When you read this post by Robert Reich, this is truth you’re reading. We can do this. We can stop the dark forces behind Trump and Trump’s troops. But only if we work together. Nonviolently.
And again Robert Reich is absolutely correct that the media is not going to cover our nonviolent protests as often or as much as any violence that breaks out. That doesn’t matter. Because we will still win in the end.
People are already protesting across the country, in large numbers and in small. We are them and they are us.
In our solidarity, we are strong. In our solidarity, Trump is weak.
“This is the silver lining on the dark Trumpian cloud.” — Robert Reich
Our Spectrum outlet here in central Florida, News 13, was the only one that carried coverage of the protest events at Daytona Beach City Hall, attended by hundreds. Kudos to them for their courage.
It's even more shocking that we should have to demonstrate at all. But I'll be at every demonstration in my area until this madness is finally squelched.
Kudos indeed 👏👏Between DeSatan (who’s been VERY quiet recently 🤷♀️)and tRUMP, it’s a sad state of affairs to even be giving such accolades in this day and age for fear of retribution
Put out a flag and sit by it on your front lawn and wave at everyone who walks or drives by. We are the people, and we are outside celebrating our "Flag Day" and not inside watching a would-be dictator get his parade.
Yes, peaceful demonstrations are essential but not enough. New thinking and legal action by Democrats are urgently needed to respond to the ongoing illegal insurrection led by Trump and supported by Republicans in Congress.
Trump and Republicans are constantly lying to manipulate the news media and confuse the public. Trump preposterously claimed with arrogance that the legal, peaceful protests in LA are an insurrection and illegally sent the military into the streets of LA. Trump falsely claimed legal, peaceful protests are an insurrection when he is leading an ongoing insurrection supported by Republicans in Congress that began on Jan 6. Democrats should flood the news media every day with the truth that Trump, his administration, Republicans in Congress, and ICE agents are the insurrectionists and criminal felons that violate federal law.
ICE agents illegally arrest people without due process or Habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a fundamental legal principle that safeguards against unlawful detention. It essentially means "you have the body" and is a writ that requires a person in custody to be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention. This right is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Democrats in control of a few states should enact and enforce a new state law to begin stopping the insurrection within their state.
Did anyone see all those happy clappy members of he 82nd Airborne cheer and dance along with Trump at Ft Bragg, yesterday?
And now the commander of the LA Joint Task Force Maj Gen Scott Sherman has said that the military will detain, but not arrest( so what the eff is the difference - semantics) protestors. I've been saying that there are careerist and ideological right wingers among the officer corps and especially the generals and flag officers.
This is how the Deutsche heer, (army) became the Wehrmacht.
That's my understanding, too, Pamela. I read that the order went out that only non-overweight troops were to appear, and any who wouldn't support Cheetolini could be excused.
There's an ad on Craigslist that is offering $1000 in trump cryptocoin, which is worthless, a fast food lunch, probably little Mcdonald's hamburgers and fries, and a red hat to fill the stands at his vanity parade on Saturday. If you have to pay people to be there, you're a loser. Let's prove it. Everyone reserve a seat and then not go.
Had to see this with my own eyes, and yes, here’s a “casting” ad for “seat fillers” for the parade charade. Remember when they claimed anti-Trump demonstrators were paid actors? He always accuses others of what he does.
I believe that I already said as much, but this points to a bigger problem, The leadership in the army. The Generals, because it was the commanding officer of the 82nd Airborne that instructed that the troops be vetted (criteria as that they weren't fat, and that they were enthusiastic Trump humpers).
And that points to the real problem, that the officers are careerist Trump humpers,and a great portion of the troops are right wing extremists.
That is a BIG problem. The propaganda machine targeted this group for years. Probably started during the Clinton or Obama era. Once again, Congress is asleep at the wheel.
William, I have always been proud of our military and felt safe knowing they were there to protect us. What I saw at Ft. Bragg broke my heart. Instead of following the oath they made to the Constitution, they are following a very sick, demented old man and that truly depresses me. I no longer feel safe and protected. I distrust the police, national guard and the military. It should never have to be this way.
How do you think I feel Peggy. I am a retired regular officer, a mustang, and a career in special ops, at the time of my retirement I was a conservative,. I have insight and it concerns me.
Many veterans that I know tell me not to thank them for their service. I guess they think many just pay lip service and that is all, but I do really appreciate our veterans and their commitment to the oath they took. I cannot even begin to imagine how the military today is making you feel, William, but I am sorry. Please know, this is not just lip service, I do thank you for your service and to be quite honest, I wish the military today was made up of veterans like you.
The 82nd Airborne goes by the name of "Screaming Eagles" but the other airborne units call the "puking buzzards". They lived up to the second nickname yesterday. But in reality, they are some of the "best" we have, and we should honor all of our service personnel. They are also a little crazy for jumping out of a perfectly good plane, hanging on a few pounds of silk and hitting the ground with 50 pounds of ammo and supplies to defend America's interests. Unlike "Captain Heal Spur" who dodged the draft and who spoke in front of them.
Edward, I come from a military family, dad(USMA33), uncle (Annapolis) others served their time, 2 sons in military, one a retired SEAL(25+), youngest(a colonel) still in. My father raised us not to judge a man by his fruit salad. So when I say that the service is simply a microcosm of society, I have some experience. As my oldest has said there are just as many sleaze bags in the SEALs as outside.
Actually the main and reserve chute weigh 40 lbs,(15 for the reserve, 25 for the main) I've stood in the door of C-119's, C-47's, C -130's, C-141's, the skids of UH-1's, the ramp of Chinooks, 200 times, half the time in full combat gear, 20 lbs of web gear and weapon, 80 to 100 lbs of equipment, either in a parachute adjustable bag, or on a rucksack attached to a lanyard.
A career in special ops, enlisted and officer, I have my own insight into the club, and I know that these guys are ultra conservative, and though I've been retired since 1982, I am sure that most are Trump humpers. My outfit was they adored Rumsfeld
I had the pleasure of back talking Maj Gen Dean, commander of the 82nd Airborne, in the wee hours of the morning before the jump onto the Han River DZ, during the 2nd Korean War. (I was not a trooper in the 82nd, but a vital supporting unit).
After I called my troops to attention and saluted him as he drove up in his staff car, his aide introduced us and said "so you are the guys that can screw up this operation", my response was "it is not in the ops plan sir", His aide said you can't talk to the general like that", my response was "too late, already did".
We did our job and the North Koreans got the message and crawled back into their tunnels into N. Korea.
The world has changed, and with it, mentalities. And oh yeh, there was no Fox news corrupting the minds of our troops as they lay around the barracks, go onto a military installation and check what station the TV's are tuned to, the same as you will find in truck stops, barber shops, bars, Fox and sports.
Think of it as going into the service for your Country. Yes, there is risk, but you have to have something you will take a risk for. I am 75. I’m going June 14 in Atlanta to demonstrate.
Deborah. I like what you said..."Think of it as going into the service for your Country". Perfect! I'm joining the service and will be demonstrating at 78 in California.
One of the benefits of being close to your natural expiration date is that you don’t have too much to lose. Many of my fearless Senior Citizens associates will be participating, too. We want a better deal for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
And I'm 80 and the chant leader for our rally of wonderful, loud, fed-up with Trump crowd. I've marched in too many protests to count and will continue for as long as it takes.
It takes guts to take a stand. Think of those gutless Republican who are too afraid to take a stand and as a result, we have a full-blown dictator. Be there you will be surrounded by many like minded people. It is exciting and it feels good. BE THERE - numbers matter.
I agree. My legislator has the nerve to write and tell me he’s getting frauds off Medicare and he’s I favor of getting rid of terrorist immigrants. I hope he’s a onetime legislator.
We still have the "Affordable care act' because the late great John McCain(R) stood up to Trump. A veteran Pilot that was shot down over North Viet Nam, was in a Prisoner of war camp for seven years and was degraded because of his service in being shot down and captured by "Captain heal Spur" our current President and draft dodger in his first term.
That's exactly what the tyrant wants to see. Your playing right into his hands. Be peaceful and you should have nothing to worry about. Your not being asked to walk through a jungle looking for the enemy.
I understood you the first time, brother, but couldn’t resist the analogy.
One of the things about the conflict in Vietnam— started by the French government in the 19th Century — is that it was often impossible to distinguish exactly who was “the enemy”.
The Vietnamese “citizen soldiers” didn’t wear uniforms.
In the USA, many of the MAGAts proudly display their colors. Those aren’t the dangerous ones. The stealth MAGAts, however, might rise up to defend the king.
You say you are afraid- but others are risking for you. There are other things you can do to show solidarity like put an upsidedown flag in your rear car window. The more diffuse the protest the better... here and there, everywhere.
I am physically unable to protest but try to do so with my fingers texting the necessary ppl and subscribing on Substack to help those with a “louder/better voice” get the message out there. Many days I feel alone but I still plug along; while we don’t fly a flag upside down on our car, we DO fly one UPSIDE DOWN by our FRONT DOOR ☮️
2. Recruit ----------------- Any non-voter that you know and convince him or her why they should be protesting and voting.
3. Boycott ---------------- Companies of CEO's & Exec. Officers who attended the Inauguration: Tesla, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon/Amazon Prime, Apple Computer/Apple TV, TikTok, Google and others https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
4. Call/E-mail/Message -------------- all Republican Senators & Congressman and remind them how poorly their leader is polling and that they will never get another vote from you as long as this nonsense continues.
People who do not rigorously follow the news are unaware of all of this: inhuman treatment of immigrants, the dismantling of our democracy, canceling health research and environmental protections, etc. But they look at the economy and it looks pretty good (right now but that could change) and say Trump is doing a great job. That is the challenge. Unless the economy truly tanks, all this protest stuff will be un-noticed and Republicans will be victorious in the mid-terms. So while all the protesting makes me feel good, it may be for nothing.
Excellent idea! See if they can ignore chants echoing INTO THEIR BROADCASTS and preventing them from FLEEING to their cars in terror of the peaceful 75% of this stolen country.
Several offer news programs morning, noon and night-- latest repeated crimes, almost stories, teasers. The critical mind should be able to sift through the dross, and there are in-depth segments that help. But Fox has its team of far-flung 'reporters', who are soo easy to dismiss. Real news? That knock on the door ..
Just as people in individual marches across the country are walking side-by-side, are standing and marching against the tyranny, so must our nation, everyone of goodwill who believes in freedom and democracy, must march together in every town and city to stop the fascist takeover of our country.
We can do this! Let’s raise our voices as loudly as we can to the skies in nonviolent opposition.
" To stir the masses, to appeal to their higher, better selves, to set them thinking for themselves, and to hold ever before them the ideal of mutual kindness and good will, based upon mutual interests, is to render real service to the cause of humanity." Eugene V. Debs
A great quote: Who remembers Eugene Debs? Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) was one of the most influential American socialists and labor leaders in U.S. history.
Me too, Nan. I've done it before during the first Trump administration and now will do it again during the second Trump regime.
I'm joining a group along Route 22 East in Springfield, NJ - right in front of the Tesla dealership. That group has been there most Saturdays over the past few months. I always honk and wave when I drive by. Now I'll be there myself this Saturday.
Please be careful. Trump & Elon have kissed & made up. I do not know how they will react to anything in front of a Tesla dealership. (We have one, so we could always say we were getting service done, or looking for a new model. Interestingly, on our phone app, they. Were offering free rides or some BS in a newer model. No thanks.),
Well said, Michael! You and Professor Reich are right about the media not covering our protests but remember there are social media platforms that do. We have the ability to cover it ourselves and the message absolutely does get out there. MSM may bow to the orange man, but we have the ability to put our videos and images out there for millions to see!
Protests, earlier this calendar year, in Harrisburg, PA, were held on the steps of the state Capitol building. The June 14th protest will be held in a park along the Susquehanna River. Have others had their locations for this coming Saturday moved to a different location from previous protests?
The ones we have are moved every time, Mary, but I am not sure why. Also, my sister informed me this morning that the orange POS made the comment about the protests coming up "If you spit, we hit". How ludicrous is that? If a protester spits then they are going to start hitting them for it? My sister said every single protester should start spitting! I told her that was definitely not going to happen, plus, it's unhygienic! Stay safe out there, Mary!
Rachel Maddow is an incredible inspiration for me and I learn so much from her, not only about what is happening today, but also about how it fits into history. She is fearless and speaks truth to power.
I just wish she was still on five days a week, even though I know that is not going to happen. We need her insight and wisdom even more now.
Agree. Rachel is a national treasure. We have been watching her since 2008, when she was the substitute host on Countdown with Keith Olbermann and subsequently got her own show. She is brilliantly smart, feisty and very funny. A force to be reckoned with and Dump cannot touch her. (I still miss her Friday night cocktail moments!)
Beautifully said Michael. I feel the truth in this too. Real strength is not about force, it is about connection, courage, and conscience. We may not get the headlines, but that has never been the measure of true change. What matters is that we keep showing up, grounded in nonviolence and in each other. In solidarity, we are already shaping something more powerful than fear.
Michael, you should have your coffee as you have been up for hours. I at least got a couple hours sleep in between. I think Robert Reich’s post has stirred a lot of energy and excitement among this group. I hear very little complaining and bitching but instead a momentum towards showing up on Saturday
"Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened, when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice." - Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy
Absolutely right Michael. We need to have as many people as possible in as many places as possible showing up and speaking out, telling our politicians that what the Trump administration is doing is wrong. That's the only way to make clear, particularly to Republican "leaders" in Congress that Trump and his policies are a liability. Thus far, they have been cowed by fear of retaliation from Trump. The people, that's all of us, need to remind them that they work for us, and that we will hold them accountable if they continue to allow Trump to do things that hurt millions of people.
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.”
I wrote my 100th message to my Republican house rep yesterday. I have not received any responses…not even a “thank you for your message” nonsense, which I have no interest in reading. I’ll be out Saturday protesting in the No Kings event and will continue in efforts to stop trump and his fascist regime. United we stand!
They know they are in the wrong. but there is safety in numbers. Every time one of them sticks his/her head up they get torn to shreds by their constituents. In silence, they don't have to count you as a constituent. Keep writing the bastards!
I receive some email responses literally 2 months after sending them. They are so far behind 😅
Thank you for speaking up so much right now!!! You’re amazing!!
I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
I think (hope) we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
And people devote set aside time easch day to phone. I hear from some staffers tgat the calls are easier to tally up and may might maybe carry nore weight
In all the years I have lived on the planet I never have seen or participated in solidarity like this. Obviously, this is simply a dress rehearsal for Saturday, which should be an overwhelming number of people protesting Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, and everyone else that are behind these horrific actions
I knew quite some time ago that we were heading for trouble, Marc. But the speed at which everything is collapsing has frankly shocked me, as I’m sure it has shocked many other people.
But you make a great point in that solidarity is breaking out all across this land.
Here’s to a massive turnout on Saturday.
Here’s to all of us, together, with our voices raised high.
Thank you, Michael, and yes, here’s to a massive turnout on Saturday. When the history of these times in the United States is written, the spontaneous protest in L. A. will be seen as the very beginning of the first step in the movement towards taking back our democracy. The second step will be rebuilding a new design for our future democracy and economy that will be designed so that the power grab by the oligarchs can never happen again in this country. We have a ways to go from here to there and we must remember, there is an end point goal that we will reach. But now, we must demonstrate, have nonviolent, peaceful actions, and spend some time and discussion about what kind of country we want when this is over.
Yes, Marc, I feel the same. Saturday needs to be a show of both resistance and vision. I agree that what began in Los Angeles will be seen as a historic turning point—and I appreciate your reminder that this is just the beginning. The work ahead will take all of us, not only to stop what is happening now, but to build something far better. Peaceful action and collective imagination must go hand in hand.
Christie, I am excited to see what “collective imagination” will bring us in the months ahead. I am a firm believer that crisis brings unknown opportunities. And now we begin.
I think every one of us must be feeling, to a greater or lesser extent, some fear these days, Cece. I would be worried about people who don’t. But yes, we absolutely need to encourage our friends and family not to be controlled by that fear.
We have been watching in horror at this attempt to subdue the population of the United States. Trump may have subdued the media, some universities, and much of his opposition so far. But, “we the people“ will triumph in the end.
Yes. It has been painful to witness, but also galvanizing. The attempt to suppress truth and silence opposition is real, but so is the strength and spirit of the people. History shows that authoritarian power can never outlast a united, awakened public. We will keep showing up, and we will prevail.
The protests in L.A .are catching fire all over the United States. It is a country wide flashmob, and Trump and his cronies will have to take note. It makes me feel proud to be an American and I look forward to being part of the action. This is going to be a long hot summer and it won’t be easy, but countrywide unified opposition in solidarity against Trump and MAGA is taking the giant step forward necessary to take back OUR democracy.
Exactly! Our country belongs to everyone, not just Donald Trump and his fascist thugs. Our democracy is for everyone. No matter what religion, gender, sexual orientation, color of your skin, where you were born. None of that matters. We are building our freedom and our democracy together.
Marc - The protesters in LA should hold some signs in front of the NG and Marines faces telling them that they are sorry that T has stolen millions from their healthcare, housing, infrastructure and other necessities just so T could hijack the Army’s celebration and the military budget for his own selfish needs. The sign could also apply to the veterans who struggle to get the adequate support they need and deserve. Otherwise I’m sure that the rest of the signs created will be clever. Just a thought since I know that most of the military didn’t sign up to violate the Constitution and police Americans.
Make a sign. Get out to a protest near you. This is a huge country, sometimes it will be a hike, but that is protecting us in a way. Andy Borowitz pointed out yesterday, there are not enough of them to subjugate all of us - unless we let them.
Los Angeles protesters should be proud for they are the match that lit the fire of resistance. Now that fire will spread like a wildfire across the country thanks to the match struck in Los Angeles. These actions are analogous to the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. We are declaring our independence for freedom from the tyranny of king Trump and the attempt of the oligarch’s to take over this country and strip all of its wealth from the majority of the population for lining their own pockets.
Marc, I believe so many of us realize how grave the situation is and exactly what is at stake! We will stand together for the America we all believe in! I keep posting and talking about Saturday. Reminding everyone I know how very important it is to get out there and make their voices heard. Here's to peaceful protests on Saturday!
I am still optimistic that this Republican idea of embracing fanaticism whole-heartedly has snowballed to the point that we can all agree this isn’t the way to do things. I’ve been super busy building a Trojan horse sculpture to take to No King’s Day that I’m hoping will also be a show of solidarity. The idea I had was to dress the Trojan Horse up as a pinata by covering it with colorful notes from people at No King’s Day. I want people to be able to express their own opinion about whichever issue to add to the sculpture. I am really hoping it will work out. Super nervous that I’ll get there and people will think my idea is weird or dumb. But I support the solidarity messaging and would like to encourage it too
Jaxy, that is a magnificent idea! Oh my gosh! I wish I could be that artistic! Please take pictures and share them. I would love to know some of the messages your Trojan Horse collected on Saturday. You have absolutely no need to feel nervous! Actually people will applaud your efforts. There is nothing weird or dumb about it! Way to go, Jaxy!
You ‘noticed’, Jaxy, that Donald Trump & Co ARE a ‘Trojan Horse’…good for you!
Through four years of campaigning, rallies, twit talk, and Foxy propaganda, Trump doggédly fooled America, until Musk’s money provided a few thousand winning votes in the 11th hour of November’s election…if it actually did?? 🤔
Trump is ‘Deceit Personified’, so your sculpture is very appropriate! To gain his first term, the ‘scandal’ against Hillary Clinton was timed just right, and Musk’s infusion to Trump’s 2024 campaign > that last minute PUSH!
Now, the murderous hidden psychopaths Trump delighted in choosing have ambushed the country.
Hit that horse hard when the time comes to expose the fascist’s. I think people will want to decorate it with honest comments. 👍
Jaxy - You do you and don’t worry about what others think. I personally think that it’s a wonderful idea and thank you for putting so much effort into it. It reminds me of the New York subway wall that allowed others to post messages of solidarity. We all want a place to come together and your idea sounds like such a perfect fit.
It is absolutely imperative that this solidarity become disciplined and focused with non-violence as a key strategic principle. If massive chaos erupts we will lose the republic. Here is a quote from my recent post ( https://dialector.substack.com/p/non-violence-and-unity-in-the-defense )
"You do not fight a fire by feeding it. You do not defeat lawlessness by becoming lawless. Violence may feel like action, but in reality, it is a strategic failure. Injustice thrives when the story becomes unclear. Every act of violence by protestors shifts the public eye from the principle being defended to the chaos being unleashed. It hands the enemies of the Constitution exactly what they want: a public too burdened with conflicting data to see clearly, a cause too tainted to trust, and just enough disorder to justify another wave of repression. We saw it in Los Angeles. Protesters, enraged and undisciplined, set fire to cars and assaulted officers. The story was no longer about the unlawful deployment of force by the government. It was about the violence of the crowd. In a single day, the focus shifted from constitutional resistance against government lawlessness to the chaos of violence and public fear. Tyranny could not ask for a better gift. If you want proof that violence by the people serves the interests of the government, consider this: the government has a history of wanting violence in unwanted protest movements. It has used infiltrators and provocateurs to incite violence deliberately, not to stop the movement, but to discredit it in the public eye. The FBI’s COINTELPRO program (Counter-Intelligence Program, 1950s–1970s) offers clear examples. This is nothing new."
Max, you bring up a very important point. Already the organizers are addressing the problem of agitators by requesting that if one is near an agitator, everyone in the area should sit so that they stand out and are exposed for who and what they are. We cannot allow thugs and agitators to take advantage of our peaceful demonstrations. Now the media will take note of this new tactic of sitting down when we spot a troublemaker in our midst and the “sit downs” will be the creative actions noted by the media.
Yes! This is a known phenomenon. I mention the sitting down technique in my E Pluribus Unum Tool Kit, which contains information on why the Constitution must be defended, ideas on what that defense looks like, how to train yourself for nonviolent participation, quotes from the Founding Fathers on the Constitution, and a section on how to recognize useless and harmful political talk. It is here:
Actually, my Substack is partly a backup for my website, www.socraticmethod.net. The E Pluribus Unum Toolkit was originally published there. All my writings are released on a Creative Commons license and I recommend downloading the PDF from the E Pluribus Unum Substack post. It also contains a detailed account of how our political talk has been corrupted, called "The Infantilization of the American Citizen: Newspeak and the Art of the Steal". It also contains a detailed criticism of how Conservatism died, and that is done from a conservative perspective. The essay is called "The Beauty of The Conservative Mind". Ironically, I am one of the more conservative people one might meet, but real conservatism has nothing to do with the GOP or the culture war.
Remember that your influence is greatest where you are known. Stand up and speak out peacefully from your home and your neighborhood. Display OUR flag upside down as your sign of distress over the current regime. Fear NOT!
This is particularly important in small cities and towns. Major media will not be covering you, so let your neighbors, customers, suppliers, businesses see you. It is very likely that they will recognize or know you. This is needed in deeply red areas. People may not be aware that there are fellow citizens with different views among them.
Bravo to all of today's protestors. There will be more of us Saturday. This Land is OUR Land and we're going to keep it. Screw trump slime and all his disgusting maggots.
Important reminder: do not be silent, do not be a bystander in this time of injustice and violence against humanity. Speak out, march. Stand up. Stand together. This poem by Pastor Niemoller
reminds us:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Copied from US Memorial Holocaust Museum website.)
This is beyond religion. It is about today and the injustices. Be more than a witness. Be part of the change. Use your voice, stand together and make a difference.
In addition, talk to anyone and everyone you can. Remember that neighbor you had a conversation with during Trump’s 1st 4 years? Knock on their door.
When anyone tells you to “have a nice day,” or asks “how you doing?” answer with something along the lines of, “I’m not okay with what’s happening in our country, right now.”
A sympathetic response could lead to a great conversation!
Yes, rhetorical responses are pointless. Create the opportunity for meaningful dialogue whenever you exchange greetings. Tactful comments can leave lingering messages beyond the moment.
Yes, it can be, Cece. That said, it's kind of like learning to ride a bike. You try it. You don't do very well. Then you try it again, and you only fall twice instead of thrice. Then.... You get where I'm going with this. Go easy on yourself and GOOD LUCK! Might be easier than you think :)
Or to have ICE agents roughing up a woman in her own home. A woman within 7 days of giving birth! They almost pushed her into going into premature labour with their manhandling and aggressive actions. See Jim Acosta's interview with Jorge Ramos (tuesday) on substack to hear it in her own words! That's not acceptable in America!!
That right there makes my blood boil, Krystina! There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for these thugs to be manhandling a pregnant woman! This is the reason I am fighting and protesting and pushing back on this orange POS and all of his minions!
Like typical authoritarians Republicans only respect physical force, brutal force. They hold women in contempt, because they are not as physically strong as men. They hate women who demand equal rights with men.
Yes, Peggy, to call them "thugs" is appropriate, because this what they are. Trump is a thug, a gang leader, and he uses ICE as a vigilante force to harass and intimidate people. Then he claims that he is protecting Americans from dangerous foreigners. He and his gang are the greatest danger Americans face right now.
What really angers me, Victor, is when he calls us 'enemies of the people'! What people? Him and his magas? Then yeah, I am their enemy. He just does not speak for me at all. When he says Americans want this or that, he is NOT speaking for me! I am so damn sick of his lies!
Drumpf will over-reach until even his own sycophants question his judgement. We are our only recourse now as we cannot even rely on the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution.
During the Biden administration more deportations took place than with Trump and... did we ever see these kinds of problems, people?
This program can be enacted without the "masks, mistakes, violence, huge expense, turmoil, and terror...so why isn't it?
It isn't because Trump and associates need to feed their "undersized" actuality of self importance and prove that they are otherwise and... we the general public, are suffering the consequences along with economy and our personal finances and freedoms. Trump is the same Trump he has always been and for those out there that are confused by the rhetoric...I say... look at the results. Terror, destruction, huge expenses, neighborhoods in turmoil, allies abandoned, war drums around the world being beaten...and all this in just 5 months of this fool and his cabal in charge.
I ask that people not forget January 2024 -- when a beautiful, bi-partisan bill was ready for a vote that would truly beef up border security in a moral and effective way. The Trump cult forced it to be killed because Trump wanted to run his election on border insecurity.
He does not care about border security; He uses the issue as a pretense for something else entirely. To put it simply: He wants to declare the blue states that are opposed to him as "Insurrectionist," -- and then the federal government can come in and manage state functions, like voting.
Good point. It always strikes me how we progressives necessarily always debate and often disagree on how things could be better while many on the right agree on how things have become terrible and how great it all used to be.
Change for the future is more difficult and uncertain than nostalgia. At times, like now, it is important to identify what we do agree on, put aside disagreement and fight for it.
Absolutely, Martin! The cruelty of the ICE raids must not distract us from the fact that Trump is violating constitutional due process every day. No kings. No dictators!
The cowardly corporate media goes with the old adage: if it bleeds, it leads. They play right into the dictator’s game plan by over showing the violence and not the wide spread peaceful protests. I am old enough to still watch network news. We’ve stopped watching ABC, which has shown its cowardice by suspending Terry Moran and focusing on a run away zebra. I guess peaceful protests and trump’s corruption and fake deals aren’t news. Where are the 21st century Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, Eric Severeid, etc. ?
The Washington Post banner is “Democracy dies in Darkness” - it also dies when the media has its eyes and mouth closed to democracy dying in broad daylight.
Wake up America! President Trump is attacking an American city!! He is deploying troops to Los Angeles where there is no uprising or rebellion, no harm to the Federal government, its members, or its buildings. On what basis does he think he should do this? Why are troops there? It is a waste—of time, of money. It is intimidating and probably illegal.
Maybe the President should move his war games to Ukraine to help stop Russia’s invasion of that democratic country. The people of Los Angeles are not an enemy of the National government. They are American citizens . Do not attack our cities, our own countrymen and women and children. Defend our allies. Defend the Constitution. That’s your job.
When you read this post by Robert Reich, this is truth you’re reading. We can do this. We can stop the dark forces behind Trump and Trump’s troops. But only if we work together. Nonviolently.
And again Robert Reich is absolutely correct that the media is not going to cover our nonviolent protests as often or as much as any violence that breaks out. That doesn’t matter. Because we will still win in the end.
People are already protesting across the country, in large numbers and in small. We are them and they are us.
In our solidarity, we are strong. In our solidarity, Trump is weak.
“This is the silver lining on the dark Trumpian cloud.” — Robert Reich
I’ve suggested previously that peaceful demonstrations should happen in front of local network TV stations. See if they can ignore us then.
Our Spectrum outlet here in central Florida, News 13, was the only one that carried coverage of the protest events at Daytona Beach City Hall, attended by hundreds. Kudos to them for their courage.
Shocks me to hear that covering a peaceful demonstration about a crisis requires bravery....
It's even more shocking that we should have to demonstrate at all. But I'll be at every demonstration in my area until this madness is finally squelched.
Kudos indeed 👏👏Between DeSatan (who’s been VERY quiet recently 🤷♀️)and tRUMP, it’s a sad state of affairs to even be giving such accolades in this day and age for fear of retribution
WE NEED MORE U.S. FLAGS AT ALL OUR PROTEST!!!
Protest ---------June 14th No Kings https://www.nokings.org/? 💪
If you have a protest sign, have a small American flag with it.
WE NEED MORE U.S. FLAGS AT ALL OUR PROTEST!!!
NE Florida media will ignore much of it…if any even occur…all are afraid of making Ronaldo angry.
Are you near Jacksonville? I’m sure there is a protest there!
I believe there is but cannot get there…
Put out a flag and sit by it on your front lawn and wave at everyone who walks or drives by. We are the people, and we are outside celebrating our "Flag Day" and not inside watching a would-be dictator get his parade.
Sorry, if you want me to text you. I don't use the text function in my cell phone.
Best wishes,
George M
That’s a good idea, Rose!
Yes, peaceful demonstrations are essential but not enough. New thinking and legal action by Democrats are urgently needed to respond to the ongoing illegal insurrection led by Trump and supported by Republicans in Congress.
Trump and Republicans are constantly lying to manipulate the news media and confuse the public. Trump preposterously claimed with arrogance that the legal, peaceful protests in LA are an insurrection and illegally sent the military into the streets of LA. Trump falsely claimed legal, peaceful protests are an insurrection when he is leading an ongoing insurrection supported by Republicans in Congress that began on Jan 6. Democrats should flood the news media every day with the truth that Trump, his administration, Republicans in Congress, and ICE agents are the insurrectionists and criminal felons that violate federal law.
ICE agents illegally arrest people without due process or Habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a fundamental legal principle that safeguards against unlawful detention. It essentially means "you have the body" and is a writ that requires a person in custody to be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention. This right is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Democrats in control of a few states should enact and enforce a new state law to begin stopping the insurrection within their state.
Read my post. https://williamlmiller.substack.com/p/how-to-stop-trump-republicans-and
What he set in motion on that fateful day Jan 6th was truly an insurrection!
And what he's doing now proves it.
Excellent idea, Rose!
Did anyone see all those happy clappy members of he 82nd Airborne cheer and dance along with Trump at Ft Bragg, yesterday?
And now the commander of the LA Joint Task Force Maj Gen Scott Sherman has said that the military will detain, but not arrest( so what the eff is the difference - semantics) protestors. I've been saying that there are careerist and ideological right wingers among the officer corps and especially the generals and flag officers.
This is how the Deutsche heer, (army) became the Wehrmacht.
Those people behind Trump were hand-picked.
https://www.alternet.org/trump-veterans-soldiers/
MANY news outlets reported this. It figures that the drama queen needed this photo op.
That's my understanding, too, Pamela. I read that the order went out that only non-overweight troops were to appear, and any who wouldn't support Cheetolini could be excused.
https://www.wonkette.com/p/was-that-a-random-cross-section-of?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true
Precisely.
Nothing like their Superiors presenting a good example!!!
There's an ad on Craigslist that is offering $1000 in trump cryptocoin, which is worthless, a fast food lunch, probably little Mcdonald's hamburgers and fries, and a red hat to fill the stands at his vanity parade on Saturday. If you have to pay people to be there, you're a loser. Let's prove it. Everyone reserve a seat and then not go.
Had to see this with my own eyes, and yes, here’s a “casting” ad for “seat fillers” for the parade charade. Remember when they claimed anti-Trump demonstrators were paid actors? He always accuses others of what he does.
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/tlg/d/washington-casting-call-seat-fillers/7857707725.html
Unbelievable. Not really, in view of who we are dealing with. Not a bad idea. Where do you reserve a seat?
I believe that I already said as much, but this points to a bigger problem, The leadership in the army. The Generals, because it was the commanding officer of the 82nd Airborne that instructed that the troops be vetted (criteria as that they weren't fat, and that they were enthusiastic Trump humpers).
And that points to the real problem, that the officers are careerist Trump humpers,and a great portion of the troops are right wing extremists.
That is a BIG problem. The propaganda machine targeted this group for years. Probably started during the Clinton or Obama era. Once again, Congress is asleep at the wheel.
Do you have reliable statistical data to support your assertion - "a great portion of the troops are right wing extremists"?
William, I have always been proud of our military and felt safe knowing they were there to protect us. What I saw at Ft. Bragg broke my heart. Instead of following the oath they made to the Constitution, they are following a very sick, demented old man and that truly depresses me. I no longer feel safe and protected. I distrust the police, national guard and the military. It should never have to be this way.
How do you think I feel Peggy. I am a retired regular officer, a mustang, and a career in special ops, at the time of my retirement I was a conservative,. I have insight and it concerns me.
Many veterans that I know tell me not to thank them for their service. I guess they think many just pay lip service and that is all, but I do really appreciate our veterans and their commitment to the oath they took. I cannot even begin to imagine how the military today is making you feel, William, but I am sorry. Please know, this is not just lip service, I do thank you for your service and to be quite honest, I wish the military today was made up of veterans like you.
The 82nd Airborne goes by the name of "Screaming Eagles" but the other airborne units call the "puking buzzards". They lived up to the second nickname yesterday. But in reality, they are some of the "best" we have, and we should honor all of our service personnel. They are also a little crazy for jumping out of a perfectly good plane, hanging on a few pounds of silk and hitting the ground with 50 pounds of ammo and supplies to defend America's interests. Unlike "Captain Heal Spur" who dodged the draft and who spoke in front of them.
Edward, I come from a military family, dad(USMA33), uncle (Annapolis) others served their time, 2 sons in military, one a retired SEAL(25+), youngest(a colonel) still in. My father raised us not to judge a man by his fruit salad. So when I say that the service is simply a microcosm of society, I have some experience. As my oldest has said there are just as many sleaze bags in the SEALs as outside.
Actually the main and reserve chute weigh 40 lbs,(15 for the reserve, 25 for the main) I've stood in the door of C-119's, C-47's, C -130's, C-141's, the skids of UH-1's, the ramp of Chinooks, 200 times, half the time in full combat gear, 20 lbs of web gear and weapon, 80 to 100 lbs of equipment, either in a parachute adjustable bag, or on a rucksack attached to a lanyard.
A career in special ops, enlisted and officer, I have my own insight into the club, and I know that these guys are ultra conservative, and though I've been retired since 1982, I am sure that most are Trump humpers. My outfit was they adored Rumsfeld
I had the pleasure of back talking Maj Gen Dean, commander of the 82nd Airborne, in the wee hours of the morning before the jump onto the Han River DZ, during the 2nd Korean War. (I was not a trooper in the 82nd, but a vital supporting unit).
After I called my troops to attention and saluted him as he drove up in his staff car, his aide introduced us and said "so you are the guys that can screw up this operation", my response was "it is not in the ops plan sir", His aide said you can't talk to the general like that", my response was "too late, already did".
We did our job and the North Koreans got the message and crawled back into their tunnels into N. Korea.
The world has changed, and with it, mentalities. And oh yeh, there was no Fox news corrupting the minds of our troops as they lay around the barracks, go onto a military installation and check what station the TV's are tuned to, the same as you will find in truck stops, barber shops, bars, Fox and sports.
Good idea. I would not go to the June 14 march in DC, NYC or in my own town for fear of being brought down as a sitting duck.
Think of it as going into the service for your Country. Yes, there is risk, but you have to have something you will take a risk for. I am 75. I’m going June 14 in Atlanta to demonstrate.
Deborah. I like what you said..."Think of it as going into the service for your Country". Perfect! I'm joining the service and will be demonstrating at 78 in California.
Yes - fearless, not fearful -
One of the benefits of being close to your natural expiration date is that you don’t have too much to lose. Many of my fearless Senior Citizens associates will be participating, too. We want a better deal for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
And I'm 80 and the chant leader for our rally of wonderful, loud, fed-up with Trump crowd. I've marched in too many protests to count and will continue for as long as it takes.
Even at our age, our voices count and we set the stage and the table for the next generations of Americans. WE the people...All of the people.
Absolutely!
It’s the most proactive and cathartic thing I can do.
I’m still peacefully demonstrating this Saturday.
It takes guts to take a stand. Think of those gutless Republican who are too afraid to take a stand and as a result, we have a full-blown dictator. Be there you will be surrounded by many like minded people. It is exciting and it feels good. BE THERE - numbers matter.
Hard to believe that these Republican politicians actually took an OATH for their country…not for a Ruler…isn’t it?
People can stand there in fear and in disbelief, and hide as well hoping this blows over. But it's time to do something isn't it? Many feel that way.
Hope is not a strategy. Hope is the acceptance of tyranny.
Not too hard to believe the oaths of congenital liars and sociopaths.
These republican wimps won’t hold town halls let alone stand up to tyranny
That is why they need to be voted out of office! Recruit ALL to vote.
I agree. My legislator has the nerve to write and tell me he’s getting frauds off Medicare and he’s I favor of getting rid of terrorist immigrants. I hope he’s a onetime legislator.
We still have the "Affordable care act' because the late great John McCain(R) stood up to Trump. A veteran Pilot that was shot down over North Viet Nam, was in a Prisoner of war camp for seven years and was degraded because of his service in being shot down and captured by "Captain heal Spur" our current President and draft dodger in his first term.
That's exactly what the tyrant wants to see. Your playing right into his hands. Be peaceful and you should have nothing to worry about. Your not being asked to walk through a jungle looking for the enemy.
"Freedom Isn't Free" Vietnam Vet
No need to walk through the jungle to see the ubiquitous MAGA signs and billboards and Trump campaign flags in rural America.
Lousy comparison! Perhaps I should have said Vietnam jungle. My bad!
I understood you the first time, brother, but couldn’t resist the analogy.
One of the things about the conflict in Vietnam— started by the French government in the 19th Century — is that it was often impossible to distinguish exactly who was “the enemy”.
The Vietnamese “citizen soldiers” didn’t wear uniforms.
In the USA, many of the MAGAts proudly display their colors. Those aren’t the dangerous ones. The stealth MAGAts, however, might rise up to defend the king.
You say you are afraid- but others are risking for you. There are other things you can do to show solidarity like put an upsidedown flag in your rear car window. The more diffuse the protest the better... here and there, everywhere.
I am physically unable to protest but try to do so with my fingers texting the necessary ppl and subscribing on Substack to help those with a “louder/better voice” get the message out there. Many days I feel alone but I still plug along; while we don’t fly a flag upside down on our car, we DO fly one UPSIDE DOWN by our FRONT DOOR ☮️
I believe doing something is better than doing nothing. We’ve got this!
If everybody could pass this on it would be helpful:
WE NEED MORE U.S. FLAGS AT ALL OUR PROTEST!!!
1. Protest -------------June 14th No Kings https://www.nokings.org/? 💪
2. Recruit ----------------- Any non-voter that you know and convince him or her why they should be protesting and voting.
3. Boycott ---------------- Companies of CEO's & Exec. Officers who attended the Inauguration: Tesla, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon/Amazon Prime, Apple Computer/Apple TV, TikTok, Google and others https://www.goodsuniteus.com/
4. Call/E-mail/Message -------------- all Republican Senators & Congressman and remind them how poorly their leader is polling and that they will never get another vote from you as long as this nonsense continues.
5. Donate ---------------- If you can afford it donate to the organizations that are doing the legal fights. https://www.aclu.org/ - https://democracyforward.org/ - https://www.citizen.org/ - https://www.citizensforethics.org/ These groups are suing the Trump administration virtually every day.
6. Join -------------------- https://www.country1st.com/ - https://indivisible.org/ - https://www.commoncause.org/ - https://pol-rev.com/
7. Attend -----------------Town Hall meetings
8. Tesla Takedown ------- Is he totally gone? No, his servers are still there gobbling up all our info🤔https://www.teslatakedown.com/
9. I hope we never have to get to this option because it's the worst option of all, which I won't mention here. "Freedom Isn't Free" Vietnam Veteran
Unfortunately, there are NO protests happening in my area.
A sign on your door, mailbox, car. Flag upside down. Anything.
I have three upside-down American flags displayed in my front window.
Even if you just stand in your own yard with an upside down US flag is helpful.
You'll be there - in spirit, cheering us on.
I understand your fears, but keep in mind that protesting in DC is not advised on No Kings Day.
People who do not rigorously follow the news are unaware of all of this: inhuman treatment of immigrants, the dismantling of our democracy, canceling health research and environmental protections, etc. But they look at the economy and it looks pretty good (right now but that could change) and say Trump is doing a great job. That is the challenge. Unless the economy truly tanks, all this protest stuff will be un-noticed and Republicans will be victorious in the mid-terms. So while all the protesting makes me feel good, it may be for nothing.
Mine does not even bother to have any… they live in a bubble
That is a great suggestion. Rose. If they won't come to us, we need to go to them.
Excellent idea! See if they can ignore chants echoing INTO THEIR BROADCASTS and preventing them from FLEEING to their cars in terror of the peaceful 75% of this stolen country.
And radio stations, too.
Brilliant idea Rose. See if THEY can walk the walk
What a great idea.
Ours is a Fox outlet; their studio is a fortress ..
You must have another news station in your area other than Fox. They are not even news. They are propaganda- (what they should be called).
Several offer news programs morning, noon and night-- latest repeated crimes, almost stories, teasers. The critical mind should be able to sift through the dross, and there are in-depth segments that help. But Fox has its team of far-flung 'reporters', who are soo easy to dismiss. Real news? That knock on the door ..
They must need to leave their fortress to go home, sooner or later… 😉
Just as people in individual marches across the country are walking side-by-side, are standing and marching against the tyranny, so must our nation, everyone of goodwill who believes in freedom and democracy, must march together in every town and city to stop the fascist takeover of our country.
We can do this! Let’s raise our voices as loudly as we can to the skies in nonviolent opposition.
Hear! Hear!
Peggy, I did not see your hear hear before I wrote here here. :-)
Hahahahahaha! No worries, Harvey! I have been told great minds think alike, does that fit here?
Yes Peggy...Here! Here!
Michael, we’re standing together, we’re marching together, and we’re resisting together. We need each other!! WE CAN DO THIS!
Michael, here here!!!! or is it hear hear? :-)
The latter is correct.
🤭
Michael, you nailed it.
“In our solidarity, we are strong.
In our solidarity, Trump is weak.”
" To stir the masses, to appeal to their higher, better selves, to set them thinking for themselves, and to hold ever before them the ideal of mutual kindness and good will, based upon mutual interests, is to render real service to the cause of humanity." Eugene V. Debs
A great quote: Who remembers Eugene Debs? Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) was one of the most influential American socialists and labor leaders in U.S. history.
I do remember, from reading about him and the era in which he lived. 'Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it'.
It seems like there is some kind of Great Reawakening going on now, kind like what happened back in the days of Debs and Clarence Darrow.
Not many. Sadly.
Thanks for the quote, Greg.
On Saturday I’m going to a demonstration. I’ve never done anything like this before, but I have to stand up in the face of this insanity.
Thank you, Nan. We need you. We welcome you. Your presence will make us stronger.
Me too, Nan. I've done it before during the first Trump administration and now will do it again during the second Trump regime.
I'm joining a group along Route 22 East in Springfield, NJ - right in front of the Tesla dealership. That group has been there most Saturdays over the past few months. I always honk and wave when I drive by. Now I'll be there myself this Saturday.
United in Solidarity!
Democracy not Autocracy!
Excellent! I will also be on Rt 22, but in Somerville NJ! Democracy not Autocracy!!!!
I’ll be in Springfield VA!
Please be careful. Trump & Elon have kissed & made up. I do not know how they will react to anything in front of a Tesla dealership. (We have one, so we could always say we were getting service done, or looking for a new model. Interestingly, on our phone app, they. Were offering free rides or some BS in a newer model. No thanks.),
👏👏👏
good for you, nan! i'm sure you are not the only one who is demonstrating for the very first time.
Us, too...mid-Seventies ages, & haven't rallied since mid-Sixties. Past time.
i had so hoped we wouldn't have had to rallied ever again! but here we are. it's deja vu all over again, sadly.
Good for you, Nan.
Well said, Michael! You and Professor Reich are right about the media not covering our protests but remember there are social media platforms that do. We have the ability to cover it ourselves and the message absolutely does get out there. MSM may bow to the orange man, but we have the ability to put our videos and images out there for millions to see!
Protests, earlier this calendar year, in Harrisburg, PA, were held on the steps of the state Capitol building. The June 14th protest will be held in a park along the Susquehanna River. Have others had their locations for this coming Saturday moved to a different location from previous protests?
The ones we have are moved every time, Mary, but I am not sure why. Also, my sister informed me this morning that the orange POS made the comment about the protests coming up "If you spit, we hit". How ludicrous is that? If a protester spits then they are going to start hitting them for it? My sister said every single protester should start spitting! I told her that was definitely not going to happen, plus, it's unhygienic! Stay safe out there, Mary!
LOL, I doubt I would be good at spitting.
I know I wouldn't, Mary! I would likely spit out my bridgework!
i want to give credit to Rachel Maddow, who continues to highlight nationwide rallies every week on her Monday night show.
She does a phenomenal job!
Rachel Maddow is an incredible inspiration for me and I learn so much from her, not only about what is happening today, but also about how it fits into history. She is fearless and speaks truth to power.
I just wish she was still on five days a week, even though I know that is not going to happen. We need her insight and wisdom even more now.
Agree. Rachel is a national treasure. We have been watching her since 2008, when she was the substitute host on Countdown with Keith Olbermann and subsequently got her own show. She is brilliantly smart, feisty and very funny. A force to be reckoned with and Dump cannot touch her. (I still miss her Friday night cocktail moments!)
And she went to my school: Stanford!!! Go, Rachel!!
Woo hoo! 🎉
We are united. Our strength is our community.
Yes, Karen, yes!
Beautifully said Michael. I feel the truth in this too. Real strength is not about force, it is about connection, courage, and conscience. We may not get the headlines, but that has never been the measure of true change. What matters is that we keep showing up, grounded in nonviolence and in each other. In solidarity, we are already shaping something more powerful than fear.
WHY does our MSM ignore so much?
I think there are several reasons, Judy.
Much of the media is owned by oligarchs whose self-interest does not align with us or with democracy.
Even journalists and commentators, along with owners, can be intimidated and frightened by the threats of violence.
Covering peaceful protests is not as interesting as covering violence and the dangerously flamboyant Trump.
I know there are other reasons, but I haven’t had my coffee yet!
Michael, you should have your coffee as you have been up for hours. I at least got a couple hours sleep in between. I think Robert Reich’s post has stirred a lot of energy and excitement among this group. I hear very little complaining and bitching but instead a momentum towards showing up on Saturday
"....... the press and the pulpit have in every age and every nation been on the side of the exploiting class and the ruling class." E. V. Debs
In Los Angeles reporters have been deliberately attacked.
"Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened, when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice." - Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy
Absolutely right Michael. We need to have as many people as possible in as many places as possible showing up and speaking out, telling our politicians that what the Trump administration is doing is wrong. That's the only way to make clear, particularly to Republican "leaders" in Congress that Trump and his policies are a liability. Thus far, they have been cowed by fear of retaliation from Trump. The people, that's all of us, need to remind them that they work for us, and that we will hold them accountable if they continue to allow Trump to do things that hurt millions of people.
The time to act is now. Find and join a nearby chapter of a group such as Indivisible https://indivisible.org/ and become a pro-democracy activist. Work toward bringing the 3.5% rule within our reach: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world . It may be our best/last hope of setting things right.
Protests, earlier this calendar year
Agree 💯
We got this.
Call. Write. Email. Protest. 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
Let us indeed make good trouble…..and let’s spread the word about the good trouble “We the People” are making across the US
I wrote my Senators and Rep yesterday. I am writing once or twice a week now.
I wrote my 100th message to my Republican house rep yesterday. I have not received any responses…not even a “thank you for your message” nonsense, which I have no interest in reading. I’ll be out Saturday protesting in the No Kings event and will continue in efforts to stop trump and his fascist regime. United we stand!
They know they are in the wrong. but there is safety in numbers. Every time one of them sticks his/her head up they get torn to shreds by their constituents. In silence, they don't have to count you as a constituent. Keep writing the bastards!
I receive some email responses literally 2 months after sending them. They are so far behind 😅
Thank you for speaking up so much right now!!! You’re amazing!!
I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Ripples can cause waves…especially during storms.
Letters have no effect. People need to flood their offices.
Mine are from FloriDuh…so they ignore us…but will be trying to contact SCOTUS
The Chief Justice is worthy of millions of enraged letters.
I think (hope) we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Mine are too. Rick Scott is doubling down on his backing of DT. Crooks stick together.
And people devote set aside time easch day to phone. I hear from some staffers tgat the calls are easier to tally up and may might maybe carry nore weight
My 2 Senators are Ossoff and Warnock and my rep is Sanford Bishop. I get appropriate and thoughtful replies.
I call or write nearly every day,
Thank you for this! I'm going to share it. 😀
Thank you for helping share it! Whatever makes it easier right now for us to be extremely loud! ❤️🩹🤍💙
Thank you for the link to this amazing spreadsheet!
You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up right now!
In all the years I have lived on the planet I never have seen or participated in solidarity like this. Obviously, this is simply a dress rehearsal for Saturday, which should be an overwhelming number of people protesting Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, and everyone else that are behind these horrific actions
I knew quite some time ago that we were heading for trouble, Marc. But the speed at which everything is collapsing has frankly shocked me, as I’m sure it has shocked many other people.
But you make a great point in that solidarity is breaking out all across this land.
Here’s to a massive turnout on Saturday.
Here’s to all of us, together, with our voices raised high.
Here’s to non-violence!
Thank you, Michael, and yes, here’s to a massive turnout on Saturday. When the history of these times in the United States is written, the spontaneous protest in L. A. will be seen as the very beginning of the first step in the movement towards taking back our democracy. The second step will be rebuilding a new design for our future democracy and economy that will be designed so that the power grab by the oligarchs can never happen again in this country. We have a ways to go from here to there and we must remember, there is an end point goal that we will reach. But now, we must demonstrate, have nonviolent, peaceful actions, and spend some time and discussion about what kind of country we want when this is over.
I so agree with everything you just wrote, Marc. I hope everyone sees your message.
And I hope everyone sees and agrees with your message that in solidarity we are strong and in solidarity Trump is weak.
Yes, Marc, I feel the same. Saturday needs to be a show of both resistance and vision. I agree that what began in Los Angeles will be seen as a historic turning point—and I appreciate your reminder that this is just the beginning. The work ahead will take all of us, not only to stop what is happening now, but to build something far better. Peaceful action and collective imagination must go hand in hand.
Christie, I am excited to see what “collective imagination” will bring us in the months ahead. I am a firm believer that crisis brings unknown opportunities. And now we begin.
Yes, we have begun.
Yes, Michael and Marc! I’m pushing myself to encourage friends who are “too busy” (afraid) to come to No Kings Day.
I think every one of us must be feeling, to a greater or lesser extent, some fear these days, Cece. I would be worried about people who don’t. But yes, we absolutely need to encourage our friends and family not to be controlled by that fear.
" The thing worse than rebellion is the thing that causes the rebellion." Frederick Douglass
Yes!
We have been watching in horror at this attempt to subdue the population of the United States. Trump may have subdued the media, some universities, and much of his opposition so far. But, “we the people“ will triumph in the end.
That is the strength of our country, a strength that so many would be tyrants forget. We the People!
Yes. It has been painful to witness, but also galvanizing. The attempt to suppress truth and silence opposition is real, but so is the strength and spirit of the people. History shows that authoritarian power can never outlast a united, awakened public. We will keep showing up, and we will prevail.
The protests in L.A .are catching fire all over the United States. It is a country wide flashmob, and Trump and his cronies will have to take note. It makes me feel proud to be an American and I look forward to being part of the action. This is going to be a long hot summer and it won’t be easy, but countrywide unified opposition in solidarity against Trump and MAGA is taking the giant step forward necessary to take back OUR democracy.
Exactly! Our country belongs to everyone, not just Donald Trump and his fascist thugs. Our democracy is for everyone. No matter what religion, gender, sexual orientation, color of your skin, where you were born. None of that matters. We are building our freedom and our democracy together.
I agree. Trump acts like we aren’t here.
Marc - The protesters in LA should hold some signs in front of the NG and Marines faces telling them that they are sorry that T has stolen millions from their healthcare, housing, infrastructure and other necessities just so T could hijack the Army’s celebration and the military budget for his own selfish needs. The sign could also apply to the veterans who struggle to get the adequate support they need and deserve. Otherwise I’m sure that the rest of the signs created will be clever. Just a thought since I know that most of the military didn’t sign up to violate the Constitution and police Americans.
Meet the guard with flowers.
Thank them for their service.
Signs:
We know you were ordered here. Protect us.
We mean you no harm.
Keep your cool.
Our democracy.
Absolutely!
Miriam - Excellent ideas!
Make a sign. Get out to a protest near you. This is a huge country, sometimes it will be a hike, but that is protecting us in a way. Andy Borowitz pointed out yesterday, there are not enough of them to subjugate all of us - unless we let them.
https://www.borowitzreport.com/p/emergency-episode-taco-fell?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=2337656&post_id=165692921&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=24q43f&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Los Angeles protesters should be proud for they are the match that lit the fire of resistance. Now that fire will spread like a wildfire across the country thanks to the match struck in Los Angeles. These actions are analogous to the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. We are declaring our independence for freedom from the tyranny of king Trump and the attempt of the oligarch’s to take over this country and strip all of its wealth from the majority of the population for lining their own pockets.
Marc, I believe so many of us realize how grave the situation is and exactly what is at stake! We will stand together for the America we all believe in! I keep posting and talking about Saturday. Reminding everyone I know how very important it is to get out there and make their voices heard. Here's to peaceful protests on Saturday!
Thank you for your bravery, Marc! Bring someone else who will see how strong we are together!
I am still optimistic that this Republican idea of embracing fanaticism whole-heartedly has snowballed to the point that we can all agree this isn’t the way to do things. I’ve been super busy building a Trojan horse sculpture to take to No King’s Day that I’m hoping will also be a show of solidarity. The idea I had was to dress the Trojan Horse up as a pinata by covering it with colorful notes from people at No King’s Day. I want people to be able to express their own opinion about whichever issue to add to the sculpture. I am really hoping it will work out. Super nervous that I’ll get there and people will think my idea is weird or dumb. But I support the solidarity messaging and would like to encourage it too
Creative expression like yours is crucial to solidarity. You go for it!
That's a great idea! Good luck with it and don't pay attention to any who think it's "less than "!
Jaxy, that is a magnificent idea! Oh my gosh! I wish I could be that artistic! Please take pictures and share them. I would love to know some of the messages your Trojan Horse collected on Saturday. You have absolutely no need to feel nervous! Actually people will applaud your efforts. There is nothing weird or dumb about it! Way to go, Jaxy!
Love your Trojan horse idea, Jaxy!!
Love your Trojan horse idea and inviting other voices, go for it!
You ‘noticed’, Jaxy, that Donald Trump & Co ARE a ‘Trojan Horse’…good for you!
Through four years of campaigning, rallies, twit talk, and Foxy propaganda, Trump doggédly fooled America, until Musk’s money provided a few thousand winning votes in the 11th hour of November’s election…if it actually did?? 🤔
Trump is ‘Deceit Personified’, so your sculpture is very appropriate! To gain his first term, the ‘scandal’ against Hillary Clinton was timed just right, and Musk’s infusion to Trump’s 2024 campaign > that last minute PUSH!
Now, the murderous hidden psychopaths Trump delighted in choosing have ambushed the country.
Hit that horse hard when the time comes to expose the fascist’s. I think people will want to decorate it with honest comments. 👍
I like it..very much!
Do it. Do you need anything to do it?
It’s almost finished and the only thing I need at this point is a trailer to haul it in. I’ve had some help with the sculpture 😊
Ja y, it sounds good to me.
Jaxy - You do you and don’t worry about what others think. I personally think that it’s a wonderful idea and thank you for putting so much effort into it. It reminds me of the New York subway wall that allowed others to post messages of solidarity. We all want a place to come together and your idea sounds like such a perfect fit.
It is absolutely imperative that this solidarity become disciplined and focused with non-violence as a key strategic principle. If massive chaos erupts we will lose the republic. Here is a quote from my recent post ( https://dialector.substack.com/p/non-violence-and-unity-in-the-defense )
"You do not fight a fire by feeding it. You do not defeat lawlessness by becoming lawless. Violence may feel like action, but in reality, it is a strategic failure. Injustice thrives when the story becomes unclear. Every act of violence by protestors shifts the public eye from the principle being defended to the chaos being unleashed. It hands the enemies of the Constitution exactly what they want: a public too burdened with conflicting data to see clearly, a cause too tainted to trust, and just enough disorder to justify another wave of repression. We saw it in Los Angeles. Protesters, enraged and undisciplined, set fire to cars and assaulted officers. The story was no longer about the unlawful deployment of force by the government. It was about the violence of the crowd. In a single day, the focus shifted from constitutional resistance against government lawlessness to the chaos of violence and public fear. Tyranny could not ask for a better gift. If you want proof that violence by the people serves the interests of the government, consider this: the government has a history of wanting violence in unwanted protest movements. It has used infiltrators and provocateurs to incite violence deliberately, not to stop the movement, but to discredit it in the public eye. The FBI’s COINTELPRO program (Counter-Intelligence Program, 1950s–1970s) offers clear examples. This is nothing new."
Max, you bring up a very important point. Already the organizers are addressing the problem of agitators by requesting that if one is near an agitator, everyone in the area should sit so that they stand out and are exposed for who and what they are. We cannot allow thugs and agitators to take advantage of our peaceful demonstrations. Now the media will take note of this new tactic of sitting down when we spot a troublemaker in our midst and the “sit downs” will be the creative actions noted by the media.
Yes! This is a known phenomenon. I mention the sitting down technique in my E Pluribus Unum Tool Kit, which contains information on why the Constitution must be defended, ideas on what that defense looks like, how to train yourself for nonviolent participation, quotes from the Founding Fathers on the Constitution, and a section on how to recognize useless and harmful political talk. It is here:
https://dialector.substack.com/p/e-pluribus-unum
It’s good to know that we have some conservatives on board. We need your wisdom.
Wow Max, you put a lot of time and effort into your Substack. I look forward to reading it more thoroughly.
Actually, my Substack is partly a backup for my website, www.socraticmethod.net. The E Pluribus Unum Toolkit was originally published there. All my writings are released on a Creative Commons license and I recommend downloading the PDF from the E Pluribus Unum Substack post. It also contains a detailed account of how our political talk has been corrupted, called "The Infantilization of the American Citizen: Newspeak and the Art of the Steal". It also contains a detailed criticism of how Conservatism died, and that is done from a conservative perspective. The essay is called "The Beauty of The Conservative Mind". Ironically, I am one of the more conservative people one might meet, but real conservatism has nothing to do with the GOP or the culture war.
Remember that your influence is greatest where you are known. Stand up and speak out peacefully from your home and your neighborhood. Display OUR flag upside down as your sign of distress over the current regime. Fear NOT!
I have had small upside flags in my front window for months…
This is particularly important in small cities and towns. Major media will not be covering you, so let your neighbors, customers, suppliers, businesses see you. It is very likely that they will recognize or know you. This is needed in deeply red areas. People may not be aware that there are fellow citizens with different views among them.
Excellent post, Max!
Sounds like we need another like Martin Luther King…. Peaceful protest…
Epstein-bestie Trump incited the violent Jan 6 terrorists.
Trump's MAGA mob beat police officers. One died, others committed suicide from the trauma.
Trump then pardoned and released these criminals on his first day as President, giving some millions in taxpayer money.
All this time, convicted felon Trump could've called in troops to stop his Jan 6 rioters. Instead, MAGA claimed that was Pelosi’s job.
Republicans have no room to lecture America about law and order.
Mad King Don knew he would use the violent Jan 6 terrorists for his personal militia…and so he has.
Yes, DK, and we must demand this loud and clear: Mr. President, Obey the Law!
Bravo to all of today's protestors. There will be more of us Saturday. This Land is OUR Land and we're going to keep it. Screw trump slime and all his disgusting maggots.
Fay you are correct. “ This land is OUR land!”
Important reminder: do not be silent, do not be a bystander in this time of injustice and violence against humanity. Speak out, march. Stand up. Stand together. This poem by Pastor Niemoller
reminds us:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Copied from US Memorial Holocaust Museum website.)
This is beyond religion. It is about today and the injustices. Be more than a witness. Be part of the change. Use your voice, stand together and make a difference.
Thank you, Irenie. This poem is so relevant, yet again.
Well, stated Irene.
We the People
cannot allow
“Diversity,Equity, Inclusion “ to become
“Destroy
E quality
I nternationally “. NO! Try instead:
D efend
E excellent
I intentions
What Michael and Megan said.
In addition, talk to anyone and everyone you can. Remember that neighbor you had a conversation with during Trump’s 1st 4 years? Knock on their door.
When anyone tells you to “have a nice day,” or asks “how you doing?” answer with something along the lines of, “I’m not okay with what’s happening in our country, right now.”
A sympathetic response could lead to a great conversation!
Yes, rhetorical responses are pointless. Create the opportunity for meaningful dialogue whenever you exchange greetings. Tactful comments can leave lingering messages beyond the moment.
Great advice, Susie! Thank you.
Yes, Susie. I’m testing my courage by contacting friends who have been avoiding news and inviting them to No Kings Day. It’s so uncomfortable!
Yes, it can be, Cece. That said, it's kind of like learning to ride a bike. You try it. You don't do very well. Then you try it again, and you only fall twice instead of thrice. Then.... You get where I'm going with this. Go easy on yourself and GOOD LUCK! Might be easier than you think :)
Good for you, Cece:
Or to have ICE agents roughing up a woman in her own home. A woman within 7 days of giving birth! They almost pushed her into going into premature labour with their manhandling and aggressive actions. See Jim Acosta's interview with Jorge Ramos (tuesday) on substack to hear it in her own words! That's not acceptable in America!!
That right there makes my blood boil, Krystina! There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for these thugs to be manhandling a pregnant woman! This is the reason I am fighting and protesting and pushing back on this orange POS and all of his minions!
More proof that Republicans actually hate women, in general.
Like typical authoritarians Republicans only respect physical force, brutal force. They hold women in contempt, because they are not as physically strong as men. They hate women who demand equal rights with men.
Yes, Peggy, to call them "thugs" is appropriate, because this what they are. Trump is a thug, a gang leader, and he uses ICE as a vigilante force to harass and intimidate people. Then he claims that he is protecting Americans from dangerous foreigners. He and his gang are the greatest danger Americans face right now.
What really angers me, Victor, is when he calls us 'enemies of the people'! What people? Him and his magas? Then yeah, I am their enemy. He just does not speak for me at all. When he says Americans want this or that, he is NOT speaking for me! I am so damn sick of his lies!
Drumpf will over-reach until even his own sycophants question his judgement. We are our only recourse now as we cannot even rely on the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution.
Just think about HOW it feels to actually realize this horrid fact…that we cannot rely on our SUPREME COURT to uphold the Constitution!
They have given him full reign to act as he wants. There are no guardrails. The Conservative parts of SCOTUS have gifted him that.
During the Biden administration more deportations took place than with Trump and... did we ever see these kinds of problems, people?
This program can be enacted without the "masks, mistakes, violence, huge expense, turmoil, and terror...so why isn't it?
It isn't because Trump and associates need to feed their "undersized" actuality of self importance and prove that they are otherwise and... we the general public, are suffering the consequences along with economy and our personal finances and freedoms. Trump is the same Trump he has always been and for those out there that are confused by the rhetoric...I say... look at the results. Terror, destruction, huge expenses, neighborhoods in turmoil, allies abandoned, war drums around the world being beaten...and all this in just 5 months of this fool and his cabal in charge.
I ask that people not forget January 2024 -- when a beautiful, bi-partisan bill was ready for a vote that would truly beef up border security in a moral and effective way. The Trump cult forced it to be killed because Trump wanted to run his election on border insecurity.
He does not care about border security; He uses the issue as a pretense for something else entirely. To put it simply: He wants to declare the blue states that are opposed to him as "Insurrectionist," -- and then the federal government can come in and manage state functions, like voting.
Yes, Thomas, this is clearly the primary intent. The plight of immigrants should not distract us from the existential threat to our Republic.
I,too, remember that bill.
Exactly so, Henry. Deportations are necessary. Not everyone can come here, and some should definitely not be here.
But Trump celebrates the deportations. Trump celebrates the regime’s violence. Trump celebrates the cruelty. It’s all he knows.
Biden never celebrated the deportations. He never enjoyed them.
Donald is a cruel, cruel monster.
He sure is, Judy.
“Fairy tales don't teach children that monsters exist. Children already know that monsters exist.” — G. K. Chesterton
Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Mad King Don RULES by CRUELTY.
And the cruelty is the point.
Fred Trump raised a monster in his own image.
Good point. It always strikes me how we progressives necessarily always debate and often disagree on how things could be better while many on the right agree on how things have become terrible and how great it all used to be.
Change for the future is more difficult and uncertain than nostalgia. At times, like now, it is important to identify what we do agree on, put aside disagreement and fight for it.
Excellent point Martin. I agree with you completely.
Absolutely, Martin! The cruelty of the ICE raids must not distract us from the fact that Trump is violating constitutional due process every day. No kings. No dictators!
The cowardly corporate media goes with the old adage: if it bleeds, it leads. They play right into the dictator’s game plan by over showing the violence and not the wide spread peaceful protests. I am old enough to still watch network news. We’ve stopped watching ABC, which has shown its cowardice by suspending Terry Moran and focusing on a run away zebra. I guess peaceful protests and trump’s corruption and fake deals aren’t news. Where are the 21st century Walter Cronkite, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, Eric Severeid, etc. ?
The Washington Post banner is “Democracy dies in Darkness” - it also dies when the media has its eyes and mouth closed to democracy dying in broad daylight.
Peter, there are still are voices in the media out there who are doing their best to shed light on what is happening and tell truth to power.
First among equals may be Rachel Maddow.
As of yesterday, Moran has been fired... After 30 years.
Wake up America! President Trump is attacking an American city!! He is deploying troops to Los Angeles where there is no uprising or rebellion, no harm to the Federal government, its members, or its buildings. On what basis does he think he should do this? Why are troops there? It is a waste—of time, of money. It is intimidating and probably illegal.
Maybe the President should move his war games to Ukraine to help stop Russia’s invasion of that democratic country. The people of Los Angeles are not an enemy of the National government. They are American citizens . Do not attack our cities, our own countrymen and women and children. Defend our allies. Defend the Constitution. That’s your job.
P
Well, stated Ellen.