356 Comments
User's avatar
Terri Mac's avatar

Recruit military veterans to lead the protesters.

Expand full comment
Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

I will take my Veteran husband's place. He passed in July 2024.

Expand full comment
Marion V's avatar

So very sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment
Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

He is the love of my life. I will never stop loving him. Thank you. He was an honorable man.

Expand full comment
L Peluso's avatar

And very obviously supported by a beautiful wife!

Expand full comment
Sylvia Salazar's avatar

The smell of desperation is almost equal to the diaper wearing the man. One step closer to removal.

Expand full comment
Danita Hamilton's avatar

God bless him and you. Thank you I know your husband is looking down on you and proud you are leading. Be safe stay strong 💯💪💯💪💙

Expand full comment
Elena Ortiz's avatar

Thank you! I am sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment
Judy Cross's avatar

I'm sorry for your loss.

Expand full comment
Pat Robinson's avatar

Thank you for this determination to not let his life and service have been in vain. And thank you for your service, both yours and his....the hardest rank in the military is military wife. I don't know if you children but if you do you are an inspiration to them and for sure to all of us. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

He served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield before I met and married him. We didn't meet until 2015 and married in 2017. He had 2 children from his first wife and the daughter has 2 children. I have 3 children from my first marriage. I try to make sure I send the 2 grandchildren items from him. At some point, I will send all my husband's navy items to the grandson. My children and grandchildren all know how I am honoring their step dad and they truly appreciate what I am doing. Not so sure about my husband's children which is sad.

Expand full comment
Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

You do what you feel is right, Sylvia. No one can fault you for that. Wife of Vietnam Vet here. You have my utmost respect and sympathies.

Expand full comment
Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

Back at you. Whenever anyone would thank him for his service he would say it was his pleasure.

Expand full comment
WJB Motown's avatar

You will be in the front line with other veterans for sure............The time is coming when Orange Hitler will give the order for his Orange Wehrmacht to open fire on US citizens.

You must be there to tell them to throw down their weapons and refuse that order.

Expand full comment
Jill's avatar

My sincere condolences to you. I’m sure that he would be proud for you to walk in his honor. 🫡🇺🇸

Expand full comment
Martha Ture's avatar

May his memory be a blessing, and an inspiration. We honor those who have passed by teaching others the good they did and proposing that we be like them.

Expand full comment
L Peluso's avatar

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your courage.

Expand full comment
HP's avatar

If you were involved, engaged or married at the time your husband was in the service, then I thank you for your service, too. Military spouses don't get the recognition they deserve, IMHO. They sacrifice parts of their lives, too. They contribute to the community, uproot and move constantly, and keep things together while the spouse is deployed. My wife was a Military child and then Military wife. I sometimes think she had things worse than me.

So thanks to you continuing to serve your country.

Expand full comment
Janet Sanderson's avatar

Sorry for your loss, and thank you for your support.🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸

Expand full comment
Jeff Urdank's avatar

So sorry for your loss. You are a hero. He’s looking down, and proud.✊🇺🇸😎

Expand full comment
Rosemarie Dufault's avatar

So sorry for your loss 💔RIP 🇺🇲

Expand full comment
Jennifer's avatar

I'm so sorry. I will follow your lead and go for my Dad.

Expand full comment
Jigz's avatar

I honor your husband’s service, and will proudly stand beside you to raise the flag that he defended.

Expand full comment
Aysheda J. Campbell's avatar

Exactly what needs to happen! I am a veteran and I will DEFINITELY be leading my fellow protesters! 🇺🇸💙

Expand full comment
Danita Hamilton's avatar

Thank you for your service and for leading. Be safe and stay strong 💯💪💙💪💯

Expand full comment
Aysheda J. Campbell's avatar

You’re welcome ☺️ You be safe as well.

Expand full comment
Rose Cassie's avatar

This is heartbreaking 💔 ❤️‍🩹 that Americans have to wish each other “safety” in a land that used to be taken for granted “safe” before an OLD unhinged criminal took power with the help of rich 🤑 Republicans corruption!😢

Expand full comment
Jigz's avatar

All true. But when I get too depressed over this, I remind myself that there are categories of people for whom this country has NEVER been safe. They are still here. They fight on.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

Please be safe . This needs to go viral. https://substack.com/@sugarrhi/note/c-124751184?r=4hcex0

Expand full comment
lorelei Perrault's avatar

Thank you. And I appreciate your service. We need more like you around!

Expand full comment
Aysheda J. Campbell's avatar

You’re so very welcome 🙏🏽

Expand full comment
ScottiDog's avatar

Please wear your uniform brother and take charge you're just what we need God bless you

Expand full comment
Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

BLESS YOU, Aysheda!

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

Agree. The problem we face is that many vets are now on the side of Dumpty. From law enforcement to the guard, as well as active duty. Infiltration of folks who side with MAGA has been going on for a while. Somehow, those who honor America will stand out from those who don't.

It was disheartening to learn how many vets and police officers were among the thugs Dumpty commanded on JAN6. One can only hope that eyes are opened and his supporters recognize he has no love for our military or law enforcement--or anybody else, for that matter. He called our soldiers losers, "What's in it for them?" he's been reported as saying.

He told his wives he would withhold all support if they permitted his children to serve. He also said he "Backed the Blue" despite pardoning those who harmed and in some cases hastened or caused the deaths of some of the Capitol Police. He refuses to honor their bravery on that horrendous day. He dishonors Gold Star families. He desecrated our flag and replaced our National Anthem with the JAN6 choir.

Does a leopard change its spots? No. Nothing he says can be trusted.

Expand full comment
Rhoda Ozen's avatar

That isn’t necessarily true. There are Veterans for Peace.org

IAVA.org

Other veterans organizations that are many in membership and are for peace.

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

As previously stated — some, not all.  

From: Maj Gen. Paul Eaton, U.S. Army (Ret)

“… There is a video showing tanks rolling into Washington for a birthday parade. Celebrating the US Army’s 250th birthday - or is it Mr Trump’s idea of strength projection on his own birthday?

This is the kind of display we were accustomed to seeing during the Cold War. The Soviets would puff up their chests, roll out their tanks, missiles, thousands of soldiers, and march them around Red Square.

It was an exercise in puffery projection of pseudo strength, because we all know how the USSR turned out.

We never matched those parades in the United States. Not because we weren’t as strong, or stronger. Not because we couldn’t afford it. Not because it was too difficult.

We didn’t do it because there was no questioning the power and global reach of our Military — and because our greatest strength was our democracy.

Today, that democracy is under attack. The reputation of the Military is being impugned and politicized. Our National Security architecture is under immense strain. NATO is being weakened. Our allies question our support. Critical services for millions of Veterans are in danger.”

  Via-- Votevets (dot) Org

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

Read it again. There are no absolutes. Fact is the JAN6 thug crowd included vets, active duty, police officers, and other first responder professionals.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

Of course...there is one in every crowd. But I don't think the majority of vets are for him...now police, that's a different animal.

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

There are heroes and zeros in every profession, in every occupation—from A to Z. Just remember that a police officer’s legal, civil command is [not] a … suggestion.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

My comment about police officers...diff animals, is that most support tRump unlike most vets who do not support him.

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

“Most” is a perilous POV. It’s also unsubstantiated. When you spread negativity across a broad spectrum you make yourself vulnerable to overlooking individuals who may, in fact, mean you no harm—or disrespect.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

Certain segments of society experience a disproportionate amount of negativity from cops. That is a fact and all cops, good and bad, know this. The negative opinions come with the territory.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

Yes...a police officer's command...like when J6ers ignored and attacked them. Then subsequently pardoned by the regime of "law and order".

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

Evidently you’ve had the misfortune to encounter difficulty with police officers. Proceed with caution going forward. Not everyone who wears a uniform and a badge is untrustworthy—or appreciative of your negative attitude.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

By the way, I am always cautious when dealing with cops. And I have an exceptional driving record and should not get pulled over for a license tag being out and treated with such disdain. Meanwhile, drivers out there driving wrecklessly. And I have freedom of speech, just like you. And I think it's awful when police are killed doing their jobs.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

I have met at least one who had a great sense of compassion and humanity.

Expand full comment
Leah Baum's avatar

My granddaughter is serving in the Airforce and she told me everyone in her unit hates the felon.

Expand full comment
Ed Garland's avatar

Thank her for her service!

Expand full comment
Scott Bump's avatar

My Veteran relatives fought so. I didnt have too Sign me up too please? For my triple great grandfather Angus McLeod! I learned he signed up just as he got off the ship arriving in Philly!

Expand full comment
Edie Sadowski's avatar

So did mine! ♥️🤍💙

Expand full comment
Glenda C.'s avatar

I agree re: recruiting more veterans (deep down, I believe they really know and understand). Especially after that disgusting beyond words display by the wannabe dictator at the military base yesterday - apparently much of the current active duty forces are still supportive of the fascist dictator and his regime (and now the traitor Confederacy too). They are pretty much full blown Nazi now. We the people still have overwhelming numbers though, and can win this, but it's going to be worse (and probably long and hard). This really truly breaks my heart, but I'm also a realist (and practical). Make real plans. Don't give up.

Expand full comment
Theresa N's avatar

Yes!!

We have many veterans in our area joining the weekly Tesla Takedown demonstrations since the DOGE cuts and DOD actions started.

Expand full comment
Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

In our area too! My husband would do it but his PTSD from Vietnam is too great. He cannot stand crowds.

Expand full comment
Kelly Sexton's avatar

Veterans stand with the government. It's very obvious..

Expand full comment
Mary R Manship's avatar

You believe what you want but I believe most Vets honor their oath to the constitution!

Expand full comment
Andrea Todd's avatar

Isn’t that what happened in “Born on the Fourth of July”? Nam vets led protests.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Gibbs Dunlap's avatar

EXCELLENT PLAN!!

Expand full comment
Stephanie Gibbs Dunlap's avatar

Great Idea! Hopefully, they have realised - What they were ordered to do in LA, was not just a terrible, unwarranted, Brutal VICIOUS, UNACCEPTABLE, DESPICABLE, WRONG HEADED! Thing to do! To innocent people! How can we ever trust you again? !

Expand full comment
Megan Rothery's avatar

Missed it live, but watched after and will share it.

And my normal comment -

Call. Write. Email. Protest peacefully. Unrelentingly.

Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk

Expand full comment
Nicole Muniz's avatar

Thank you! This is amazing!

Expand full comment
Daniel Solomon's avatar

I'm hoping that there are Califorinia Congressional Republicans -- there are 9 of them-- that know the rationale for this -- danger of invasion by a foreign nation; there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States -- is BS and will step forward.

How about David G. Valadao?

Expand full comment
Megan Rothery's avatar

I’m not sure if you’re asking me if David Valadao is on the list, but he is. All House reps are listed and marked red for republicans if you want to call/email them asking your question and ask how they’re going to step up against the administration right now. Great thought to!

Expand full comment
Stephanie Gibbs Dunlap's avatar

MOST DEFINITELY 💯🔝🔝🔝✅

Expand full comment
Pat Robinson's avatar

I saw that Valadao said he was concerned...much like Susan Collins...I doubt he will take any action. It's easy to say you are concerned as long as trump knows you will go along with whatever he does anyway. I do feel sorry for the Hispanics/Latinos who voted for him because they thought since he was one of them he'd fight for them. But then again, they knew he was a trumper so they should have known better. I feel a little different about folks who voted for Rubio...he had actually done something for Hispanics/Latinos before he became a trump toadie and they must feel really betrayed and confused. And scared.

Expand full comment
Daniel Solomon's avatar

There will be a trial in LA.

If he's called as a witness and sworn, hopefully he'd tell the truth.

Expand full comment
Susan Schmale's avatar

Exactly!

Expand full comment
SBMcG's avatar

How many house republicans are needed to form with Democrats a majority to impeach? 9?

Expand full comment
Pat Robinson's avatar

Sadly I don't think even one will stand with the Democrats. They are all spineless and at best have a "concern" for what trump does but still support him 100% at the expense of the well being of the folks they were supposed to protect. And people will continue to vote for them.

Expand full comment
Bluesmurf's avatar

It's not so much the actual impeachment, which would take like 4, it's the Senate removal, which takes 20. Then we have JD Vance.

Expand full comment
SBMcG's avatar

Impeach tham all, JD, all the cabinet member... Let the Governors come to Washington and run things while congress is super busy with all those impeachments

Expand full comment
Megan Rothery's avatar

You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up right now!

Expand full comment
David's avatar

Thank You, Megan!

Expand full comment
Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

Thank you for everything you do MeidasTouch. Also, thank you to all the independent reporting that is going on and telling the truth. No cover ups. No bending the knee to Satan. I pray that all of you stay safe.

Expand full comment
Terri Mac's avatar

Need to push the message to recruit veterans to lead peaceful protest marches and to protect protesters.

Expand full comment
Dottie Fanning's avatar

It was a fantastic speech that the Governor gave last night. Thank you for giving us that exclusive.

Proud to be a member of the Meidas Mighty.

Now let's go out this weekend to the No Kings Peaceful protests and all summer long!

Be safe out there.

Expand full comment
Claudia Re's avatar

After seeing what happened in LA, my biggest fear is that MAGA people (or worse, the proud boys) will be sent in to provoke peaceful protesters during the thousands of rallies and marches on June 14. We must all remember how effective Gandhi and MLK peaceful protests were; we cannot allow them to create a disturbance that would give a reason for Trump to send in the troops.

Expand full comment
Claudia Re's avatar

And the MAGA provokes will not be wearing red hats; they’ll try to provoke from within. Don’t let them!

Expand full comment
Peggy Fokkema's avatar

Exactly

Expand full comment
Doogal's avatar

Appreciate the views and info here in Australia.

We care for you and support what you are doing.

Stay brave but smart folks. You’ve got this. ❤️💙

Expand full comment
Judy Cross's avatar

Thank you for your support. It means a lot to us.

Expand full comment
Edie Sadowski's avatar

Thank you for your support!

Expand full comment
Doogal's avatar

I have friends over there. This is wrong in anyone’s language.

This is a pivotal time in world history. People of freedom, empathy, and fairness can not ignore it, wherever they live.

❤️💙

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

To read the words Gavin Newsom’s speech was presidential needs to be stamped on your banners,your tee shirts in fact on your hearts because dearest friends you have one hell of a fight on and I and my fellow Brits will stand with you…

Expand full comment
Judy Cross's avatar

Thank you for standing with us. We need that.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Well Judy there is no other course of action I’m old enough to remember the horror stories that were taught to me as a child about Hitler and this vile US dictator is copying him …PS never give up US will win !

Expand full comment
Nicole Muniz's avatar

Thank you for all you guys do! Aaron Parnas and MeidasTouch are trustworthy and accurate with their information. Independent News will help save us!!

Expand full comment
Shelley Jeffries's avatar

Fantastic job! The idea that Gavin Newsome was exclusively on your platform, and we had the opportunity to hear truth. I cannot stand looking at mainstream media. At 70, I choose to trust independent media.

Expand full comment
Jennifer N's avatar

Ironically mainstream media is showing snippets of the speech. I hope they understand why Newsom could not go to them directly. It's a strong message of where mainstream media stands & I hope your subscriptions skyrocket as a result.

Someone mentioned Heather Cox Richardson. Shes outstanding with a huge following. She's meeting the moment as a historian of this time as is Ron Filipkowski. It would be interesting to have them compare notes on how they compile their daily information on your show. I've listened to both on that topic, very interesting & greatly appreciated.

I never miss her daily recordings or his daily summary.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

I think there should be a line of high profile people lined up outside your door Ben to do what Gavin Newsom just did . Trump lies about you or a situation, . Go tell everybody he's lying . On independent media where the folks fighting back hea r it. Expose him daily. As he lies and disrupts, daily. The MSM hides it all. Turn the tables on him. Make the news cycle a horror for him. EVERYDAY.

Expand full comment
Wendy Arnold's avatar

See youtube video- "ICE RAIDS IN LA: Democratic lawmakers speak out." on ABC10+ 1 day ago.

Really good and very powerful comments from speakers.

Expand full comment
Pat Robinson's avatar

I agree about the immediate loud and clear response. I've sent a note to the DNC asking why they are not doing this. Maybe if we all contacted them we could either get an explanation (they can admit they don't have the guts?) or some genuine action. As far as I know it doesn't cost anything to go on MTN.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

Yes Pat. I never got one response from any official. All these months. None. I'm out of ideas. This is my last one. If something doesn't give soon. I fear we are done.

Expand full comment
Pat Robinson's avatar

IF I get a real person, I pretty much start my conversation by saying I don't expect them to answer and based on previous responses I don't believe what they say and I know they will only repeat what trump has told them to say. I did talk to a real person yesterday and asked her about the medicaid costs but she said she doesn't know anything about them, her only job is to help constituents with things like getting tours of the Capitol or other very specific constituent "needs" and there wasn't any one else in the office who knew anything about the budget bill. I will continue to call just to let them know not everyone approves of trump even though they don't care and they don't care about their constituents. But based on the conversation I had yesterday it seems they don't even keep a tally of what folks are calling about. I'm in a 99.9% red maga district and the Congressman has no need to do town halls, and if he did everyone would cheer him and tell him it's great he's cutting their food stamps and medicaid.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

Ditto.

Expand full comment
MZ's avatar

I watch KTLA news here in LA . I’d like to know how much they are being paid to air the Kristi Noem anti-immigrant commercials! Why aren’t they showing the full Newsom video?

Expand full comment
JMull's avatar

Wow! Getting more blatant

Expand full comment
MZ's avatar

Yes! I have not watched the news since the election. Because I live so close to LA I wanted to see what was going on live. KTLA was more focused on the burning Waymo cars!

Expand full comment
CARMEN YAZEJIAN's avatar

Keep up the great work. I am so grateful for the truthfulness of your reporting. We are living in a Bizarro world.

You are the supermen and women.

Expand full comment
Carrie Dennehy's avatar

I appreciate your needs, but in this moment, urgent calls need to be about urgent information. Respectfully, this does not read as a post designed for spreading urgent information.It reads similarly to the requests for donations that the DNC sends me “urgent” messages about daily.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

What is urgent to you Carrie.? What.

Expand full comment
Carrie Dennehy's avatar

What is urgent to me is having the information headline and also the details. Urgent to me is context and possibly next steps. Admittedly this is partly because of the DNC onslaught, but when information isn’t given more than the bullet point headlines, and it is paired with talking up the group giving me the incomplete info, I tend to feel used and as though the info is a means to the end of more money.

And while I respect the need for groups to have money to do their work, I get weary of being constantly asked to read urgent things that don’t actually speak to the urgency without pairing it with a request for support.

It’s a piece of capitalism that really gets under my skin.

Expand full comment
SoLikeLife's avatar

I agree with you, Carrie. Also... California isn't the largest state, as is stated right at the beginning of this post lol. I'm sure it seems trivial to some but in my opinion don't scream "accurate and independent" and lead off with a literal inaccuracy.

Expand full comment
Carrie Dennehy's avatar

I don’t want to get into an argument but my point is sort of proven there. I’m not asking to be considered a journalism source.

And it also shows context is important. California is the largest state by population, though not by land mass.

Expand full comment
SoLikeLife's avatar

Sorry if my comment came across funky, but I am in step with you. I meant I agree with you and on top of your point the writing itself is of poorer quality than what I would hold an organization like Meidas to as a standard. It's a chronic issue I have with MTN in general, the consistently mid-to-low writing presented.

I agree with the mission. The execution has room for improvement.

Expand full comment
Carrie Dennehy's avatar

I apologize too. I was reading this during a very small break at work and probably didn’t read it closely enough.

Expand full comment
ramona j's avatar

Lol. Literally. Don't scream when they are in your neighborhood.

Expand full comment
Danita Hamilton's avatar

I’m so angry that California is being invaded by evil traitors who don’t love America or Americans because if they did they wouldn’t be following the evil traitor devil orders in the White House and his evil regime.Why can’t people just stand up to this demented lunatic. After everything he has done and now this nobody still not doing a damn thing or saying anything. This is truly going to get worse and worse people are going to start dying. It’s sounds bad but Trump said Biden was going to cause a war he is the one in our own country it is really sickening and disgusting how people on both sides not saying or doing anything. But thanks to the MeidasTouch we can count on them for the truth and say what is really going on and happening. Be Safe and Stay Strong Everyone 💯💪💯💪💯💪💯💪💯💙💙💙💙💪💯💪

Expand full comment
Alie Mel's avatar

That MTN exclusive put the nail in the coffin of corporate mainstream media! Mayor Ben for the win! Midas Mighty ✊

Expand full comment
Jennifer's avatar

Watched it on video afterwards and shared to family. Already heard back from some saying, "enough is enough." Thanks for doing this!!

Expand full comment
Edie Sadowski's avatar

Re stacked the video

Expand full comment
ErrorError