Not when it funds the genocidal racist state of Israel -- and cuts off humanitarian aid to UNRWA. Many Democrats ARE opposed to that -- but not the ones giving Netanyahu standing ovations when he speaks to them in Congress.
Thomas--Netanyahu is as wacked as Trump--As for the so called genocidal activities of the Israelis I don't see it. The people of Israel like the people of this country are slaves to our leaders.
It was interesting to learn this week of some IDF soldiers torturing a one-year old child in Gaza by burning his body with cigarettes, and shoving a nail into the wounds -- to get his father to "talk," None of them was named "Netanyahu."
As for him, Biden had NO problem supplying 2k pound bombs that he used on civilians in Gaza -- crushing many children under the rubble. In TOTAL violation of US law.
You're just another "Democrat" cheering on those human rights violations -- pretending you are blind to them.
Let's see .. how did that go? "A pro democracy movement quickly degenerates if it does not stand for human rights."
Well, well. Look who's trying to wave the banner of human rights? Thomas, your arms are to heavy laden with hatered and bloviated arrogance to do so. You're just another "Republican" cheering on Trump's endless lying, oppression, xenophobia, and willful ignorance. But hey, self-deprecating fascist goals and behaviors are on sale at Trump's merch website.
Israel is no more a genocidal racist state than the United States is a fascist racist state. Netanyahu is a genocidal racist, and Trump is a fascist racist. There is a difference. We Americans can 't control Trump and Israelis can't control Netanyahu,
I don't know that either the US or Israel are fascist states but they certainly are racist societies. And sticking to our own turf I would think that the founding genocide, the centuries of slavery, Jim Crow, the Klan, the "Southern Strategy", the racial stereotypes about just who gets "welfare", mass incarceration, murder by cop, and the placidity with which so many had no problem with ICE until white people were killed are hardly things to be blamed on Trump. And it seems to me that unless and until most Americans can honestly understand and accept the reality of who we have been, we will never move beyond the myths and lies that enabled Trump to be where he is today.
Israel has universal conscription -- save for the ultra-Orthodox -- so those members of the IDF who tortured that toddler were random selections from general society.
According to veteran Ha'aretz journalist (and editorial board member) Gideon Levy -- born in Tel Aviv in 1953 -- over 90% of Israelis support the attacks on Iran. Levy describes his country today as "insane."
Donald, my guess is that you're much younger than I. I recall the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Until then, Democrats in the South openly supported segregation.
That was back when the Democrats and the Republicans were opposite to what they are today... which is why labels can be misleading. The Democratic party of today is actually much more like the Republican party of the past.
Until they became Dixiecrats and Dem Party oriented back to Midwest away from South. Barry G courted Dixiecrats for Republicans. Dog whistling was born. Nixson made it a full throated theme. Reagan added subtleties to make it all compatible with middle America who wanted fairness for all but not “handouts”.
Many of the protests look like cheap carnivals. This is dead serious. Really, clowning and goofy around aren’t the right tone for ICE murdering citizens and child sex trafficking. And I can’t feel “joyous “ in the face of fascism. We can present solidarity without a circus.
I see your point, Betsy. I like a good joke, but Democracy is dangling on a string here. I recall the AIDS demonstrations of the 80's. Thousands marched in silent remembrance of the dead. It's where we're at now and reflects the moment we are in, with the death of democracy as a backdrop.
People were out having fun while showing solidarity. That is actually a good thing. It also helps to prevent tempers from boiling over. I am quite sure that the concerned Americans are acutely aware of the severity of the moment.
We march today to execute our First Amendment right to protest, free speech and democracy. Hopefully this will make an impression on Republicans to take action against the regime and we can regain the democracy we've lost - Karen Cooper
Owning the libs in their view is to just keep repeating that this is the will of the people which it almost seems to be true with little to no will to investigate our last Presidential election despite 'more than irregurlarities. Gee I wonder if they are just going to take it next time realizing there's no American will for investigation into elections? In so many instances the MAGA way of: 'the best defense is a strong offense' seems to have been effective. RR's (Robert Reich's) book: Coming Up Short is, in part, how the Baby Boomers have not acted when we had a chance (to heed Eisenhower's warning).......
Yes, as a Boomer with Greatest Gen parents who sacrificed to bring home GI Bill and VA mortgages, I have long said I took that birthright of opportunity for granted. After 1968 we used our #s and educ to declare “Victorian society dead”. Out with uptight morality. In with s, d and rock n roll.
I tell my kids I feel badly about throwing out the baby with my parents value bath water. We replaced a big % of our Boomer values with greed and “because I can” rationale. We played at public service. I’m generalizing of course, but Boomers, think about it.
I view what you are describing as a natural phenomenon somewhat like a backlash to the prudish, usually hypocritical, stated values of the preceding era.. It was the extreme of the pendulum swinging. We are now at the other end and it is beginning to swing back. That is my assessment.
I wish people would quit complaining about Trump and point out what the Democrats have done for America. The Repubs have demonized liberals for decades and it has worked. There is no point in demonizing Repubs because liberals aren't good enough at lying. So say what Democrats have accomplished for America. Republicans have no answer to that.
Here are just a few things Democrats have done for America in the past.
Social Security, Medicare, civil rights, minimum wage, 5-day work week, defeated the Nastis, balanced the budget (temporarily; thanks, W. Bush), killed bin Laden, clean air, clean water.
Healthcare Reform, Food Safety.
New Deal, Great Society, Peace Corp, Vista, Job Corp.
Civil Rights, Women’s Right to Vote, Equal Rights, The Voting Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, Motor Voter.
Consumer Protection, FDIC, Banking and Wall Street Regulations, SEC, Federal Reserve System, Anti-trust Legislation.
Funding for Science, Medical and Engineering Research, Space Exploration, NSF, NIH
Support for Public Education, Head Start, School Lunch, and Breakfast Programs.
NLRB, 8 hr. Work Day/40 hr. work week, Overtime, Unemployment.
Protection for the Environment, Endangered Species Act, FEMA.
Each state - red states, too, if they can still distinguish what's good for them - should pass a state law that starts out by affirming the state's right to conduct their elections without paramilitary interference by >any< federal agency, without prior approval by the state's legislature and governor. Further, specify that any violation of that law constitutes a felony under state law, and any federal official directing such action will be subject to >immediate< apprehension, arrest, a mandatory long jail sentence, and catastrophic fines up to and including all financial assets, including confiscation of all real property held within the state.
That must be done immediately to discourage any kind of polling place occupation by ICE that this delusional president's administration may contemplate as a result of their collective antisocial personality disorder.
Absolutely! Trump is the consequence of decades of wealth concentration becoming power concentration. When 79% believe government serves “a few big interests” before Trump emerged, the system was already captured.
Thiel saying “freedom and democracy are incompatible” is the tell.
The billionaire class isn’t conserving anything, they’re dismantling everything post-1920s that constrained extraction.
But a “pro-democracy movement” that demonstrates then goes home won’t work. The institutions Reich wants to revive are captured by the forces he’s describing. You can’t reform systems designed for extraction when extractors control the reform mechanisms.
The First Gilded Age didn’t end because people marched for democracy. It ended because they organized, built unions, and forced structural change through sustained disruption.
Demonstrate today.
But what are we building tomorrow that doesn’t depend on captured institutions?
Johan, I write the same reaction, almost everywhere. To demonstrate and then go home, won't work or help.
So, what will? A moral revolution, yes.
Should we not protest more about the limiting food transports to Gaza?
Should we accept the half denials about the rocket, killing 160 children?
Should we accept the reduction of world peace to an acceptable gallonprice of gas?
And so on....
Where to begin with restoring rational and moral thinking? Do we need a M.L. King or a Jimmy Carter? A proportional representation as a new system of voting?
Your question in your last sentence is not a sunny one.
Great point, and it’s not sunny. We need to push to force change and work to build new institutions. Get out and protest, yes, and remember the work must continue day in, day out.
Yes Pamela (and Johan); it should not become circular or an obsession. I ask what should begin with us and how can it lead to something?
Is there an idea to change the electoral system, how to build and construct the political support to start the change?
It is an intellectual task first: design a new system, practical enough to build it in a year. I don't know whether this is alreadt available. If not, arrange specialists, universities, advisors to do what is needed.
Second, where should the support come from? All the states and the executive institutions need to see the improvement and express themselves accordingly.
How fast can this go?
Not fast enough I fear. Suppose the midterms are a blow for this regime. Suppose we reach the election of 2028 and the planet is still alive. Can we have the party system and the elections transformed? Let us think about it.
Until the current winner-takes-all voting system is replaced by some form of proportional representation system, the same crooked, bought-and-paid-for villains will be re-elected and nothing will change.
In most cases, only about 30% of the electorate are represented by the person they voted for. 70% of the votes count for nothing.
The human rights proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence constitute the foundation of our country, and they are embedded in the US Constitution itself. This is why we take the oath of allegiance. Those who betray that oath are enemies of the American people--all of them, but starting with Donald Trump.
I couldn’t agree with you more!!! I’m 94 and on my way to our march in Charlottesville. VA with my 64 yr old friend. Let us hope the idiots in Congress recognize what this means for them.
Go Kathryn!! I'm 93 but collapsed at the last No Kings. So am sitting this one out. Still pretty active but my enthusiasm out runs my energy. :-) Perhaps it's the climate. I live in Sarasota, FL. :-)
Sarah Soda, eh? Grandma used to go there yearly when she was alive. As for me, I prefer Penc A Cola. Those are groaners. Sometimes we need those too for sanity's sake. I also have issues with heat, and mobility that keeps my participation at a minimum.
Groaners or whatever makes you laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. For my last 3 birthdays (91,92 and 93) I did an open mic at McCurdy's Comedy Club. Not sure if they were laughing with me or at me by didn't care as long as they laughed. At the end they were taking bets if I'd make it for my 94th.
Rhana Bazzini, Maybe it is the climate, Minnesota’s cold and ice means we always have needed to help. But the presence of 🧊and its horrible behavior has increased the strong desire to take care of each other. So we went to the internet in all of the forms over all ages. So yesterday’s gathering was HUGE….and creative.
“… It’s becoming clear that the number of people in this administration who plainly don’t understand their jobs is breathtaking. Hardly a day goes by without unbelievable blunders spilling into the news from within the government apparatus. The war in the Gulf has thrown this into stark relief”
The incompetent nitwits in the regime don't need to know their jobs except to say and do what Trump wants, and that is the full extent. If they did attempt to know and execute their jobs properly they'd be fired immediately - Karen Cooper
Thanks for this. Although many, even most of us here, have realized this, the mainstream media find it difficult to concede. In fact, it appears to most Republican appointees don't understand their jobs (or are so beholden to their president and their party that they can't afford to see the legal requirements). Yet they get confirmed by the Republican majority.
Absolutely! We are the disrupters; our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to usher on a more resilient Democracy -- that embraces everyone, no exceptions.
Saw you on Ali Velshi - clear, concise - you laid out reasons for marching today. Not Against Trump, but FOR American Democracy. We need all the positive democracy loving people in America to joyfully join the No Kings rallies across America today! Thank you.
You are so right. I have an old French friend, who moved to Israel 20 years ago. The fanatism they carry for the so called self defense/ “holy land “ is sickening. It’s very sad they can’t see the harm they spill around in Gaza and Lebanon.
It is true that we need to revise our Constitution and governmental organizations after this experience with a demented, ignorant, sociopath, malignant narcissist. So much of our government was founded on the presumption that our NORMS would act as guardrails constraining the worst in the governors. Another belief that has not stood the test of time is the centrality of the Enlightenment belief that humans are guided by rationality. Neuroscience and the humanities have shown us we are instead governed first by emotions, and only after those have been captured does our brain sift around for confirmation biases. With social media, destruction of healthy norms and behaviors, the rise of evil ID ruling the powerful elites devoid of empathy and any consideration for a common good, we need to rethink how to revise and modernize our governmental apparatus for the new future facing us with AI and concentration of toxic wealth. We have quite alot of work to do if we wish to reclaim our nation.
Yes, massive inequalities in wealth, power, and opportunity are behind our current chaos. We, the People need deep reforms to restore our democracy. Rampant capitalism must be constrained as it has strangled so many in need, to the benefit of the few, already grossly wealthy!!
ORGANIZE OVER THE COMMON GOOD DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM. JUST READ THE PLATFORM BULLET POINTS. ORGANIZE!!!!
ALLEGIANCE TO OUR PLATFORM AND THE CANDIDATE THAT PROMOTES OUR PLATFORM!
GOOGLE YOUR STATES DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM TO READ IT!
MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN!
The Democratic Platform IS the Preamble to Our Constitution
The Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The Democratic Party should be the party of Interdependent voters..
Robert, your observations are indeed accurate. Historical trends indicated our nation was heading in an unfavorable direction. However, it is worth noting that each instance over the past six decades where Democratic principles were implemented, they were met with resistance from the Republican party and conservative-minded citizens. Their conservative ideologies have consistently been present and are contributing to the current societal unrest we are experiencing. The truth is Dt his regime and the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 have capitalized on the less favorable aspects of conservatism. In simple language: This choas will continue until the rightwing conservative ideology understand the common good philosophy.
Excellent post, Robert; thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You’ve pitched it correctly. Be proud of being American: tens of millions of (extra-) ordinary Americans do good every day, and make the world a better place. Please, Americans, hold your heads high, be proud of the good you do, and defend your hopes and values. A world in which residents in Tel Aviv, Beirut and Tehran are bombed at the will of oligarchies cannot be right. Robert is right: the wickedness of the Trump Administration and its backers forces us to choose, and to fight for your/ our democracy and liberty.
I wish you the best of luck, and safety in your protests.
His true strength is measured in his sense of patience, his words and actions towards those less fortunate; his tollerance of opposing views; his tollerance of reality.
No kings means upholding constitutional government, which Trump violates daily. We also need a no oligarchy day, because the super wealthy have used the rule of law to capture our government.
I see your point. There were a total of 10 words I gathered to choose from to make six. While "oligarchy" was one of them, after months of back and forth, the six I choose were the most to-the-point and held to the subject at hand. Also, one guildlne that I folowed, for chosing the six that I did, was: If, during a 'No Kings' rally, a bystander heard the hardly-ever-used word 'oligarchy', the chances of them knowing what that word meant would be next to nothing. That doesn't mean it's not something we need to address.
A pro democracy movement is a movement against anything that Trump stands for..
Trump-bashing goes only so far, Donald. A pro democracy movement quickly degenerates if it does not stand for human rights.
Victor-- the Democratic party has always stood for human rights.
Not when it funds the genocidal racist state of Israel -- and cuts off humanitarian aid to UNRWA. Many Democrats ARE opposed to that -- but not the ones giving Netanyahu standing ovations when he speaks to them in Congress.
Thomas--Netanyahu is as wacked as Trump--As for the so called genocidal activities of the Israelis I don't see it. The people of Israel like the people of this country are slaves to our leaders.
It was interesting to learn this week of some IDF soldiers torturing a one-year old child in Gaza by burning his body with cigarettes, and shoving a nail into the wounds -- to get his father to "talk," None of them was named "Netanyahu."
As for him, Biden had NO problem supplying 2k pound bombs that he used on civilians in Gaza -- crushing many children under the rubble. In TOTAL violation of US law.
You're just another "Democrat" cheering on those human rights violations -- pretending you are blind to them.
Let's see .. how did that go? "A pro democracy movement quickly degenerates if it does not stand for human rights."
Well, well. Look who's trying to wave the banner of human rights? Thomas, your arms are to heavy laden with hatered and bloviated arrogance to do so. You're just another "Republican" cheering on Trump's endless lying, oppression, xenophobia, and willful ignorance. But hey, self-deprecating fascist goals and behaviors are on sale at Trump's merch website.
Thomas--Both sides did horrible atrocities to the civilian population. The military doesn't reflect the will of the people.
trump is Netanyahu's BITCH
Israel is no more a genocidal racist state than the United States is a fascist racist state. Netanyahu is a genocidal racist, and Trump is a fascist racist. There is a difference. We Americans can 't control Trump and Israelis can't control Netanyahu,
I don't know that either the US or Israel are fascist states but they certainly are racist societies. And sticking to our own turf I would think that the founding genocide, the centuries of slavery, Jim Crow, the Klan, the "Southern Strategy", the racial stereotypes about just who gets "welfare", mass incarceration, murder by cop, and the placidity with which so many had no problem with ICE until white people were killed are hardly things to be blamed on Trump. And it seems to me that unless and until most Americans can honestly understand and accept the reality of who we have been, we will never move beyond the myths and lies that enabled Trump to be where he is today.
Israel has universal conscription -- save for the ultra-Orthodox -- so those members of the IDF who tortured that toddler were random selections from general society.
According to veteran Ha'aretz journalist (and editorial board member) Gideon Levy -- born in Tel Aviv in 1953 -- over 90% of Israelis support the attacks on Iran. Levy describes his country today as "insane."
So please take your hasbara somewhere else.
Donald, my guess is that you're much younger than I. I recall the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Until then, Democrats in the South openly supported segregation.
That was back when the Democrats and the Republicans were opposite to what they are today... which is why labels can be misleading. The Democratic party of today is actually much more like the Republican party of the past.
Robert--I've been alive in 9 different decades. If you've seen 10 you have me beat.
I started life in the 1930s, but my guess of "much younger" was clearly wrong. At our ages, a few years here and there is a small percentage. :-)
Robert--I wish I had a few of those back again...
Until they became Dixiecrats and Dem Party oriented back to Midwest away from South. Barry G courted Dixiecrats for Republicans. Dog whistling was born. Nixson made it a full throated theme. Reagan added subtleties to make it all compatible with middle America who wanted fairness for all but not “handouts”.
Reagan was all about trickle-down economics, which never did work, and never will work. That is part of the Republican drumbeat.
Many of the protests look like cheap carnivals. This is dead serious. Really, clowning and goofy around aren’t the right tone for ICE murdering citizens and child sex trafficking. And I can’t feel “joyous “ in the face of fascism. We can present solidarity without a circus.
I see your point, Betsy. I like a good joke, but Democracy is dangling on a string here. I recall the AIDS demonstrations of the 80's. Thousands marched in silent remembrance of the dead. It's where we're at now and reflects the moment we are in, with the death of democracy as a backdrop.
Yes, it will become a tragicomedy if we don't get serious.
People were out having fun while showing solidarity. That is actually a good thing. It also helps to prevent tempers from boiling over. I am quite sure that the concerned Americans are acutely aware of the severity of the moment.
God forbid tempers boil over! We must be polite. And fascism is just hilarious!
Not sure about the hilarity part?
We march today to execute our First Amendment right to protest, free speech and democracy. Hopefully this will make an impression on Republicans to take action against the regime and we can regain the democracy we've lost - Karen Cooper
Timothy--If nothing else it will make them wonder where in hell did all these people come from, and not one stupid red hat.
True Donald - KAREN Cooper
We no longer have a democracy. I am afraid this is weak tea.
It won’t. They don’t want democracy.
Trump stands for nothing. It's his puppet masters that are the problem. The oligarchs behind the curtain must be exposed.
chris--and the fools who give Trump direction from within his own cabinet. All are as sick as he is.
The counter must be a Republican, nothing they do adds up.
Gag
JohnGigi--it's Okay--Trump has that effect on so many of us.
Apparently so. I bet I know the cure.
JohnGigi--Time---
Owning the libs in their view is to just keep repeating that this is the will of the people which it almost seems to be true with little to no will to investigate our last Presidential election despite 'more than irregurlarities. Gee I wonder if they are just going to take it next time realizing there's no American will for investigation into elections? In so many instances the MAGA way of: 'the best defense is a strong offense' seems to have been effective. RR's (Robert Reich's) book: Coming Up Short is, in part, how the Baby Boomers have not acted when we had a chance (to heed Eisenhower's warning).......
Angie--Investigating the imaginary fraud that exists in elections is Trump's way of stirring the pot, and Pavlov's dog needs a new bib.
Yes, as a Boomer with Greatest Gen parents who sacrificed to bring home GI Bill and VA mortgages, I have long said I took that birthright of opportunity for granted. After 1968 we used our #s and educ to declare “Victorian society dead”. Out with uptight morality. In with s, d and rock n roll.
I tell my kids I feel badly about throwing out the baby with my parents value bath water. We replaced a big % of our Boomer values with greed and “because I can” rationale. We played at public service. I’m generalizing of course, but Boomers, think about it.
I view what you are describing as a natural phenomenon somewhat like a backlash to the prudish, usually hypocritical, stated values of the preceding era.. It was the extreme of the pendulum swinging. We are now at the other end and it is beginning to swing back. That is my assessment.
Some of us have, all of our lives...
I wish people would quit complaining about Trump and point out what the Democrats have done for America. The Repubs have demonized liberals for decades and it has worked. There is no point in demonizing Repubs because liberals aren't good enough at lying. So say what Democrats have accomplished for America. Republicans have no answer to that.
Here are just a few things Democrats have done for America in the past.
Social Security, Medicare, civil rights, minimum wage, 5-day work week, defeated the Nastis, balanced the budget (temporarily; thanks, W. Bush), killed bin Laden, clean air, clean water.
Healthcare Reform, Food Safety.
New Deal, Great Society, Peace Corp, Vista, Job Corp.
Civil Rights, Women’s Right to Vote, Equal Rights, The Voting Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, Motor Voter.
Consumer Protection, FDIC, Banking and Wall Street Regulations, SEC, Federal Reserve System, Anti-trust Legislation.
Funding for Science, Medical and Engineering Research, Space Exploration, NSF, NIH
Support for Public Education, Head Start, School Lunch, and Breakfast Programs.
NLRB, 8 hr. Work Day/40 hr. work week, Overtime, Unemployment.
Protection for the Environment, Endangered Species Act, FEMA.
Veterans’ Benefits, GI Bill.
UN, NATO, Marshall Plan.
105+26 doesn't equal 108.
A thought just occurred to me:
Each state - red states, too, if they can still distinguish what's good for them - should pass a state law that starts out by affirming the state's right to conduct their elections without paramilitary interference by >any< federal agency, without prior approval by the state's legislature and governor. Further, specify that any violation of that law constitutes a felony under state law, and any federal official directing such action will be subject to >immediate< apprehension, arrest, a mandatory long jail sentence, and catastrophic fines up to and including all financial assets, including confiscation of all real property held within the state.
That must be done immediately to discourage any kind of polling place occupation by ICE that this delusional president's administration may contemplate as a result of their collective antisocial personality disorder.
Keep ICE Out of Our Elections Petition: https://civicshout.com/p/keep-ice-out-of-our-elections?utm_source=www.growtheswarm.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=our-votes-not-ice-agents&_bhlid=b48c38ec01f1b78ac8f8f047baf28db891ed3f2e
LATER:
AND in case you can't imagine being accosted by anymore "off the wall" events:
https://youtu.be/tNWPuB9g1Uw?si=y4RwYdxQxNOlSjKV
Absolutely! Trump is the consequence of decades of wealth concentration becoming power concentration. When 79% believe government serves “a few big interests” before Trump emerged, the system was already captured.
Thiel saying “freedom and democracy are incompatible” is the tell.
The billionaire class isn’t conserving anything, they’re dismantling everything post-1920s that constrained extraction.
But a “pro-democracy movement” that demonstrates then goes home won’t work. The institutions Reich wants to revive are captured by the forces he’s describing. You can’t reform systems designed for extraction when extractors control the reform mechanisms.
The First Gilded Age didn’t end because people marched for democracy. It ended because they organized, built unions, and forced structural change through sustained disruption.
Demonstrate today.
But what are we building tomorrow that doesn’t depend on captured institutions?
—Johan
Johan, I write the same reaction, almost everywhere. To demonstrate and then go home, won't work or help.
So, what will? A moral revolution, yes.
Should we not protest more about the limiting food transports to Gaza?
Should we accept the half denials about the rocket, killing 160 children?
Should we accept the reduction of world peace to an acceptable gallonprice of gas?
And so on....
Where to begin with restoring rational and moral thinking? Do we need a M.L. King or a Jimmy Carter? A proportional representation as a new system of voting?
Your question in your last sentence is not a sunny one.
Yes, we absolutely do need a leader like MLK or Jimmy Carter.
Great point, and it’s not sunny. We need to push to force change and work to build new institutions. Get out and protest, yes, and remember the work must continue day in, day out.
It has to start with us.
Yes Pamela (and Johan); it should not become circular or an obsession. I ask what should begin with us and how can it lead to something?
Is there an idea to change the electoral system, how to build and construct the political support to start the change?
It is an intellectual task first: design a new system, practical enough to build it in a year. I don't know whether this is alreadt available. If not, arrange specialists, universities, advisors to do what is needed.
Second, where should the support come from? All the states and the executive institutions need to see the improvement and express themselves accordingly.
How fast can this go?
Not fast enough I fear. Suppose the midterms are a blow for this regime. Suppose we reach the election of 2028 and the planet is still alive. Can we have the party system and the elections transformed? Let us think about it.
Tom you are faultless in your logic.
Until the current winner-takes-all voting system is replaced by some form of proportional representation system, the same crooked, bought-and-paid-for villains will be re-elected and nothing will change.
In most cases, only about 30% of the electorate are represented by the person they voted for. 70% of the votes count for nothing.
The human rights proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence constitute the foundation of our country, and they are embedded in the US Constitution itself. This is why we take the oath of allegiance. Those who betray that oath are enemies of the American people--all of them, but starting with Donald Trump.
The right question. Thank you
I couldn’t agree with you more!!! I’m 94 and on my way to our march in Charlottesville. VA with my 64 yr old friend. Let us hope the idiots in Congress recognize what this means for them.
Go Kathryn!! I'm 93 but collapsed at the last No Kings. So am sitting this one out. Still pretty active but my enthusiasm out runs my energy. :-) Perhaps it's the climate. I live in Sarasota, FL. :-)
Sarah Soda, eh? Grandma used to go there yearly when she was alive. As for me, I prefer Penc A Cola. Those are groaners. Sometimes we need those too for sanity's sake. I also have issues with heat, and mobility that keeps my participation at a minimum.
I lived in Pensacola. Pensacola is good.
Of course, I spelled it as a play on my last name!
Groaners or whatever makes you laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. For my last 3 birthdays (91,92 and 93) I did an open mic at McCurdy's Comedy Club. Not sure if they were laughing with me or at me by didn't care as long as they laughed. At the end they were taking bets if I'd make it for my 94th.
Rhana Bazzini, Maybe it is the climate, Minnesota’s cold and ice means we always have needed to help. But the presence of 🧊and its horrible behavior has increased the strong desire to take care of each other. So we went to the internet in all of the forms over all ages. So yesterday’s gathering was HUGE….and creative.
Interesting note in DER SPIEGEL today:
“… It’s becoming clear that the number of people in this administration who plainly don’t understand their jobs is breathtaking. Hardly a day goes by without unbelievable blunders spilling into the news from within the government apparatus. The war in the Gulf has thrown this into stark relief”
The incompetent nitwits in the regime don't need to know their jobs except to say and do what Trump wants, and that is the full extent. If they did attempt to know and execute their jobs properly they'd be fired immediately - Karen Cooper
Trump doesn’t know what he wants. He’s easily satiated by $$, perks and being in the news all day everyday.
It’s his oligarchy handlers who’ve been dreaming of this day across the generations since post WWII after fascism had been thwarted by Pearl Harbor.
Thanks for this. Although many, even most of us here, have realized this, the mainstream media find it difficult to concede. In fact, it appears to most Republican appointees don't understand their jobs (or are so beholden to their president and their party that they can't afford to see the legal requirements). Yet they get confirmed by the Republican majority.
And not just “empowering all Americans” but also bringing back peace and respect for the United States throughout the rest of the world
We may not see it in our lifetime, but we have to set the records straight for those who follow
Absolutely! We are the disrupters; our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to usher on a more resilient Democracy -- that embraces everyone, no exceptions.
It will take far more than 3 marches to win back peace and respect for USA
Nice thoughts, but it will take much more than 1 days of marches and rallies to win back peace and respect from rest of the world!
Saw you on Ali Velshi - clear, concise - you laid out reasons for marching today. Not Against Trump, but FOR American Democracy. We need all the positive democracy loving people in America to joyfully join the No Kings rallies across America today! Thank you.
I think the true benefit of “no kings” is the unification of millions and the effect of that on them and their fellow countrymen.
And the whole world ! Following you every day from Athens / Greece. Keep my fingers crossed for days of peace.
Thank you for your support, Marianne, not just for the U.S. but for oppressed populations in countries everywhere - Karen Cooper
You are so right. I have an old French friend, who moved to Israel 20 years ago. The fanatism they carry for the so called self defense/ “holy land “ is sickening. It’s very sad they can’t see the harm they spill around in Gaza and Lebanon.
NO KINGS! NO KINGS! NO KINGS!
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE! PLEASE RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES AND READ THE NAMES OUT LOUD! PLEASE!
“No Kings”
An Anthem for America
By The People, for The People
Verse 1
Two hundred fifty years gone by,
Our patriots fought and bled,
They carved a path for unity,
That wrote our country’s name;
Now chaos threatens our union,
Yet the Constitution shows,
A promise for the future,
From our Founding Fathers long ago!
Chorus 1
No Kings! No kings! No kings!, we cry,
Here throughout the land,
Our stalwart voices ring aloud,
Chaos will not stand,
Autocracy will not stand!
Verse 2
Through trials, storms, and oppression,
This vision still holds true,
Democracy’s enduring light,
Belongs to me and you;
Our Constitution guides us still,
From division and through strife,
It calls us back to Liberty,
The heartbeat of our life!
Chorus 2
“No King! No kings! No kings!” we cry,
Here throughout the land,
Our stalwart voices ring aloud,
Oppression will not stand, and
Retribution will not stand!
Verse 3
Oh, thrones and crowns and kings alike,
The warning signs we face,
Our love of country sees clearly,
Tyranny’s ruthless shame;
Both red and blue we gather now,
Drawn by equality’s flame,
Our common mission raised in song,
For the USA!
Chorus 3
“No King! No kings! No kings!” we cry,
Here throughout the land,
Our stalwart voices ring aloud,
Injustice will not stand, and
Tyranny will not stand!
In good time. We know djt is a “ good for nothing
Me too!
It is true that we need to revise our Constitution and governmental organizations after this experience with a demented, ignorant, sociopath, malignant narcissist. So much of our government was founded on the presumption that our NORMS would act as guardrails constraining the worst in the governors. Another belief that has not stood the test of time is the centrality of the Enlightenment belief that humans are guided by rationality. Neuroscience and the humanities have shown us we are instead governed first by emotions, and only after those have been captured does our brain sift around for confirmation biases. With social media, destruction of healthy norms and behaviors, the rise of evil ID ruling the powerful elites devoid of empathy and any consideration for a common good, we need to rethink how to revise and modernize our governmental apparatus for the new future facing us with AI and concentration of toxic wealth. We have quite alot of work to do if we wish to reclaim our nation.
Yes, massive inequalities in wealth, power, and opportunity are behind our current chaos. We, the People need deep reforms to restore our democracy. Rampant capitalism must be constrained as it has strangled so many in need, to the benefit of the few, already grossly wealthy!!
General strike
Project 2026 If Brazil can do it, so can we!
Win the Senate and House, Impeach and Prosecute.
ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE!!!!!
ORGANIZE OVER THE COMMON GOOD DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM. JUST READ THE PLATFORM BULLET POINTS. ORGANIZE!!!!
ALLEGIANCE TO OUR PLATFORM AND THE CANDIDATE THAT PROMOTES OUR PLATFORM!
GOOGLE YOUR STATES DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM TO READ IT!
MAKE AMERICA GRATEFUL AGAIN!
The Democratic Platform IS the Preamble to Our Constitution
The Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The Democratic Party should be the party of Interdependent voters..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5JCrSXkJY
Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth (Official Audio) Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth 1967
These elections are too far in the distance.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ULKLliFMzlw?si=3uKUAshEb-xeRNzA
Robert, your observations are indeed accurate. Historical trends indicated our nation was heading in an unfavorable direction. However, it is worth noting that each instance over the past six decades where Democratic principles were implemented, they were met with resistance from the Republican party and conservative-minded citizens. Their conservative ideologies have consistently been present and are contributing to the current societal unrest we are experiencing. The truth is Dt his regime and the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 have capitalized on the less favorable aspects of conservatism. In simple language: This choas will continue until the rightwing conservative ideology understand the common good philosophy.
Excellent post, Robert; thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You’ve pitched it correctly. Be proud of being American: tens of millions of (extra-) ordinary Americans do good every day, and make the world a better place. Please, Americans, hold your heads high, be proud of the good you do, and defend your hopes and values. A world in which residents in Tel Aviv, Beirut and Tehran are bombed at the will of oligarchies cannot be right. Robert is right: the wickedness of the Trump Administration and its backers forces us to choose, and to fight for your/ our democracy and liberty.
I wish you the best of luck, and safety in your protests.
Regards from Scotland, Anthony
thank you, anthony from scotland.
I don’t consider Trump to be a strongman. I consider him extremely weak.
His true strength is measured in his sense of patience, his words and actions towards those less fortunate; his tollerance of opposing views; his tollerance of reality.
No kings means upholding constitutional government, which Trump violates daily. We also need a no oligarchy day, because the super wealthy have used the rule of law to capture our government.
I see your point. There were a total of 10 words I gathered to choose from to make six. While "oligarchy" was one of them, after months of back and forth, the six I choose were the most to-the-point and held to the subject at hand. Also, one guildlne that I folowed, for chosing the six that I did, was: If, during a 'No Kings' rally, a bystander heard the hardly-ever-used word 'oligarchy', the chances of them knowing what that word meant would be next to nothing. That doesn't mean it's not something we need to address.
You are right, Charles. This is why we need another day of protest, a protest of oligarchy. Hopefully, people would then learn what the word means.