet of fast food is horrible. I am shopping at all Whole Foods but I have to complain that they only give you a discount if you have an Amazon account. I refuse to have an Amazon account.
And all my respect to you personally!
Homes in my area are being built for $550,000 and up. Yes, way more expensive than they are worth. But you don't have the gun violence. You have health care like we don't. Those two make up so much of the "deficit." Someone explained to me recently how much you all pay for income taxes up there, and, when I factored in the cost of paying for private insurance family plan ($25k a year), your taxes for income at least, weren't unreasonable. Count your blessings. Not being the king of the world is also a benefit of living in Canada.
However, healthcare is not great in all areas especially in rural areas. I know for specialty doctors even in cities the wait time is six months plus. I was born and raised in Canada and lived there for 50 years. However, I met the man of my dreams here in the States and he was a navy veteran. After seeing what my parents and aunts and uncles went through because of Hitler and communism, I am willing to stay here and fight in my husband's memory.
We visit White Rock on our way to V.I. Every year in August!
30+ years! Lov you!🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦
But don't forget. The exchange on the Canadian dollar means that US dollars are worth 30% more. Yes, it is expensive in Canada, but I far prefer Canada than to living under the current US regime.
🔷🔹🩵 I feel like you too! I’m glad my time on earth is mostly over.
But one thing we can do is call members of Congress. I don’t hold back.
202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Give a name! Sometimes you get a person. I always leave a message. I also like to call the trump ass kissers. It’s easy n I am pretty sure they keep track of yay or nay! Start today.
Share the number with friends!
In addition, please use the 5Calls app to contact your legislators. Many times a person answers and they are so grateful for your call. I've made over 250 calls.
Thank you for mentioning the 5calls app. I downloaded it and will be making calls. I also write postcards for Activate America. My son just called me a hippie today and I was pretty proud of that. But I think my kids are pretty proud of what I am doing.
I agree. I call most days of the week. There’s plenty to call about.
God bless you, Connie… it’s a heck of a reason to be glad about aging! I am calling!
The actual number I've used that is listed on the Call Congress assist, is 202-224-3121. I double checked and your 225 one also goes through with the same message to ask for the Congress person you want to talk to. If I'm calling a MAGA person not in my state, before I call I look up a town in that person's district with a real zip code in case they ask if I'm a local constituent!
I was going to leave a snarky jab at humor—Pancakes and Big Coffee always helps….but no, knowing the cruelty and hunger in this world knocked me right down. Wish—Any recommendations for food donation distributions that won’t end with killings of the hungry?
The so called ALP_ADRIATIC SEA region is a very nice place: Slovenia, North-East Italy and Southern Austria.
Concise reporting. Ty
Agree
I can relate. I’ve felt that way since trump came down that gaudy escalator in his 1st vanity project to himself. Actually I
Ve despised him since he tore down a NYC landmark to build that project to stroke his fragile ego.
I’ve been following trump’s so-called career for decades starting when I was living/working in midtown Manhattan near trump tower. His reputation as a cheater, liar, fraud, bully, racist, con, mob-style bully, racist bigot, misogynist who hires undocumented workers then stiffs them, and a womanizer who assaults women is well known. He’s despised by most New Yorkers. So I was stunned when he ran for president and was actually nominated!
But my sister and I used to laugh hysterically at the sheer notion that he could possibly win! And then, we were speechless when he actually did win.
But the fact that republicans didn’t stop him by indicting him and removing him from office after the Democratic house impeached him TWICE was incomprehensible. But then they renominated and re-elected him???? It’s stupifying. It seems the fix is in…P2025 is rapidly being implemented by some very powerful people…can WE THE PEOPLE STOP THIS?
We must stay focused on our primary goal.
Your description of the orange monster is spot on. May I add one more to your list? Narcissistic is also a diagnosis that is backed up by Mary Trump and fitting for the vile felon.
Absolutely. I studied psychology in premed undergrad, specifically focused on deviant behavior. And I’ve been following Mary Trump for the past few years. Because of her professional training AND because she is a family member who grew up with him, she knows better than anyone that trump is a pathological sociopathic narcissist. And that underlying psychosis makes him dangerous and drives his behavior.
Thank you for sharing your professional diagnosis. I feel that the SCOTUS and the GOP have created this monster that will continue to harm so many of us. It feels that the monster has no guardrails.
I agree, and it is overwhelming when you think of what needs to occur for this to change.
Yes, it feels daunting, overwhelming, and SO SO WRONG.
I was working at Rockefeller center the day Bonwits came down. I was mortified the city let that happen.The day I saw him come down that escalator I screamed “HELL NO” so loud my dog made a mad dash for the back of the closet. Election night I screamed again even louder. Every time I heard his voice I threw stuffed toys at the tv. I knew what a pig he is after running into him at 54 and he asked to buy me a drink. My skin crawled.
I so agree with you but not because I intentionally followed his career but since I was in junior high he has been on everything! Gossip rags, mainstream news, talk shows, tv, magazines! I have found him arrogant since the first time I saw him interviewed. Like I have said too many times, if you are over the age of forty there is no way you didn’t know what he was about!
Technically Trump himself wouldn't be a citizen. Frederick and Elizabeth Trump weren't citizens when they had Fred Trump (Donald's father). So DJTs wouldn't have been a citizen and even though his Mother was apparently that's not good enough in Trumpland. This makes me think that he's violating the qualifications for becoming president. You know, having to be a naturally born citizen of the United States. Deport his ass.
Slovenia sounds good to me, let's go :)
I’ll go with you 😎
I m heartbroken for you and your family and .many others! What the idiots in charge dont realize is that WE'RE ALL IMMIGRANTS!! This administration is
daily ripping this entire country to shreds because of the morons who continue to support A CONVICTED FELON RAPIST who has and continues to lie for his own benefit. As well there are no Republicans who have the GUTS to stop his and his GOON SQUADS criminal behavior! The ice raids the birthright citizenship fiasco the SCOTUS dealing blow after blow to the laws and ignoring Constitutional precedent giving this FASCIST FELON free reign IS so much to take! It's deplorable DISGUSTING and the maggots who are still in his corner have ruined America!! And who will stop the lawlessness?!! The GOP and the FELON need to be IMPEACHED IMMEDIATELY!! Hard to still have hope but we SHALL OVERCOME SOMEHOW!!!
I feel you. It would be nice to have one peaceful day without the headlines being so horrendous.
The press did the same thing his first term, all donald all day every day. Press got so lazy, they didn't even have to do anything except parrot that despot. Now they're back at it again. Some days I just skip it and have a day of peace.
I too have had to learn to skip a day here and there and to be sure to get a daily walk outside with the dogs for sanity.
As long as you're not LGBTQ - I don't think it's safe for my tribe...
Terry, unfortunately I don't think you would be welcomed since it was at one time a Communist country making up part of Yugoslavia, and it is mainly Christian. I "My tribe" would not be welcomed either.
But I just read something remarkable in the NYT. Halfway down the digital page, but at least it wasn't hidden. More than 100,000 marched in Hungary today for Pride Day. Usually a low-key event. I didn't know they have been having them since 1995. Orban banned it, threatened "legal consequences" but Budapest's liberal mayor allowed it. Rainbow flags.Turned into a mass rally against Orban and his authoritarian regime. Somebody said "they think we're stupid. It's a distraction from the stealing and other problems".Someone showed up with her son in a wheelchair just to show " she was fed up with this gov't trying to make us all afraid".
The Orange Menace, who how many times in his rallies talked about the "great Viktor Orban"" and welcomed him to Mar-a-lago, as he was planning his coup, while Orban probably gave him the "Authoritarian for Dummies" playbook should take heed.
This was my favorite part: "A minor kerfuffle broke out when a Dutch evangelical Christian walked through the crowd carrying a cross and cursing participants as "traitors to G-d" followed by a man from Sweden waving a copy of the bible"
No offense to anyone's religion but these are the hypocrites hiding behind their cross.How dare they judge anyone who wants to live their lives in peace as a "traitor"? I will always stand up for LGBTQ rights . I have family and
many friends. Keep hope. 🙏 (I can't find the pride flag emoji on my kindle fire. The worst) but I raise it for you and all my friends and family.
🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Here you go. 😊
Thank you Jeri!🙏
Slovenia certainly has changed over the past 30 years-to the positive, while the US has changed too.............................
The reason the US has birthright citizenship is because virtually the entire population outside of Native Americans are immigrants.
Also why other countries don't have it. Families in England or France have been citizens since the beginning of their countries.
Raissa, I hear you loud and clear, and agree. I am being active in all the ways I know how… I write and call my representatives and my governor- multiple times. I donate money to those fighting for people’s rights- the ACLU, activist groups, and give to my local food banks. I attend the meetings and rallies and protests, but sometimes it feels like it’s all doing very little good. I’m fighting, but sometimes I don’t know how much good I’m doing.
If multitudes of us do what you do (and I was happy to see your list of what you do is similar to mine), it DOES make a difference! I'm also on The Contrarian substack and they are involved in the law part of it as well, and we get the most encouraging updates from behind the lines. That helps me a lot!
So how do we organize that and follow through, the $1 from everyone on Substack?
Agree!💯💯💯💯
That makes two of us, Virginia. We are fighting an uphill battle, and I'm doing my damndest to push through burnout.
Agreed Vivian-and we are only 6 mo in. Hard to see how we will survive, but we must!
I'm so with you! When I go out, I'm blown away how everyone acts like life is normal...
That's exactly what Jesus said would happen as the end times neared. People would carry on as if all is normal as the world falls to pieces around them.
You are blessed to be able to see it.
It's amazing how the Biblical prophecies are coming true. God Bless.
Right there with 😢
I think what gets me the most is Conold’s constant chaos. He must have ADD.
Or dementia
I don't think his deficit & disorder is primarily "attention", even though his inability to be consistent in anything is a defining characteristic & the use of Adderall seems evident. I believe his truly is a deficit of character, a dangerous lack of grounding ethics & principles. He only seems to believe in his own superiority & that is totally disconnected from the reality of human experience. That's what is so maddening, though, I agree, humans can't thrive in constant chaos & that is his whole M.O. He once said that, his ability is in creating "controversy". That's deliberate.
Our ally is his age. He won't be able to keep this pace up much longer. He will crack regardless of how many drugs he takes, etc.
I was raised in a family of malignant narcissists and witnessed their collapse multiple times. It always happens as they age.
What we can pray for is it happens sooner instead of later. That would be a blessing for us all. Trump included.
Unfortunately, I know the experience, too, of death being the only end to it. But, I think it's going to take more to break the chains of generational trauma, it's not just dying out, but comes back in awful ways. Somehow maybe we can do whatever work is necessary to prevent this imbalance again. Project 2025 has been a long game in the making, Felon47 seems like the worst there has ever been, but clearly there is no shortage of people willing to take that role. I hear what you're saying, the relief would be welcome, but really not an end to it, but the beginning of the work that needs to be done. I saw it that way if Harris had been elected, too, a lot of work to be done. Maybe that would have only put off the inevitable, we need significant change in our country so that power does not become so imbalanced again. I pray the people take back power & stay involved so we are never held hostage like this again. It breaks my heart that more generations would know the experience that we did. It's a call for everyone to step up as adults.
Severe malignant narcissism according Dr. Harry Segal and Dr. John Gardner
Yup, I don't think we can disregard the opinions of professionals. And, psychological diagnosis aside, anyone that has any experiences with abusive people or bullies can recognize the behavior. I'm having a real hard time with people somehow being OK with that, it shows how unwell we are culturally. I talked myself sick again with a neighbor I am trying to find common ground with still, & they keep insisting this what "everyone" voted for. I don't care, even if that was true, it's not healthy. How can you claim to be an honest person & support someone you know is dishonest? I wish to hell it wasn't affecting our lives & we could count on politics balancing out & the system correctly itself, but I don't trust that now, we let those self-absorbed with their own promotion have too much power.
Stay strong, it’s a
very abnormal situation you are all in but it can’t last and all past dictators came to a bad end. I sincerely hope he meets his soon ( Epstein situation might help ) Much support from UK x
I'm with you, Virginia. Just having a hard time over here.
I know that we were warned it would be this way, and that feeling so depressed is exactly what the administration wants. It’s just hard to try so hard… writing letters, making calls, attending rallies, and feel like we may never tip the balance.
I think I’m also just so disillusioned by how our government, which was built to avoid this dominance of power, is NOT working. I read about people getting angry with the Democrats in Congress. There are some who are fighting tooth and nail with us, but as long as those Republican Congressmen and Congresswomen and Senators (which are ALL of my representatives, btw) will not budge… even when people voice their displeasure, and when the Supreme Court appears to be largely in the administration’s pocket, there’s no way to check the Executive Branch.
I will try to take some time away from the news today to try and regain some of my “fight”. It’s just good to hear from all of you that I’m not alone! Love and light to you all!
I had a triple bypass February 5th and a side effect is depression. None of what’s been going on is helping that so I have decided to go see a therapist. We need to take care of ourselves as well as all the people who need help from this regime. Stay safe friends and please get the help you need to get healthy so we can fight back and keep our sanity.
This bs is not worth your own self worth- rest then PUSH Back at every opportunity!!
Thank you!
This is all I can handle reading these days. I don't watch the news. Some days, I can't even do my Substack favorites. I know we have been in this place before historically, and I know this too shall pass, but not before destroying America's ability to be a global leader and an economic beacon.
I hope the Dems are regrouping, reinventing, and creating a plan to not only right this sinking ship, but make it impenetrable from future Oligarchy Autocratics trying to rule as Kings.
I'm with you. Lately, I can't even read some of my favorite Substacks. I click on the post, scroll briefly and have to close the window. It's all just too much cruelty and insanity.
This is my hope as well, Kimberly!
Me too.
I'm feeling the 2 Ds bigly: Despair and Disgust. I get what you are saying.
We need another march. Soon. I'm going to a local groups' protest tomorrow. It's also a food drive. My sign reads "Tax the rich. They'll get over it."
I am grieving for my beloved country.
Understandable. Try to take some actions against any of this horrible mess - even just understanding more of what is happening and why. Then take breaks and get some sunshine and watch some soul supportive things and talk to good people, even if just online. Think of and do what sustains you and helps you feel like you can keep soldiering on with the rest of us, who certainly have our low moments as well. We have to nurture our souls in the midst of all this soullessness. Hoping for you and all of us.
👊🌞🌞 🌸🌻🌸
Don't be depressed. Get to work to un-elect Republicans in your area!
How do I text the Pope? I (we) need a life line. 🎣
You and me both
Musk is nothing but a drugged up con artist.
His success is largely due to the huge number of sycophantic manboys in this country who can't pass a shiny object by. Not because of genius. I have thought he's pretty loony for years.
To go along with the (Diet) Coked up con artist in the WH.
He got out over his skis when he went to Germany and campaigned for the Nazi AFD party. Germans don’t much like Nazis and musk is a Nazi. May his brand continue to sink. I have nothing against the Tesla cars per se but his persona has ruined it.
That makes babies like they are puppies.
I think Musk is nothing more than a "trumped up" persona. I don't believe for one moment he's the richest man in the world, a genius or anything other than a propped up puppet acting in a realtime movie of the week.
The same for The Donald. Players. Actors. Nothing more.
AND THE ENTIRE GOP IS EVEN WORSE THAN THE MUSK SCUM!!
Elon Musk is equally a psychotic, scumbag! Dude stole government code and data; then had the audacity to destroy working families livelihood. He’s a con artist.
Such sadism has never been paraded as a point of pride before in our country. Now it has become a badge of honor and the best way to rise in the ranks. This nation has become unrecognizable.
Are there not 10 Republicans with integrity?
Highly unlikely
Unfortunately true!😥😥
There’s fewer Republicans with integrity than honorable people in Sodom…
Not from Texas. I wrote Cruz off years ago, but I thought better of Cornyn.
That was a mistake - Cornyn is a flip flop, turning this way and that, while bending to kiss the foot of his orange Messiah.
I was hoping Cornyn would be more responsive seeing he is up for re-election next year but I am not seeing any signs he has a spine either.
Abbott is running against him next year. The psychopaths in Texas will likely vote for Abbot who is worse.
The only hope Texas has is moderates and Independents find Abbot so repulsive they actually gamble on a democrat.
Yes. They tell Democrats in private.
This is something actually worth praying for!
Obviously not!! What a bunch of SUCKERS AND LOSERS THEY ALL ARE!! ESPECIALLY THE CONVICTED FELON RAPIST!! IMPEACH THEM ALL! And yea ole McConnell is a TRUE POS!!! Yea " oh they'll get over it" talking about millions losing healthcare!!! This FELON being in power is on his hands!!!
Short answer, no!
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! Ahh, thx, I needed a good laugh!
Doubt it....
Where is the fucking humanity putting people where there are gators and anacondas? The people who put them there are vile and disgusting beings!
Yes, it is disgusting. As we have been saying all along, the cruelty is the point. I can' wait until Kristi Noem (and her botoxed countenance) along with her fellow terrorists and abusers are standing trial, Nuremburg-style. Do you think this will come to pass?
And karma to serve their prison time at the brand new alligator prison.
Also. It is unbelievable to me that this THIS horrible idea of Gator Alcatraz is Ron DeSantis's big redemption play. This is what will get his numbers up?! Omfg. It makes me believe that Satan is actually walking the Earth and having a massive laugh about having co-opted Christ's supposed followers for his own ends.
Deport Jesse Watters and all the Gator freaks to a bathroom stall in El Salvador
Good suggestion
Karma! It's coming for them all eventually!
Would like to live long enough to see it!
There has been a strain of ugliness and meanness in our society for a long time. Trump has given people permission to be their absolute worst selves, and you see it in politicians such as De Santis, pandering to the desire to punish and inflict pain on "those people".
Desatan n company n crew are not human!
202 225 3121. Will reach any member of congress. Call trump ass kissers!
Have been doing so!
Great! It’s easy! But I am enjoying the protests.
Hopefully, you can get some friends to help with calling!🇺🇸💪👍🔷🔹🇺🇸
It’s (202)224-3121 for the Congressional Switchboard. You have a typo.
Both numbers work! Try it! I just go to recents!
They are the ones that belong there!
Did the Iranians move the enriched uranium before or after Pete Hegseth mentioned the pending operation on his social media?
Kegsbreath is one of the most despicable of Dumps goons!
After watching Smegbreath's presser the other day, all I can offer are the words of the great Rick James: "Cocaine is a helluva drug."
Hogsbreath ?
Come to find out the Iranians have Truth Social accounts and can read English. Apparently Iran's leaders are smarter than Trump and his cabnit clowns.
Nothing says Tourists are welcomed in the United States. We might feed you to alligators or deport you to El Salvador. To the world I say please visit Canada 🇨🇦 where you are welcomed.
I’ll be there in August. Been going to V.I. For 30ish years. Love the people! And the country!
🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦
I do too!!! My grandfather helped finance Mennonites to get out of Russia during WWll and relocate to Canada 🇨🇦.
Mennonites are a borderline cult......they call themselves a sect. They have private schools...vote???? The Amish all supported Taco Tits....anti-vaxxers......raw milk BS......these religous groups and cults cause more harm than good..
You are right some sects are borderline cult. You are right many were decieved by Felon47, and that makes me very sad. I believe Felon47 goes against our teachings of loving our neighbors. are right some are anti vaxxers recently in Texas. My family had cows, and we did not drink raw milk. Just like any group of people not all Mennonites are monolithic. Some sects if your house burns down, the neighbors come build a new house. If you have a hospital bill you can't pay, they get together and pay your hospital bill. They are not perfect people. God's grace is sufficient for us that have a past.
Basic teachings of Jesus have been trashed by the fake Christian nationalists and false prophets like Paula White...etc.... Matthew 25.....has been torn out of the pages of the Trump FakeNews Bible.......welcome the stranger!!!! help the poor!!!!
My personal biblical reseach often leads me to Matthew 7:22-23 .......On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.
I follow IHIPNEWS......The ladies live in Oklahoma where there is a mega-church on every corner and fake christians have taken over the state.
The hypocracy is rotting the core of America.
Amen!!!!Preach it Brother!!!! I have the same beliefs, and I couldn't have said it better myself!!!!! I live in Houston, Texas. White Christian Nationalist is a cancer in our country.
Have been there many times!
I only had the privilege to visit St John's island one time. One of the great memories in my journey of life. If I were young, I would be moving to Canada 🇨🇦. Prime Minister Mark Carney is the leader of the free world. Their economy is going to grow, and the United States economy is shrinking fast because of tariffs.
Pure Lunacy! Instead of having ideas how to make things better, they are building more prisons. Truly sickening!
Why are we building houses for folks who already have houses and should stay in them while their cases are heard. We could put the ice guys to work in vacant jobs that they could wear less clothing items in the heat.
Law of gravity.... What goes up must come down.... musk is on the way down and will hit bottom sooner than I thought... Trump is next. When he comes down I hope he smashes into Oblivion. And yes he will spiral down!
Don’t wake me up, let me dream…..
FAFO, Dump!
THE PRIVATE PRISON RUN IN FLORIDA IS A MONEY MAKING INVESTMENT TO ALL THE BILLIONAIRES AND POLITICIANS THEY SUPPORT. THEY ARE PLANNING TO STOCK THEM, NOT ONLY TO SHOW MAGA HOW "TOUGH" THEY ARE, BUT TO ALSO GET BILLIONS IN GOV'T PAYOUT AND SUPPORT FROM THEIR PRIVATE PRISON INVESTORS.
Not that I feel sorry for the sales executive that Elon fired, but come on, Elon is the one who is 100% responsible for the devastating drop in Tesla sales. What a dork. A mean dork.
Thank you for this "Random Thoughts" report, Ron! What a lovely surprise. I always miss you on your days off... (are you feeling guilty yet? I'm JOKING of course! 😄). ❤️💙💛☘️
Thanks Ron. I hope this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the oysters.
Heard NPR reporter credit Miedas Touch when telling story:)
Thank you Ron for narrowing down all the news that’s fit to make you barf. The Supreme Court is not so supreme any longer. I’m trying not to get overloaded and overwhelmed with all the crap the orange dick-tator is doing. Some days I just won’t read anything. When I do, it’s either your reports or Ben/Meidas. You all have saved my sanity. 💙
I am extremely grateful for Ron Filipkowski because he is a consistent source of news without boasting about how great he is, and soliciting for paid subscribers.
Thank you, Ron, for your integrity.
🤮😵💫🤢every day I wake up and realize this unraveling of our democracy is a death of 1000 cuts… it truly is up to we the people! Over all we the people are forgiving, naive? In denial???And really we have never been here before in this way! The slow boil frog 🐸 syndrome! Grateful for Substack as it gives me hope, and clear reports of what is really going on! Plus the ability to make action steps! I keep saying this evil is unsustainable… other regimes always crumble! The USA is in its largest crisis perhaps ever! We must focus on what we want, and stay positive towards our country and democracy!
202 225 3121 will reach any member of congress! Give a name. Sometimes you get a person, but leave a message. I like to call the trump ass kissers. They need to know the big bad bill needs a complete overhaul!
Call many. Easy to do from your recliner!