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John Maton's avatar

“A shutdown falls on the president’s lack of leadership. I mean problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top. A shutdown means the president is weak.” — Donald J. Trump, 2013

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Amy R's avatar

This should be on repeat everywhere, I mean he said it. “A shutdown means the president is weak”~DJT, 2013. Great share!

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John Maton's avatar

That’s what I am trying to do. Adding that comment to any relegante posting here or on Bluesky etc Please go ahead. Adam Schiff even has the clip of Trump saying this. https://youtu.be/aUVPTZoCw2s?si=UvgWrIrgYzw9J-uu

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Pat Robinson's avatar

Thanks for sharing this about Adam Schiff...he's no Newsom but we need both and he does an outstanding job of presenting the truth to America..always so calm and professional and yet, there's this brilliant undercurrent he always finds ways to insert.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

WE also need Katie Porter, back in congress not Governor. and Kieth Olbermann back on network news. along with Chris Matthes.

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Pat Robinson's avatar

Wouldn't that be nice!!!

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Karen Marks's avatar

SO TRUE! I REALLY ADMIRE HIS APPROACH TO EVERY TOPIC! HE SEEMS TO HAVE A HANDLE ON THINGS DOWN THE LAND NO MATTER WHAT THEY TRY TO THROW AT HIM! NOTHING SHIFTY ABOUT HIM! 😉👍

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

trump lies about EVERYTHING!!

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Merry's avatar

If his lips are flapping, he’s lying.

And so much for ART OF THE DEAL! The stable genius who knows more about everything than anyone else in the world. Just ask him…

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

If he is breathing, he is lying

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Leah Baum's avatar

So does Mike Johnson. They’re both pathological liars.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

It has been ever since 1775 that the right's mantra is the ends justifies the means, as long as they win anything goes

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

It has been the mantra of the right since 1775 that the ends justifies the means, anything goes so they can win

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Ellen CW's avatar

I agree 👆🏼☮️

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

OOHHHH, that will teach him. He doesn't give a shiite what people think. He admitted it when he said smart people hate him. He doesn't care. Revenge on the people who made him a felon, the accumulation of wealth, which he was promised, see the Gaza plans for the Final Solution, and the continued, in plain site, of Project 2025. The nest step was our military. Why do you think they were brought back to the US. To cull those who will not follow illegal orders. We will see them in our streets. As far as these monsters are concerned, what we do, what we can do, are like flea bites.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

It's revenge on everyone, sure he goes after those that caught him with his hand in the cookie jar. but shutting down the country, especially those that voted for him to lose any hope a medical assistance

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

Stop being naive. He used those people. All he wanted was to get back into power. Once that was accomplished, he REALLY does not care. He doesn't want what is in the cookie jar, he wants, or those that control him, the entire jar. And he now has it. He is going to use the shut down as an excuse to fire even more government employees. It may already be too late to do anything, that won't lead to strawberry cool aid running in our streets. We need to shut this country down. NOW! Not a month from now. NOW.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Your are absolutely correct, the cookie jar reference was to those that tried to stop him. We need however to shut him down not the country

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MM Harris's avatar

Yes! It's PERFECT.

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Get Er Done's avatar

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 way to make the orange 💩 stain eat his own words.

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Linda's avatar

It is humorous to hear him say things like that when he really talking about himself…

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Karen Marks's avatar

Typical of Malignant Narcisistic Personality. Each accusation against his enemy is a confession of his own transgression!

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C Giza's avatar

Sad, too.

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Merry's avatar

Horrifying and extremely dangerous.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

so are all his no so bright supporters, in mind. the sheep with the bell, is the one that will eventually become not Putin's friend, but his lamb chop

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Susan Raquel's avatar

I had never heard of the parable of the sheep with the bell.

https://www.crumbsfromhistable.com/2011/07/parable-of-bell-sheep.html

I think of trump more like a Judas Goat leading the sheep to slaughter. I never heard before that the goat was rewarded with a cigarette. Guess that would have to be replaced with a diet coke. https://microcapclub.com/judas-goats/

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

I love the sweet story of the bell sheep. Gave me a lot to think about. Thank you.

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Susan Raquel's avatar

YW I have a little dog whose eye periodically gets swollen from allergies. I rinse her eye and put some eye jell in it. It helps; but, she is never happy about the eye treatment. Then, there she is in my lap again.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Dog's is the best people, probably why Trump hates dogs. I can't understand how anyone, anyone at all, would trust a person that hates dogs

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Goats sheep and cows are herds that use a lead animal with a bell for the rest to follow. but again Trump, while kissing Putin's --- is doing just the same those that cater to Trump. He uses them up and then lets them decompose, the only difference is that when Trump out lasts his usefulness, like many of Putin's past sycopants, Trump fall out of a window, that is if he doesn't decompose before our eyes.

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Karen Marks's avatar

Well said! So long as we, the American People, are not served up as his dessert!

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Thank you but that is Putin's plan

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Cathy Bok's avatar

We need billboards stating this t.rump quote!!! Make him accountable along with the rest of the Republicans for this lack of leadership!

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

Actually tRump is doing a great job of leading. He is doing exactly as the billionaire class want him to. He is destroying our country, so the Chisto/Fascists can take over, establish their Theocratic Oligarchy and the rest of you will just be indentured servants. If there are elections, they will not be reliable. They are not going to let us win. As we were so clearly told yesterday when he gave his marching orders to our military. They will use any tool they have to defeat the people they see as opposition.

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Pamela Binnendyk's avatar

So so sad. From a Canadian........FIGHT AND DON'T STOP.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Thank you that is why I'm advising Washington, Oregan and even some red states to succeed and join up with Canada. the red states that depend on Canada for their electrical power.

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

That won't be enough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pKzKxydWBc Watch this. We need to burn the White House Down. Think out of the box. NOW.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Let's make that Mara Lago while he is there not the White House

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Karen Marks's avatar

YOU SEE THIS AS GREAT? WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON... OR NEED I ASK?

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

Did you bother reading the post? Nope. You just reacted, and that is what is going to allow these monsters to continue. You certainly don't recognize irony or sarcasm. OR NEED YOU ASK?

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Lauren Tyson's avatar

It's sometimes hard to detect sarcasm in the written word. Easier to detect in verbal exchanges. Might have been better to write something like " . . . doing a great job of leading--leading us to destruction."

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Susan Raquel's avatar

What is interesting is the way that the first sentence is phrased. If it wasn't about trump it could be a positive statement. Just knowing that it was about trump was enough to know it was sarcastic; yet, I wasn't sure re sarcasm or irony.

I agree about the ability to detect it more easily in face to face exchanges. I have a tendency to be sarcastic. One day my friend told me that she doesn't always know whether I mean what I am saying or not and looks to see if I smile afterwards or not.

My son warns young people not to be upset by what I say. LOL

I do try to be more careful when speaking to people who are not "native" English speakers. It is a bit of a chore trying to explain my "smart a$$" remark.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

Yes we could use a seperate fount, how about that Ben

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Susan Raquel's avatar

I was just getting ready to say the same, couldn't decide if it was sarcasm or irony so I was looking it up.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/sarcasm

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MM Harris's avatar

OCTOBER 18 = NATIONAL PROTEST re NO KINGS!!

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Barbara Anderson's avatar

Protests are the fodder they are looking for. We are so predictable. We will do everything to keep they from shooting on us. When it is only a matter of time. This needs to be STOPPED. NOW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pKzKxydWBc

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E L Nolan's avatar

that would be following, not leading. And he hasn't given orders, he has given hints or said what he wants. he is to chicken to order, he would have to take some responsibility for something if he did that. he doesn't have the spine for that. If someone else gives the order, they are responsible, they will do the prison time.

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Susan Raquel's avatar

Good point. I think that Michael Cohen did a podcast re mobsters and how trump follows their example.

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Darcy J.'s avatar

Spread the word! Out of the mouth of the diaper babe.

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TracyMcG's avatar

Well, well, well, that might be the first truth I’ve heard him speak-he’s oh so weak.

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Jackson McKinney's avatar

Pointing out Trump’s hypocrisy is as useful as telling the world the sky is blue.

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John Maton's avatar

Quote Trump Against Trump. In 2013, he said it himself: “A shutdown means the president is weak.” Put it on billboards. Put it in ads. Put it on the chyron. If Trump wants to govern by catchphrase, give him one he already wrote. Make him eat his own words.

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Shaun McCardell's avatar

A weak America is the answer!!

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Merry's avatar

So much for ART OF THE DEAL! By the stable genius who knows more about everything than anyone else in the world. Just ask him…

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cnlights2's avatar

Nothing like having to eat your own words!

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Patricia Anne Boone's avatar

Going back on his own words. 🌮!!

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MM Harris's avatar

!!!!!!!!!!!

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Geoffrey Fox's avatar

I believe they call this Karma

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R Cyclone's avatar

Yes! People need to post the truth. The Republican Speaker sent his team home. If they were serious about governing and avoiding the shutdown and working towards solutions, he would not have done that.

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Mark's avatar

He is avoiding swearing in the new representative from Arizona. She is in agreement with releasing the Epstein files.

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R Cyclone's avatar

He could have kept them in town and just delayed her swearing in because AZ law dictates the time line for when her official certification can be sent to DC. Technically the Speaker can delay the swearing in until that happens. But it gives him two things he wanted.

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Mark's avatar

Can you honestly believe these people follow laws

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R Cyclone's avatar

No- it is a law for when AZ sends the certification. I checked to see if AZ could send it sooner and they can’t. Technically the Speaker could have sworn her in earlier. He is allowed to do that. He chose not to, it was a purposeful delay on his part to avoid her signature on the discharge petition as you indicated.

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Cheryl Seybert's avatar

I read so that AZ had sent in all the documents the fed govt needed to swear her in & holy Mike refused to swear her in….

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R Cyclone's avatar

It is possible. When I checked 2 days ago, the required timelines within AZ for certifying had not yet been met. (Of course that is per Google AI and who knows if that is completely valid). The Speaker didn’t wait on the paperwork process on another congressional swearing in. So I am sure he used whatever excuse he wanted to use. I don’t trust anything Johnson says.

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Linda's avatar

That’s it, it’s all about pleasing Trump who has no idea what it’s like to struggle…He has zero sympathy for the most vulnerable Americans….

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Cheryl Seybert's avatar

I read that AZ had sent in all the documents the fed govt needed to swear her in & holy Mike refused to swear her in….

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Jamie Smith's avatar

America, united we must stand!

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

While I agree and gave you a thumbs up. I'd like to kow how we are going to get through the thick heads of the Maga

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Mike O's avatar

We’re not going to Ed. We have to spread the word to the overwhelming number of people that aren’t following all this like we are, the ones that don’t care but still vote. They vote by vibes and from what they have heard. So we all have to be louder for longer and flood the zone. Talk to all your friends and neighbors, start local.

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Robin's avatar

Agree 100% Mike O - also to accept that No One is coming to save us. We are the droids we're looking for. Keep the faith!

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

That is why I quit believing in God. I believe in Due unto others as you would have them due unto yourself and I believe in Dolly Partin when she said in "Best Little ---- House in Texas" If I See a person without a smile, I give them one of mine. But like God didn't do anything to help the people that Attila the Hun, hurt and didn't help the people that were hurt in Germany in WWII, If the Bible is true why doesn't he stop Trump. )once Trump gets complete political control he will banish all other gods

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brad ziegel's avatar

MAGA is a death cult and if they could they would have Trump's body enshrined and embalm like Lennin in Russia so they could pray and worship him after his passing...no joking here they believe him to be the greatest savior of America.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

That is nothing new, the right stuffed Eisenhower with drugs so he could wave out the window of his hospital room, until he was cold

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Marc Nevas's avatar

We don’t waste our efforts trying to get through the heads of those who are dedicated to MAGA and Trump. What we do is wake up and inform all of those that didn’t vote or who at this point do not wish to even hear the news of the Midas Touch Network and the other sane voices such as Heather Cox Richardson.

For those who are looking for the next step forward, I would strongly recommend the “Crisis and Transition “ Substack.

https://crisistransition.substack

.com/p/propositions-for-resolving-the-polycrisis-5e6

Here you will find proposals for solutions to the crisis or “polycrisis”we now find ourselves in.

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Marc Nevas's avatar

As a positive step forward, I am sending paid subscriptions to this substack to my four sons and friends who have open minds so that they can see solid steps forward out of the crisis we find ourselves in.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

I believe Ben would approve If I said thankyou for him before he does

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Linda's avatar
Oct 1Edited

Billboards everywhere of the phrases Trump uses to make others look bad against himself…Wouldn’t it be great to also put truthful statements against the destruction he has created against Americans like the tariffs, inflation, needed services that are taken away from most vulnerable etc…..Don’t forget Epstein…

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

While I agree totally, we should also show pictures of the children that still have not been re-united with their parents from his first. reign. and we should on the same billboard condemn those that think that was the right thing to do. Especially those that self-proclaim they are Christians

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Sheila Pettiford's avatar

Believe or not some are already seeing it and I think once they start feeling it they will start saying enough is enough. Just listen to what Lev Parnas says about the MAGA, they are infighting about the Epstein files and this shutdown is away to cover it up.

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Ed Clemensen's avatar

It took them long enough, but even then, when one of my closest friends cajoled me to watch South Park, then I had to ask him not three weeks later Hadn't he learned anything from South Park about Trump. It was devastating

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James Wilson's avatar

Flood the zone with the facts is important, because MAGA Mike and company are trying to blame the Democrats did the shutdown. They are trying to say we want transgender for everyone (most absurd thing) like migrants eating dogs and cats and post birth abortion. Leaders to need to step up like Gavin Newsom has and point out the facts to the public.

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Sylvia Arrowood's avatar

Or call your member of Congress and Senate and demand they do something.

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Linda's avatar

Flood the phone lines and emails to them so they know we mean business….

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James Wilson's avatar

Absolutely!!

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Marc Nevas's avatar

Sheila, it is not just leaders that need to step up, it is us that need to step up and spread the word to all of our networks of friends, family, and our own personal media network.

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Sandra Wallace's avatar

A comment on Pardas Perspective earlier today prompted me to write the following:

WE are going to lead ourselves, because WE are awesome, dope, lit, fire, sick, cool, rad, legit, and epic!

We don't even have to march in the streets anymore - old school - and increasingly ever more dangerous. We don't need to get suckered into the trap of MAGA staged violence and giving the con man - Don't - an excuse to use our military against us.

We've got solutions. Modern day tools.

"Liberty's Underground"

We've got keyboards in order to speak out, the internet to relay messages, our phones to make dissent calls.

We can shelter each other, gather in small groups, share goods with those in dire need, look out for family, friends and neighbors.

Watch the Ukranians. Their population is between 38 and 39 million. Russia's is around 146 million. Yes, they have Zelensky, but it is their intense desire for freedom that keeps them resilient, tough, and powerful.

Our population is estimated to be around 347 million people. Trumpican's are reportedly about 1/3 of that and dwindling. Those wielding corrupt and negligent power today are the "less than .01%".

There's strength in numbers. We just have to choose the most effective next best steps.

We have control over and the ability to effect the economy - strikes, boycotts, interrupting the federal tax system with en masse delays on filing, having our successful states stop funding federal coffers.

Today, 1 October 2025, we're forced to start adapting to Don'ts government shutdown. We got this!

We can learn from our country's history.

How did we create such an amazing experiment in democracy without any of today's technology? Elbows up, figuring things out, adaptability, courage, tenacity, self reliance, acceptance of reality and learning new coping skills.

We are the power of the people. Respect that - embrace it - use it to great advantage for our survival.

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James Wilson's avatar

It starts with one of us and it grows to make a difference. A million people or whatever the number cancelled Disney and Hulu because of Kimmel being essentially fired. Disney quickly changed because of their shareholders being pissed about the revenue. Target abandoned DEI programs and so many have stopped shopping there and it has hurt them too.

In about two weeks many of us will be going out to protest Trump and Republicans and our voices and values will be heard again.

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Janet Sanderson's avatar

To: Felon47

This is our country, give it back!

From: The American people

💙🇺🇸💙✌️💙🇺🇸💙

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Linda's avatar

That would look good on a Billboard where many will see it as they drive by….

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Janet Sanderson's avatar

That would be great!😊 Thank you!

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Concerned Citizen's avatar

Right alongside you, Ben, and all of the MeidasMighty!What we are living in now is worse than a reality show!

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Assemblywoman Debra Mazzarelli's avatar

Here’s to flooding the zone with TRUTH,JUSTICE, THE AMERICAN WAY!

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laura oshea's avatar

The truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth!!!! Yes Ben we are with you 100%. Thank you!

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Katherine Stenson-Lunt's avatar

Like I said - if someone cannot afford a subscription- I’d love to gift it. It’s important.

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Cindy Prusso's avatar

I can't afford it but would love a subscription. I'm 62 disabled and live on 1260. a month.

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Gene B's avatar

You evidently have a free subscription which already allows you limited access to read and post. A gift subscription currently requires an e-mail for you; might Ben find a way to gift a subscription to someone via their ID they use to post, so we can have security without having to disclose emails? However, this could require a Substack “fix”?

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Ellen CW's avatar

I am 67 and not able to pay for a subscription. Any help would be appreciated.

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Katherine Stenson-Lunt's avatar

I think I would need your email to send you a subscription. Is that OK with you?

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Katherine Stenson-Lunt's avatar

I’m trying to think of a confidential way for you to do that

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Susan Raquel's avatar

Not sure about this, you will need to check further; but, there are temporary e-mails. I'm not sure exactly what they are called; but, they are only good for a limited time and then just disappear.

I suppose you could also create a new e-mail address and after the subscription is done then delete it. ??

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Cindy Prusso's avatar

Sure you can have my email

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Katherine Stenson-Lunt's avatar

I’m working on it

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Katherine Stenson-Lunt's avatar

OK, so looks like you need an email address

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rebecca's avatar

That's wonderful of you! I think I can afford a subscription soon, depending on a few things, and I'm glad you are so altruistic and lovely, and can afford to help some others.

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Richard Timko's avatar

Very nice of you to help others.

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Janice Scherwitz's avatar

He has threatened US citizens and still the GOP is silent. I think it's time for people to decide what kind of person stays silent in the face of this type of rhetoric.

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ramona j's avatar

Traitors to the United States and all it stands for.

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Shaka Travel Guys's avatar

Support Meidas Touch on Substack, the ACLU, DSCC (Senate Democrats), DCCC (House Democrats), the LGBTQ Victory Fund, Democratic Governors and your local/state Democrats - monthly - FOREVER.

Take back the House. Take back the Senate. Take back the White House. LFG!

And release ALL the EPSTEIN FILES - NOW!

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Sheilawallace's avatar

Thank you Ben💙

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Alissa Resch's avatar

We will never stop fighting for what is good and true. We deserve to live in a free and fair country we can be proud of. The pedophile-in-chief is 100% responsible for the government shutdown - the Republican/MAGA administration own this. We need to demand that the Epstein files are released - this is the key to throwing Trump and his sick pedophile-enablers in prison. We are better than this, y’all. Do not give up the fight. ✊✊✊

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Ellen CW's avatar

Alissa, your comment is spot on! I couldn’t have said it better 🎯✊✊

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Sandra Wallace's avatar

We deserve a smile and a short break at this point....

IT AINT GONNA GO AWAY - ODE TO THE EPSTEIN FILES - Gathering of Old-Time Musicians. July 29, 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8AGEjj2Jds

Hoo Hoo - the Americans we like and Love.

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Julie Huntington's avatar

How can he expect all these courageous generals & admirals to sit there and allow these two madmen to effectively crush the constitution and destroy everything they believe in and worked for all their lives? Does he really expect they are going to worship a lunatic? I hope our military is better than that. Time to DISOBEY ILLEGAL ORDERS!!!

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Renee Goodman's avatar

Julie, the entire military pledges to the Constitution of the United States and should not obey the Animalistic Monster in office! They should do to him & the MAGA sycophants what he’s having them do to innocent people in this Country!

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elliemae.padme66's avatar

Our military has already followed illegal orders by murdering 17 Venezuela fishermen.

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ramona j's avatar

Yes. Stephen Miller should already be catching hell for being the one behind it. If that's not the truth, then why isn't anyone doing somwthing about it.

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Kate's avatar

Fortunately these military personnel are not STUPID like the 2 people on the stage!! And telling them they're fat and it's not a good look?!!! OMG!! Can't fix STUPID!!

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Susan Kolman's avatar

I'm posting all I can during this shutdown about the MeidasTouch network in my deep red state. Even here folks are beginning to wake up and smell the rank orange fascism.

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Debbie Speed's avatar

Thank you Ben! You seem to always know how to use your voice to help keep everyone together! I love, and appreciate all the hard work you do, and watch you everyday to hear the truth about the Trump Regime!! I can’t wait to see the fall of Trump, and we can all celebrate together! I’m not ever giving up my hope, as long as you are leading us with truth, thanks again, sincerely, Debbie Speed

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