Please know Cheryl, that over here in Europe (I'm in the UK) bloc leaders are talking about how they can meet this moment, granted, somewhat belatedly, but they're now talking with purpose. Their actions are specifically framed around how to stop him, neuter the expansionist lunacy & make sure the American experiement survives. The Danish have specifically highlighted an 1950's era military law......Shoot first! It is dark, for sure, but the rest of the globe has a vested interest in your survival. Sending love from across the pond
I think there is a world-wide movement to neuter Trump. The usual way to deal with bullies in society is to isolate them, not confront them. North Korea is one such pariah state. True, the US is a much bigger nation but the strategy can still be effective especially when the oligarchs are the first to feel the pain.
Bullies thrive on any type of attention; confrontation is like fuel to them, the more violent the better it suits them. Neutering and isolating this regime, then removing them ‘safely’ from office needs to be done as fast as possible. We can all play a part in the isolating too, taking individual peaceful actions creatively.
Both/And. Their deflections all along have been effectively injurious and chaotic and/while they enact simultaneous injuries elsewhere. And let's not give all credit to PresDump: the men whose explicit photographs exist on thumbdrives and print are the wealthiest, powerful men in the country/world. They co-sponsor the 'deflections'.
Yes, and boycott them where ever and however you can. Save your money. And try not to give it to the people hell bent on taking away our rights! The thing billionaires fear the most is losing money.
Isolating the US vs isolating North Korea are so very different in scope and possibility. No more bending the knee here at home would be a good start before asking the world to stop the madman (plus henchmen Stephen Miller and Russell Vought).
When an impeachment finally makes it, it should include at least Stephen the nazi with him. I believe much of what DJT does Stephen tells him to do it.
What we are seeing in Minneapolis is the result of the punishable felony crime which is the ongoing insurrection led by Trump. Insurrection is outside the scope of official acts and invalidates any immunity for Trump and others in the federal government.
The news media, Democrats, and the legal system have failed to recognize the insurrection as a felony crime.
The corrupt legal system in American has created inhumanity and enabled an ongoing insurrection in America to create a lawless fascist autocracy that violates the Constitution and federal criminal law. The insurrection began on January 6, 2021, and continued in 2025 as planned in PROJECT 2025. From 2021 to 2024, Biden, Garland and Jack Smith were blocked from enforcing the law and putting Trump the insurrectionist in jail. The corrupt SCOTUS illegally refused to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to bar Trump from being on the ballot and holding office which was illegal support of the insurrection.
Qualified immunity as doctrine cannot protect unjustified ICE murder in Minneapolis. Doctrine is not an escape from violations of law. ICE acted outside their official duty in Minneapolis which was finding and detaining illegal immigrants not replacing domestic police and unjustified murder of innocent citizens.
Murder is a crime in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 10th Amendment authorizes states to enforce the criminal law like murder committed in their state. Therefore, the ICE agent can be prosecuted based on evidence of probable cause in the criminal action outside the scope of ICE official duty which was not detaining illegal immigrants and without any threat if bodily harm to the ICE agent.
As mentioned, Trump, his administration and ICE are conducting an insurrection that violates federal law. The federal criminal law in the United States is created by Congress and then described in Title 18 Part 1 of the U.S. Code which has multiple Chapters.
Specifically, the crime of insurrection is defined in 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection. The Code clearly states who is guilty of the felony crime with this language:
“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”
What is the solution? The law must be enforced on insurrectionists including Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
When Democrats get elected to the presidency and take control of Congress in 2028, the insurrectionists must be arrested, convicted and imprisoned. And the corrupt legal system must be revised by removing corrupt doctrines including qualified immunity.
Well said, William. Insurrection, treason, violation of constitutional due process cannot possibly be construed as legitimate official acts as understood by the Supreme Court. Impeachment time has arrived (belatedly).
Not so on the "Democrats and the legal system have failed to recognize the insurrection as a felony crime". The Dems impeached him. It is the SC who gave him a pass. Jack Smith was prepared to prosecute.
I agree Qualified Immunity needs to be erased from all law for public office holders. And presidential immunity needs to go away along with Citizens united.
I don’t agree with all of the legal conclusions here, particularly where criminal liability and institutional illegitimacy are assumed rather than adjudicated. That said, separately from criminal law, I personally see this as an open-faced coup: power being consolidated in plain sight, with constitutional limits treated as inconveniences.
The GOP may never admit that framing, but denial is not a constitutional argument.
Look up Frank Schaefer's YouTube Channel. Two of his solo videos are 'duty to warn' regarding J.D. Vance. He will make a much worse president than Trump. Impeachment is not the solve-all people think it is!
This an American problem to be solved by we Americans . Outside emotional support is appreciated. Trump has demonstrated no particular affinity towards Europe and is willing to let Putin overtake it through the NSS , which, to me is a horrible idea.
The failure of Democrats to enforce the law against the felony crime of insurrection led by Trump and illegally supported by his adminstration including ICE agents, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court is the core problem in America.
Really ‽ How would you suggest the Democrats enforce such laws as the minority party in both houses of Congress, not having sufficient numbers to override presidential vetoes, a mostly uncooperative majority party to attempt making deals with, House and Senate leadership committedly refusing to bring Democratic legislation to the floor, a SCOTUS handmaiden to Chairman Yack-off of what's left of the Whitehouse that holds veto power, pardon power, and a machine spewing executive orders for him, other than what they've been doing in bringing lawsuits they usually win in lower courts, but are largely ignored by the Yack-off administration as a whole, and will likely be reversed if the shit-for-brains, MAGgot SCOTUS judges get their filthy hands on those cases? Hmm?
The 10th Amendment authorizes state to write and enforce laws. The Constitution permits states to enforce criminal law on federa officials who act outside the scope of their official duties.
Democrats and Jack Smith were also blocked by six justices on SCOTUS. But Biden could have invoked the Insurrection Act and arrested prosecuted and convicted the six justices.
Uh! Can you not appreciate parody? Babylon Bee, like The Onion, is a parody press. I'll grant that it would all probably fall flat for National Enquirer, Star, and Fox News consumers - they'd be unable to distinguish the difference. Or are you just a'pullin m'leg?
Thank you because like Cheryl I am upset, terrified, angry and disheartened. I would love to wake up from this nightmare! We need our friends in Europe! Thank you for your kind note!!
THANK YOU! We are trying. Going to rally today as we have since last February. We WILL stay strong as we know we have friends like you in Europe. Together we will survive this lunatic administration!
Thank you for this ray of hope. It’s my understanding that the actions in Venezuela violated international law and that ICC can issue arrest warrants even though we’re not members. That would be poetic and, hopefully, will include Susan Wiles et al and every republican who voted to support the actions. I read that 47’s threats against Greenland violated the terms of the 1951 agreement that gives the US access to Pituffik Space Base. We should expect to be evicted. https://www.dw.com/en/us-intervention-in-venezuela-violated-international-law-say-legal-experts/a-75412120
We should all be pounding on the doors of our representatives in both houses and demanding that they stand up to Trump and stop all the evil this administration is doing.
Write, call, fax, just don't email. they don't pay attention to those. Also donating $5.00 to someone in your district gets you on the donor list and messages from you will take priority.
We HAVE to keep fighting, we can’t give into despair!! These midterms are a DO or DIE election; we either FIGHT for our democracy or we lose our country. We need to elect ppl who can hold this Administration accountable!
Albania - I worked there for two years three years ago. It has already become more expensive since then, but they like Americans and it is much more affordable than some of the other European countries, like mine, that Americans are looking at. I also heard Montenegro was becoming popular.
Of course - every country has its problems. And every country is going to be different from what the average American would be used to (that's why many of them move here and try to change things!) I also know this from reading social media posts from individuals who came here and decided to leave and list all our country's "shortcomings". I was responding to a reader whose concerns about being able to emigrate included the anticipated expense. The cost of living in some 'alternative to the US' countries is not prohibitive.
You can have your US Social Security payments deposited directly into your foreign bank in many countries (my friend does this). You do not lose your SS payments if you leave the US.
AND you have to pay tax here if the tax here exceeds what you had to pay in the US. Given the difference in cost of living, it still works well for many people.
Headbutt. It’s a colloquialism that came about because of the city's reputation for violence in some areas. Really, it is a nice place to visit, but like any urban areas, it’s not without its dodgy areas.
Thank God! I've been thinking perhaps NATO should send a drone and bomb the White House while there is a Cabinet meeting going on - he's already destroyed the East Wing so might as well take the rest down and we can rebuild it. I know this sounds idiotic but look what we are dealing with!
Not idiotic at all Colleen, none of this is sane! I think it's the volume of sheer lunacy unfolding at breakneck speed that's shifting the tectonic plates.
Thanks, A Ellis-Dunn. It's pretty much what he did in Venezuela. I just hate all of what is going on. It doesn't do any good to say: Yes, we knew it was coming if he were elected. It's so hard at this point to do something about it!
“Still she persisted.” Keep protesting, keep a close eye on your state legislators and call them, call your US rep and senators too. And there many ways to help the immigrants and detainees and the families of the deported. One day at a time, for as long as it takes.
Thank you so much! I pray that people worldwide understand that there are those of us who are in complete and total disagreement with everything this monster has done, as well as the monsters who report to him and bow down to him.
That’s so sad. Friends and family members have visited Portugal over the years and just fell in love with its beauty and people. I hope you beat back the CHEGA party.
Chega are still in the minority but they made gains last time. Recently, their (so they say) charismatic leader, André Ventura posted billboards (his billboards are everywhere always) that said "Get rid of the Roma" (gypsies). The government ordered him to take them down but he is appealing. In the meantime he covered over the word "Roma" with "Those People". He is capitalising on the fact that rich (relative to us) foreigners have bought up properties here and are willing to pay high prices - also for rents. This has driven the cost of housing out of reach for many Portuguese, especially the young adults. Over 30% of Portuguese still living in Portugal ages 18 - 34 live with their parents. I say "still living in Portugal" because 30% of young adults leave here for other countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland where they can earn more money and afford a better lifestyle. So when André parades through Lisbon shouting "Portugal for the Portuguese" he speaks to a lot of genuine concerns. BUT.......
If you are enquiring why some of that 30% of young adults in Portugal do not move to Spain, then one reason would be that their earnings there would not be any better than what they can make at home. The housing crises in Spain - at least in the major cities - is as bad as at home. The language - despite what outsiders might believe - is very different and the Spanish tend to speak Spanish only - by choice. In the other countries I mentioned, they can get by with English until they pick up some local language. I am commenting as a consumer of local news - I am not an immigration/emigration expert.
Thank you! Realizing this weekend we are really in desperate and deep need for the rest of the world to step in to help us halt and reverse the effects of this administration's (it's not just Trump) actions to destroy democracy and the international norms of rule of laws.
Cheryl, I can safely say that feeling is felt by so very many of us. I, too, am afraid of my government. I do not want to leave though. I want to get these fascists out of our government! I am angry. I'm angry at the corporate democrats in Congress that refuse to fight for us. I'm angry that for the first time in our country, there are armed thugs and military patrolling our streets looking for trouble. I'm angry that a withered, sick, demented narcissist has taken over our country. When I get angry, I feel like I want to punch something, but instead, I double down on the work I do. We have to keep fighting and resisting as hard as we can right now. All of our leaders on these substacks told us that he would definitely get so much worse and to be prepared for it. This past week is showing us that he is feeling cornered and is starting to lash out. He wants to deflect from the Epstein files so does these completely off-the-wall things. His hatred for everyone that he feels has done him wrong! As this year progresses, We the People have to be prepared for some horrific things and when they happen, double down and work even harder. We must not let up, we must resist every single time! I truly understand the despair you are feeling, Cheryl, but we need you! Please know that you can come on this substack and vent, yell and let out your frustrations and absolutely no one will ever judge you. We will be here for you to encourage and lift you up so that you can fight some more. We've got your back, Cheryl! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
I keep hearing about these corporate democrats, though I don’t know who they are, but I would not include my senators from Oregon, Merkley and Wyden. They need our support, not derision.
We need to STOP demonizing our own party and stop demanding perfection, and this is going to sound harsh, but I am more concerned about THIS country, rn, than I am about Gaza, rn. Can we put the oxygen mask on ourselves FIRST before assisting others?
I can and want and do both. If I were in Gaza as seen in hundreds of photos and videos, I would certainly be saying that I 'have never felt such despair. I have never been so afraid of [my] government. I have never wanted to leave so badly, but have zero options to'. As for corporate Dems, read/research and you will find what is being referred to. The words they choose to say and the actions they take and the people they align themselves with and the m o n e y they r e c e i v e speak for themselves. So no one has to defend themselves and we don't need to defend politicians who aren't "corporate". In any case, unity is necessary and manageable: "they' would love to see us infighting.
What a kind, powerful, encouraging statement. This is exactly what we all need right now- to walk shoulder to shoulder forward into whatever way we want to make a difference. Peggy, your thoughtfulness is such a reminder that there are still kind, thoughtful fellow Americans who share our fears and are walking forward into our future together. Thank you. Your words matter especially at times like these.
Thank you, Polly! I love knowing that I am walking shoulder to shoulder with you and Cheryl and everyone else on this substack community! We can do this and we will do this together!
You said this so well, Peggy. I feel the same way. Due to health issues I can’t do as much as I would like but I do things that I can. Thank you for expressing exactly what I’m feeling.
I feel very despairing too, Cheryl, and I’m across the pond, far away from it all. I have a sister in Portland and quite a few American friends. My Dad was American. I love Americans and have had happy times travelling in the USA. These 3 diverse people, sitting around a table having coffee and civilised discussions give me hope. The immediate time ahead will be very hard, but please keep the faith - love is a force to be reckoned with when it gets going, far stronger than hate which divides. American people are strong and resilient; we are supporting you to remove this regime and return to better times.
Irena, your faith in us is fuel that keeps us going. There have been times when I felt that people in other parts of the world looked on all of us with disdain; however, thankfully I have friends in many different countries and they let me know they are behind me 100%! Your kind words to Cheryl resonated with me, too. Thank you.
Cheryl there are so many that have the exact same feelings. My mom who is 87 expressed for the “first time” that she’s afraid of our government. Keep in mind the math born in 1939 prior to the U.S. entering WWII. This is a woman who marched for women’s rights, for voting rights and equality for all. Her ancestors fought for this country, in WWI and as far back as the Revolutionary War. My family on both sides have fought for this country’s ideals of a democratic-republic. But as soon as she expressed her fear she also expressed that anything worth keeping is worth fighting for. So we stay, we fight, we do everything we can and do to support our family, our friends and our neighbors. As she said, “I may be in the twighlight of my years on this earth, but by God I will not ever allow a man who wears more makeup than I’ve ever worn and an Orange-Faced-Fascist drive me out of my own country or leave my great-grandchildren a country that will fall into Fascism. Ever!”
She calls all three of our MAGA/Republican Representatives at least four times a week to express her opinion of discontent. BTW-she’s still a Republican.
I’m a proud daughter, grandmother, mother of hers. We stay we fight and we will defend as our ancestors have. Who knew at any of our ages in life we would have to be a member of a resistance against our own unfolding fascist government in the United States of America… Stay safe and healthy
She’s a pistol alright. So proud and love her beyond words.. she may not go out that often to protest but damn she’s full of as she says “piss & vinegar”- she also says often “someone needs to slap that asshole across the face” and she would be willing to do so as she smiles and laughs .. God love her ..
That was a great post. Thank you for that “pep talk”. And thank your Mom for being such a fighter. Threads is really saving my sanity today. Thank you, Threinds. 🫶🏼
Cheryl no problem we all have these days like many of us, sometimes more now than ever. Take those mental days that are so needed. Be safe and healthy and hang in there. Take care
I feel exactly as you do Cheryl. Believe me. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
Canada is willing to take Americans at risk like LGBTQI+ people as long as you have a Canadian sponsor. Also do you speak a foreign language? That can be a tremendous asset. In the meantime, whatever you do, don't let fear paralyze you. That is what they want and it will close you off your thinking. Do things that take you out of anxiety and depression and get you thinking again. Turn an ad-blocker on your internet browser and watch and listen and meditate to music set to specific frequencies to help you overcome these emotions. Here is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6j-UaRszZU&t=1831s. Also limit your intake of news to as far away from your sleep times as possible as you are more suggestible then. Watch a show that is uplifting: https://www.youtube.com/@MayimBialik/videos is one such show. Think about therapy, both individual and group. You can get it free some places. Surround yourself with supportive people. Take Rescue Remedy. And start a handwritten goal journal that you keep to yourself. Also keep to yourself a lot of your plans so as not to invite opposition from people.
One more exercise you might try. Right down on two sheets of paper 1) all the things that could help you leave, and 2) all the reasons that you can't. Then tear up and or shred the 2nd piece of paper. And keep building on all the the things you have going for you.
I hope I haven't overstepped but these are all things that have helped me, while dealing with this crisis.
You have not overstepped, Gandalf. Your words and suggestions are quite welcome. In fact, I made a screenshot of your comments so I can reread them later, in a moment of calm. Thank you. 🙏🏻
I took French in HS and two semesters of Spanish in college. I should really take a language course. It would be good for my brain, along with all the other benefits.
Sister-feeling. I started having speculations about could I get an old friend of family with dual US/birthright Canadian citizenship to marry me quite awhile back. But he died. I actually fantasized (ok, not very seriously) about a couple of friends, one with claims to Irish, one Danish! I guess I was having instincts of despair for a long time. This is the worst, though. Here we are. No escape.
I have wanted to get the hell out of here too! However, do I let Trump, that rat bastard and his evil henchmen/women, drive me out of MY country? NO they are the ones breaking our Constitution. ship them all to a retention center. That is where they belong. The whole Administration should be locked up.
Absolutely correct! I'll not run from bullies. My parents raised me better than that, starting eighty-nine years ago just before WWII. I served once and will do so again if required, albeit in a different capacity or no uniform.
So far, my country and state are still taking care of me. I have Social Security, Medicare and government subsidized housing. I'm not going anywhere. My only hope is that I will see the end of the trumpian nightmare, and the beginning of our American rebirth. In my life, I have survived some terrible things. There were many times that I wanted to "check out", but I'm glad to be here now. I've seen the Phoenix rise from the ashes many times, and I know it will again. You will see! 💜💜💜
Lauren, I'm not married, but I am old! Even being old is not going to stop me from fighting for the country that I know and love. This regime will NOT win! That old saying, 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going' is so true of all of us that are doing everything we can to fight and resist! Hang in there, Lauren! We've got this!
Meanwhile, less than 1% of the Epstein Files are released. He's keeping his secrets by starting a war, brutalizing US citizens, releasing 2000 ICE thugs into a single city, threatening Greenland, Mexico, and Canada!
Peter Theil is the puppet master, oligarchs are dancing, their crimes obscured by smoke and mirrors.
You forgot Leavitt and Noem - their mendacity is staggering! 😡 That dead look in their eyes as they spout lie after lie after lie shows they are part of a cult, right?
If a white blonde American mother can be executed arbitrarily by an ICE agent with impunity than no-one is safe. Sorry to put it that way but it's true. On September 12th, 2025 a Latino father of two boys was murdered by ICE and nobody knows or cares.
Peter Theil is J.D. Vance's puppet master. But Putin is the master chess player behind all of this. Putin is the only person Trump is afraid to alienate. And the only person he has referred to as a friend. He vacillates back and forth on him, putting us all, left and right in peril! Although a lot of people, myself included think that J.D. Vance would be a far worse president!
Cheryl, trump wants everyone to despair + be afraid. Find a protest this weekend. Go to: refusefascism.org, to find one, where you live. Today, Sat, in DC: 1 p.m., WH.
It concerns me that once again Democrats like you are demanding that Democrats find the perfect candidate for you to be willing to vote for them!!! FFS!!! The country is on FIRE! ROME is burning!!! I’ll vote for a fucking ham sandwich at this point to avoid Trump continuing his reign of terror!! You? You are looking for the IDEAL CANDIDATE on “DemocracyMatch.com”!!! And my concern is here, not Gaza. GEEZUS FKING KRIST! Ppl like you who didn’t like Kamala for this reason or that reason and she couldn’t shit a fking shoot a ruby out her ass so you stayed home, or you voted third party are the reason we are in this mess! Hell you probably did that to Hillary, too!
I really think that you are being judgemental when you don't seem to be aware of what's actually happening. We AREN'T obsessing over Democratic leadership right now. I want Schumer to go away. He's past his “use by date”.. I want people to stand up like we are in California. People in the rest of the country need to be FULLY AWARE of the ICE violence and resist them. SHOW UP, ENGAGE lawfully, take photos and share them with local media and public radio. We are working with elected Democratic officials to educate people who are open to learning about the situations that are occurring in here, and how important it is to vote, because if they don't, there may not be a next time.
Cheryl is right, and unless the folks who will not be satisfied unless the Democrats walk on water, build the Ark and float it on said water, etc beyond comprehension, the USA is doomed, like most other democracies through the ages. Scrap the offal from your eyes and see the ridiculousness of your demands. You should be a Democrat - are you perfect? Go to the committee meetings and try to work with others.
Another leader in the Democratic Party, an intelligent, courageous, articulate woman who stands up to the Republican Party is Melanie Stansbury, representative for New Mexico!
Cheryl 100% spot on!! There is no perfect candidate and nobody is going to align perfectly with everyone that is just impossible.
It’s like they say in an emergency on the plane fix your own mask first and then worry about the person you are travelling with. The US is in a deep dive right now. Trustworthy is the word you all are looking for (no fetterman fascist turncoats) just dems or left leaning independents and support the hell out of them!!
These past few years, I never knew a human being could feel so sad for so long. Jung's work on awakened souls -- and how the herd treats them -- was illuminating.
He is talking about the concept that he has a superior perception as a conscious pioneer that using the 9th amendment to remove members of the house for failing to follow their oath is not being recognized by the "herd", who he attributes to being the readers on this Substack and possibly other liberal minded citizens.
He believes that the readers here are rejecting or misunderstanding his idea, because they challenge collective norms. He thinks his insights are viewed as out of place or threatening because they are being ignored.
I looked up the 9th amendment and asked the internet this question a while back, if it could be used as he describes, and here is what it said:
No, the Ninth Amendment cannot be directly used by citizens to remove members of Congress for oath violations; the Constitution provides specific, internal mechanisms like expulsion (requiring a 2/3 vote by their chamber) or impeachment (House impeaches, Senate tries), not direct citizen removal, and the 9th protects unenumerated rights, not providing removal powers. Citizens' power lies in voting them out or pushing for impeachment/expulsion within Congress.
Why the 9th Amendment Doesn't Apply Here:
Nature of the 9th Amendment: The Ninth Amendment states that the enumeration of specific rights doesn't mean other rights retained by the people are denied, protecting unenumerated rights like privacy or free speech. It doesn't grant citizens power to remove federal officials.
No Citizen Recall: The U.S. Constitution doesn't provide for the recall of federal officials (President, Senators, Representatives).
Constitutional Removal Methods:
Expulsion: Each House of Congress can expel a member for "disorderly Behaviour" with a two-thirds vote, as per Article I, Section 5, Clause 2.
Impeachment: A Member of Congress can be impeached by the House and removed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors".
What Citizens Can Do:
Vote Them Out: The primary method for citizens to hold representatives accountable for oath-breaking is to vote them out during elections.
Advocate for Impeachment/Expulsion: Citizens can lobby their state representatives and Congress members to initiate impeachment or expulsion proceedings.
I too would love to see any feasible avenue available to us, succeed. I checked my understanding with a friend who is much more skilled in history and political processes than I am, more than once.
Also, just like the gerrymandering, if one side does it, even legitimately, you know the other side will bend over backwards illegally or legally to do it as well.
I'll take being wrong over right, if it saves democracy and ends this tyranny. Take care.
I watched the video of the shooting in Minneapolis with much the same feeling as you but also with feelings of rage, because this was little more than an execution. I am in the UK but the same feelings are there. The same happened with Venezuela. But I don't have to live with it because I'm in the UK. God knows what it's like living with it.
That’s where they want you to be. Think about Fascist Germany 1933. We cannot Become, nor in some cases, continue to be, good Germans.
We need relentless ongoing, nonviolent, peaceful resistance! Go to
@refusefascism For peoples indictment. We were formed nine years ago after Trump was elected the first time. While others poo pooed and called us hysterical to take his rhetoric Seriously. Go to Paul Street on Substack for his daily reports and analysis. It has to become no business as usual. Not a NATIONAL call forprotest every couple of months or so. We are now living under fascism. What we do in the days and weeks ahead will be pivotal. We cannot wait for midterms - look what has happened just in the past few months - Which may be ruled “stolen” anyway.
Yesterday, I looked out my window and saw this roughly 5-foot-tall rabbit, wearing jeans, MAGA T-shirt and matching red MAGA cap, who kept repeatedly looking at its wristwatch and muttering something about being late.
MAGgots notoriously fail to understand irony. Failing to understand elementary literarily reference as sarcasm appears to square with their views on education, inability to read, and inability to effectively communicate, as well.
Let's start over, please. When the ICE officers first approached Ms. Good in her car, there was a second vehicle on the passenger's side. This second vehicle had the driver's side door open and was in close proximity to the front end of Good's car. The officer using his camera to record the proceedings circled Good's car and left her field of view as she was being addressed by the two other officers. The shooter moved around the front of Good's vehicle while she engaged the abusive ICE agent who called her a "Fucking Bitch." An Ice representative reached into Good's car and attempted to open her driver's side door. Being called a fucking bitch and having an officer aggressively attempt the extricate her from the vehicle frightened Ms. Good, and rightly so. In an attempt to leave the scene, Good's car was put in reverse in an attempt to change the angle she needed to get around the open door on the car immediately to her right. Once she had changed the position of her car she turned the wheels and proceeded to go around the obstruction immediately on her right. The shooting officer had moved into a position just off of the right front quarter panel of Good's car. He drew his pistol before Good had even begun to move forward. With his camera in one hand and his gun in the other, as Good's car began to move forward he opened fire on a woman who just wanted to leave. She in no way wanted to hit the officer who murdered her. He put himself in a position of danger which went against his training. Then he fired at a vehicle trying to leave the scene, which again was against police policy. If the first officers who approached Good's car had simply said in a professional manner; "Mam --if you don't move your car I'm going to have to arrest you. Instead of calling her a fucking bitch--things may have progressed in a different manner. Yes she was at fault for trying to flee the scene but her actions didn't warrant her death. She didn't intentionally try to injure the officer with her car, that type of thinking stems from ignorance not logic. Ms. Good didn't deserve to die with her dog in the family car for an apparent lack of judgement.
We are on the same page, just disagreeing about the intent of the author. Your second sentence says it all. ICE does have (or did have) a real job to do but the Trump regime has perverted it and is changing them into the Gestapo.
That is correct. He could not build his secret police out of the military, which includes National Guard units.
Things are rapidly coming to a head.
What makes things so perverse is when people say "She would not have lost her life if she complied with the gestapo" as though they were the police. I maintain she was practicing the Christian faith and being called a "terrorist" over it
Agree except ONE of their orders was leave - which is what she was trying to do! She was murdered plain and simple. I so hope that MN can somehow get Jonathan Ross convicted and if they have the death penalty killed if not life in prison.
Colleen - The way that Congress wrote the law about ICE when it was created there is very little recourse (criminal or civil) that they can take - Especially since they are keeping the state out of the investigation. I believe that some in Congress are trying to amend it but I don’t see it happening. Plus, this administration is not going to prosecute him. The man (who doesn’t deserve to be named) who killed Floyd was tried both in the state and federal courts but I don’t see that happening with this guy. And, yes, it’s wrong.
Well, both Glenn Kirshner and Dave Aronberg have said that yes the state can prosecute and Frank Frizolli (?) a past FBI supervisor also said yes and that the guy did wrong. They did say it would be an uphill battle especially given this regime but not impossible. He put himself in harms way by going around the front of her car. And no I didn't see him get hit at all. NY Times (I think it was) had the best video from a different angle.
Colleen - Yes, the state has some jurisdiction but this administration just said that they will not share anything with them and have kept them from the scene, gathering evidence or doing interviews. That makes it a lot harder to bring a case to court because the defense doesn’t have to share what they have. I understand that the state is setting up a way for people to share any video or other information with them but it still will make it difficult. Should they still try? Absolutely. The family themselves will have a harder time in trying to get any justice (criminally or civilly) if it stays just federally. Yes, he ignored his training by going in front of the vehicle (let alone shooting at a person in a moving vehicle) but what is an even bigger problem is that (from what I’ve just recently read) is that he was using his mobile phone to film. He didn’t keep his hands free and that is definitely against protocol/training. If the government cared about public safety and security for their officers they would insist on body cameras. If he had one it doesn’t seem that he used it. If this stays only federal then the only silver lining is that murder charges have no statute of limitations. Sadly, while we wait, we have no idea if this delay will cause any other injuries/deaths but at this rate (2 shootings in Portland the very next day) I would assume so. Especially since this is the fifth shooting (that we know of) that has happened since the “crackdowns” started. Good police work starts with facts and careful planning so both the public and the law enforcement minimize the risk and that is not happening here with this department.
I totally agree with ur description of events! I saw several different camera angles on the news stations & I believe that ICE agent should be prosecuted & fired. Hs point blank murdered Mrs Good & that’s against our constitutional rights.
FIRED?! You forgot the part about slapping his wrist. Jesus, Shirley, you surely can imagine some punishment a wee more serious, maybe 20 years incarceration, no parole, or just go for the needle…
Everyone of those ICE agents is a thug, nothing more! Power has gone to their heads & they think they should be allowed to intimidate anybody! He killed a US citizen, a woman that posed no threat to him & was trying to flee the area! He had no right to try to open her door & no right to shoot to kill!! She deserves to get the satisfaction of having the ICE THUG prosecuted with life in prison with no no parole but that’s a judge’s ruling!!! Too many cops have trigger fingers also & try to get away with killing somebody & get no punishment for their heinous crimes. Fire these creeps on the spot & hire other people that will uphold the law fairly!!
I suspected but wasn’t sure. There was another para military group in that bunch of insurrectionists & I wonder if they are also part of the terrorizing ICE agents??
I don't think you can even blame Ms. Good for bad judgement. She was receiving conflicting commands. None, absolutely none of this was her fault. If the ICE agents are taking control, they by definition need to be coordinating with each other, but they aren't. They are poorly trained and badly vetted. None of that was her fault. She is the victim of bad government policy and a hate filled white man. You know we're in deep trouble when he is whisked away and protected instead of him being disarmed and arrested.
There are two very important but separate issues in this tragedy. One issue concerns the incident itself, which you have addressed here. The second issue is the government's claim of correctness and absolving the ICE agent of wrongdoing without reviewing the circumstances., thereby giving immunity to all ICE agents regardless of circumstances. If Trump and his agents are not challenged at this point the lives of all US citizens will be in danger.
Donald - While the other woman who confronted him was trying to get into the passenger side door. There is no way that he had a clear backstop. It was, and is, against any trained officers policy or training. It has been proven that he has a history of escalating situations and should never have been hired or at the least let out in the field. You don’t put yourself in front of a vehicle and you have options to track them down if they leave the scene. He should have been relegated to a desk job because he clearly has not gotten over the last incident of being dragged by a car. A situation that he put himself in when he reached into the car on the first (as far as we know) incident. When you are approaching a person/scene only one officer (usually the senior officer) speaks and gives commands. This way there are no conflicting commands. This hasn’t been happening as far as I can tell. I might back the blue (and red and green) because I was one but I don’t back what they are doing.
Issues: did the officer act correctly? Did the ICE officer act on his own, or was he following orders? Has the government the authority to reach a conclusion without examining the evidence? Do ICE agents enjoy immunity because presumably they are the president's agents? If they are, shouldn't ICE be immediately be abolished?
Victor - Answers: No, he didn’t act correctly. He placed himself in a vulnerable position and was supposedly using his cell phone to record which doesn’t leave both hands available. He used a taser on the last incident but he didn’t revert to it this time. That is against anyone’s training. I don’t believe that she was trying to leave the scene since her passenger was still outside the vehicle. I believe he was acting on his own when he made the decision to pull a more lethal force weapon instead of a less lethal means. But I do think he believes that he is following the orders of the department/administration. They want to get the “numbers” that were demanded of them by Miller/Noem which leads to the wrong mentality. No, the government doesn’t have the authority to decide judge, jury and executioner but This administration has shown that it doesn’t care about rules if it doesn’t fit their narrative or agenda. ICE gets a certain amount of immunity because of the way that Congress wrote the rules/laws. As usual, when creating the laws, they didn’t see this coming - even though they should have. Don’t know if Congress even had input from law enforcement. As far as abolished - I don’t think so (I know that that thinking is not popular right now) . The reason why is because ICE is being abused by this administration, some unqualified hires and their head figures in the department. This was never the intention of Congress (I assume) when the department was created. Who needs to be abolished are the ones who set this abuse of power in motion. For the people who have for years had to drive while being Black the events that happened are nothing new to them (and that’s extremely sad and maddening) but with the right policies, training and definitely the right officers/leadership it shouldn’t have to be this way. Most people hate the police until they need them but what this administration is doing is putting a huge stain (and strain) on all of law enforcement and that hurts the public. Both literally and figuratively.
This killer has killed before, and Democrats are allowing this to happen. Their response is totally inadequate. Trump is insane and needs to be removed immediately. Immediately! Trump has hired killers to terrorize and kill Americans, and people are acting like this was a bad call in a football game.
What the hell was Noem talking about? There was a little ice in the street, no one was pushing cars out of the snow like it was a blizzard, that was the first lie. Second lie was that this woman was disobeying an order to get out of the car. She was not committing a crime. She was just trying to go around the a holes standing in the street, 3rd lie was that she intentionally used her car to try to ram the officers. 4th lie that she was part of a radical leftist terror organization and the 5th lie was that the officer was defending himself and other officers AS SHE TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY!
He committed cold blooded murder at least 2nd degree
Yes and they got her license plate number, so if she really did anything wrong (which imho she did not) they could have found out who she was and do things accordingly to the law. This was an execution.
Three things, the officer walking away called her F-ing B after she was shot. Also one officer was telling her to move while the other was telling her to get out and her wife was on the other side tried to open door and get in.
It’s MIND BLOWING that people STILL NOT GET WHAT IS HAPPENING!! Makes me want to leave even more! I’ve been screaming about #Project2025 since before the Election, and I don’t get how ppl are not seeing what is happening, but they can see it in OTHER COUNTRIES!! We are a stupid nation. Our Media is FAILING us!
I've been screaming about #Project2025 since BEFORE the election and all I got was dropped by a lot of 'friends' who didn't want to hear my negativity!
Same. I can’t get my family to listen to just how dangerous this is. They abhor it but don’t see that just focussing on the day to day threatens the possibility of future day to days.
Because YOU are not seeing what is actually happening in a way that you can communicate to others. That's right. You don't "get it." To the extent that the "media is failing us," we are failing ourselves. This is a time that cries out for clear thinking.
Thomas, perhaps if you shared the way you communicate to others, readers might not get the feeling that you are attacking them over their comments. Everyone is trying their best to understand and as you put it "get it".
This really gets to the heart of the work of Abraham Maslow. Living too long obsessing over safety and security (and comfort) results in profound mental psychosis.
And The Lever, Medias Touch, Dropsite News. Excellent journalists fleeing or laid off at mainstream news outlets are continuing their work in these and other smaller venues on Substack and YouTube. I also have great respect for News from the States, which pays attention to more than DC, NY, LA and Chicago.
Thanks for this conversation. A brother of mine who is not usually engaged, because he lives in his own world, is actually touched by what happened to Renee. And he, my brother, is in Scotland. So, courage folks. There are other parts of the world watching too.
Absolutely : we’ve seen what happened in Minneapolis, and independent media are showing here in Italy. Unfortunately our premier Meloni is in love with your fascist boss and has an extreme right racist background. But clever people see and know…
HCR has written very recently on what fascism is. But, please, do what Kamau suggests: try to lift the shadow from the space around you, get involved, make the local space brighter. What goes around does come around. Maybe we had too long - in some parts of the world - but certainly not all! - where we thought everything was Rosie (o’Donnell!). Just do your bit. This part of what is the resource for the future. Gosh! Sorry to sound so dictatorial! 😈
Stephen, it is my fervent hope that We the People will stop this in the midterms by electing candidates that will do away with all of this! If the orange man tries to cancel the election, then our country will most definitely become a violent place.
My hope too. Must replace the Republicans because they support and endorse Trump, his fascism, kidnapping, shooting and murdering people, attacking sovereign countries on behalf of their oil donators, and taking away healthcare which will injure and kill people. Republicans are as deplorable as their golden calf leader.
I would love to see our candidates putting out a message that resonates with not just democrats but independents and those republicans sickened by what maga has turned their party into!
The obscenely wealthy as the result of Citizen United is financing this abomination and believe they have the power to prevent our success by mere bribery (see what Musk did in 2024). They were handed that power by Roberts. We csnnot afford to do the same thing Rs did in 2016 that put Trump in power which was allowing 17 or so R candidates to split thej ticket which only served to hand the nomination to the worst jackass on the planet to be “hilariously” funny at insulting his opponents that they handed him the power to kill our Democracy. We cannot split the vote like that. We will lose.
The Democrats do not have the power in Congress right now, and elections aren’t until November 2026! He can do SO MUCH DAMAGE to America and the world between now and then! Look at how much damage he’s done in his first year! It’s terrifying! Also, (and I HATE saying it out loud or typing it because I feel like it’s manifesting it somehow) what do we do if he attempts to STOP elections from happening next November?! I am 100% sure he has a team exploring that option…
Don’t put too much money down on the electorate, bruh. The Dictator in Chief has already stated many many times that the elections are rigged, and I’m sure that he and Stephen Miller can figure how to figure out a way to get around THAT . Just use your imagination.
Question; Trump is overly upset with Iran for killing protesters demanding change in that country, what is the difference between their protesters and ours.
I know you are just exposing hypocrisy, but of course T. never gave a hoot for Iranian protestors, just somebody told him it was an excuse to do some bombing, which makes him feel so GOOD!
Biden embraced Netanyahu soon after that horrifying attack on Israelis. It was a display of empathy to those who were suffering as anyone with humanity would do in that moment. But what is currently happening is an abomination aided and abetted by a Netanyahu wannabe criminal and Biden definitely would not love this. So just stop with the lies about Biden whose only “fault” has been a desire to lift up people in pain and suffering while his critics spew at him for doing so while professing to be “Christians” themselves.
Biden, on the basis of unfounded lies from Netanyahu's regime, CUT all aid to the Palestinians via the UN agency, UNRWA. this happened early on, mere months after 10/7.
As the evidence mounted of horrific crimes against humanity, Biden broke US laws about military aid going to such regimes.
I truly, sincerely would like to understand how Muslims thought the Muslim-ban; saw Muslims jumping for joy on 9/11: move embassy to Jerusalem guy was ok and treaty-bound, AIPAC-slave (I get that part) Biden was POS. Truly.
"you are a troll or a bot or whatever put on here to cause problems"
For fair-minded readers, I have been a subscribing member of this forum for at least three out of the past four years.
My hope is that any problems I might cause are of the same nature as Socrates, Plato, Diogenes and others -- and I don't put myself anywhere near them on the scale. It was Athenian "democracy" that could not tolerate what Socrates was doing.
In those three plus years, I have witnessed the attack on discourse when it deviates from the herd mentality.
It is worth recalling that the Athenians committed genocide during the war. It did not help them. They resenterd but also admired Socrates, so they gave him the option of exile. Socrates loved Athens too much to admit culpability and thus give some moral support to his cowardly judges.
Oh, I see now that you are a troll or a bot or whatever put on here to cause problems. Since that is the case, I don't intend to interact with you anymore.
Duh. The same difference as the Oval Office fü hrer pardoning an actual imprisoned drug trafficker, then arresting a head of a country with no evidence presented, of illegal drug trafficking. After killing
people on boats. Um. In order to steal that country's oil.
It's all about ICEcold-blooded murder and /or theft.
No contradiction here. The good Iranians are protesting against the evil ayatollah. Our evil protesters are in rebellion against a white Christian nationalist president. If you don't want to be crushed like a bug you have to focus on what's happening here at home. Forget Iran, forget Ukraine, forget Gaza, Greenland, Venezuela. Your rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are being taken away from you here at home, right now!
What do you think Trump is going to do with that massive private army he's assembling, full of poorly trained masked fanatics with no accountability and who shoot first and ask questions later? Or that high-security bunker he's building below the "ballroom" he's building? Or the bureaucracy he's installing to replace our actual history with his white Christian nationalist mythology? Or all the media being purchased by his corporate capitalist allies? It's the Fourth Reich of a doomed, isolated America, despised by the rest of the world and leaking brains like a fire hose.
The murder of Renee Good changes the calculus for the reconvened Congress. There's a different playing field. The fascists are gunning for white folks now. Another government shutdown has become more likely. Dems need to submit articles of impeachment for Noem. That's a given. But they also need to call for the disarming of ICE, the unmasking of its agents, and a significant cut in their funding.
One seat currently divides the balance of power in the House. The people of Minnesota need to rally behind an effort to force the resignation of their state's MAGA Whip in DC -- Tom Emmer.
Emmer refuses to protect Americans of Somali desdent in his district and sides with ICE and the Trump regime. Moreover, he has BETRAYED his oath of office.
I've contacted my Senators (CO) and Thune to do exactly that! Please everyone contact your Congresspeople! Demand puppy killer be impeached and NO money to ICE. Abolish if possible.
We need to tighten our belts. We are not accustomed to the hardships visited by tyrants holding on to power. Shut down the gov again will hurt a lot of people. And they are already hurting. Elected leaders are really going to have their backs against a difficult wall. Weak ones will crumble. We need to make sure we have the backbone to endure the fight.
Has it? It all depends on how many people are actively planning to give up their lives and the lives of their families so that some future ancestor or cousin MIGHT we allowed to live their life in peace. Let's get serious here!
I’m old, Paul, but I’m not that pessimistic. It is said that hope is what lies between optimism and pessimism. So I remain hopeful, even as I am aware that it is necessary to take action to realize those hopes.
I know it seems too little, too late, but I think the worm has turned, or is in the process of turning. Thom Tillis, no liberal squish has taken to the floor & spoken some much needed truths, & it appears Thomas Maskie, in his farewell tour, has provided a permission structure to the cowards.
The Coffee Klatch was absolutely spot on today, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! First, I want to applaud Kamau Bell's Tshirt! What a fantastic sentiment! Love is the most powerful force on the planet! I loved the way you explained what this regime is doing in order to make the right hate the left so much. To be honest, I could not understand why magas hated the left so much and now I understand. It's very clear now that the orange man and his sycophants spin the lies to maga about how everyone on the left is part of this huge domestic terrorist group that is going to destroy our country. It was very understandable then that even though Ms. Good was a white, Christian woman with children and a family, she was part of this domestic terrorist group so her death was justified. It is so very chilling to me, but it does help me understand maga thinking. They cannot think for themselves preferring to use the talking points the regime gives them and they will cling to that no matter how much those talking points are shown to be wrong. You know what? Once you understand that thinking, it is so much easier to keep up the fight. Americans need to spread this information to all of their acquaintances! The more we can wake up the sleeping Americans that prefer not to get involved, the more votes we can count on in the midterms. We have to campaign and campaign hard! Remember, if you decide to just not vote, to just stay home, we will continue to suffer more and more because he will take over completely and if that happens, you will fully understand the pain and suffering he will inflict. Thank you for such an informative Coffee Klatch, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! Thank you, Kamau Bell! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Unleashing a heavily armed, minimally trained goon squad recruited from America's bullies, high-school dropouts, unemployed thugs and gangster wannabes on our residential streets and quiet neighborhoods, with quite predictable results, is equivalent to premeditated murder.
What is coming is not another version of America; it is not America at all. From my essay, 'American Politics 101: Section 5: The Immanent Death of American Greatness' https://dialector.substack.com/p/american-politics-101 Here are the first three paragraphs- "If the Constitution falls, the fall of the whole Republic into the evil of tyranny will not come all at once, but piece by piece, like the extinguishing of lights across a once-great city. Prior to the immediate fall of the Republic, the separation of powers gets dismantled. Once power is consolidated, the light of American liberty itself will be put out. Our right to stand before the law and demand to know the charge will vanish. When the Constitution is gone, the government will seize and hold whoever it wishes. Habeas corpus, our oldest safeguard of the freedom of citizens, will be cast aside as an inconvenience to tyrants. People will vanish in the night, “detained for questioning”, “held for national security”, and their names will never appear again. The walls that protect the innocent from arbitrary government power will be torn down, and fear will take their place.
When fear rules our politics, our freedom of speech dies. The voices that once spoke truth will fall silent, not because they have nothing to say, but because every word risks punishment. Without the First Amendment, truth will belong to the state. Newspapers will print only what is permitted. Artists, teachers, and ordinary citizens will watch their own tongues, learning to speak in whispers or not at all. This is how tyranny breathes, by suffocating words before they can become ideas and ideas before they can become the living aspirations of a free people. This is the death of American greatness.
When no one dares to speak, justice follows the loss of our voices into the grave. The independent courts of the Republic will become props in the play of power. Judges will no longer weigh evidence but will think only of their allegiance to the government; juries will become tools of vengeance. Trials will be held behind closed doors; the accused will face their accuser only in nightmares. Tyranny thrives in such courts, where verdicts are written before hearings begin, and where guilt is a pre-determined sentence, not a finding of law."
I have never felt such despair. I have never been so afraid of my government. I have never wanted to leave so badly, but have zero options to.
Please know Cheryl, that over here in Europe (I'm in the UK) bloc leaders are talking about how they can meet this moment, granted, somewhat belatedly, but they're now talking with purpose. Their actions are specifically framed around how to stop him, neuter the expansionist lunacy & make sure the American experiement survives. The Danish have specifically highlighted an 1950's era military law......Shoot first! It is dark, for sure, but the rest of the globe has a vested interest in your survival. Sending love from across the pond
I think there is a world-wide movement to neuter Trump. The usual way to deal with bullies in society is to isolate them, not confront them. North Korea is one such pariah state. True, the US is a much bigger nation but the strategy can still be effective especially when the oligarchs are the first to feel the pain.
Bullies thrive on any type of attention; confrontation is like fuel to them, the more violent the better it suits them. Neutering and isolating this regime, then removing them ‘safely’ from office needs to be done as fast as possible. We can all play a part in the isolating too, taking individual peaceful actions creatively.
or is it all a grand deflection from the Epstein files. DT is a master of corruption, disruption and destruction.
Both/And. Their deflections all along have been effectively injurious and chaotic and/while they enact simultaneous injuries elsewhere. And let's not give all credit to PresDump: the men whose explicit photographs exist on thumbdrives and print are the wealthiest, powerful men in the country/world. They co-sponsor the 'deflections'.
You are so right Irena.
Yes.
Yes, and boycott them where ever and however you can. Save your money. And try not to give it to the people hell bent on taking away our rights! The thing billionaires fear the most is losing money.
Good point.
Isolating the US vs isolating North Korea are so very different in scope and possibility. No more bending the knee here at home would be a good start before asking the world to stop the madman (plus henchmen Stephen Miller and Russell Vought).
When an impeachment finally makes it, it should include at least Stephen the nazi with him. I believe much of what DJT does Stephen tells him to do it.
Penny
What we are seeing in Minneapolis is the result of the punishable felony crime which is the ongoing insurrection led by Trump. Insurrection is outside the scope of official acts and invalidates any immunity for Trump and others in the federal government.
The news media, Democrats, and the legal system have failed to recognize the insurrection as a felony crime.
The corrupt legal system in American has created inhumanity and enabled an ongoing insurrection in America to create a lawless fascist autocracy that violates the Constitution and federal criminal law. The insurrection began on January 6, 2021, and continued in 2025 as planned in PROJECT 2025. From 2021 to 2024, Biden, Garland and Jack Smith were blocked from enforcing the law and putting Trump the insurrectionist in jail. The corrupt SCOTUS illegally refused to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to bar Trump from being on the ballot and holding office which was illegal support of the insurrection.
Qualified immunity as doctrine cannot protect unjustified ICE murder in Minneapolis. Doctrine is not an escape from violations of law. ICE acted outside their official duty in Minneapolis which was finding and detaining illegal immigrants not replacing domestic police and unjustified murder of innocent citizens.
Murder is a crime in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 10th Amendment authorizes states to enforce the criminal law like murder committed in their state. Therefore, the ICE agent can be prosecuted based on evidence of probable cause in the criminal action outside the scope of ICE official duty which was not detaining illegal immigrants and without any threat if bodily harm to the ICE agent.
As mentioned, Trump, his administration and ICE are conducting an insurrection that violates federal law. The federal criminal law in the United States is created by Congress and then described in Title 18 Part 1 of the U.S. Code which has multiple Chapters.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/part-I
The crime of insurrection is defined in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 115 Part I - TREASON, SEDITION, AND SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/part-I/chapter-115
Specifically, the crime of insurrection is defined in 18 U.S. Code § 2383 - Rebellion or insurrection. The Code clearly states who is guilty of the felony crime with this language:
“Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”
What is the solution? The law must be enforced on insurrectionists including Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
When Democrats get elected to the presidency and take control of Congress in 2028, the insurrectionists must be arrested, convicted and imprisoned. And the corrupt legal system must be revised by removing corrupt doctrines including qualified immunity.
Well said, William. Insurrection, treason, violation of constitutional due process cannot possibly be construed as legitimate official acts as understood by the Supreme Court. Impeachment time has arrived (belatedly).
Not so on the "Democrats and the legal system have failed to recognize the insurrection as a felony crime". The Dems impeached him. It is the SC who gave him a pass. Jack Smith was prepared to prosecute.
I agree Qualified Immunity needs to be erased from all law for public office holders. And presidential immunity needs to go away along with Citizens united.
I don’t agree with all of the legal conclusions here, particularly where criminal liability and institutional illegitimacy are assumed rather than adjudicated. That said, separately from criminal law, I personally see this as an open-faced coup: power being consolidated in plain sight, with constitutional limits treated as inconveniences.
The GOP may never admit that framing, but denial is not a constitutional argument.
Look up Frank Schaefer's YouTube Channel. Two of his solo videos are 'duty to warn' regarding J.D. Vance. He will make a much worse president than Trump. Impeachment is not the solve-all people think it is!
I have thought of that also. Can we impeach his whole cabinet at once. Mass impeachment. I like the idea. Or have a special election.
This an American problem to be solved by we Americans . Outside emotional support is appreciated. Trump has demonstrated no particular affinity towards Europe and is willing to let Putin overtake it through the NSS , which, to me is a horrible idea.
I sincerely hope so! In addition a n inside force must do the same here.
A great headline I just came across on Babylon Bee reads,
"Democrats Say Things Would Be Much Safer If Law Enforcement Would Just Stop Trying To Enforce The Law" :
https://babylonbee.com/news/democrats-say-things-would-be-much-safer-if-law-enforcement-would-just-stop-trying-to-enforce-the-law?utm_source=The%20Babylon%20Bee%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email
The failure of Democrats to enforce the law against the felony crime of insurrection led by Trump and illegally supported by his adminstration including ICE agents, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court is the core problem in America.
Really ‽ How would you suggest the Democrats enforce such laws as the minority party in both houses of Congress, not having sufficient numbers to override presidential vetoes, a mostly uncooperative majority party to attempt making deals with, House and Senate leadership committedly refusing to bring Democratic legislation to the floor, a SCOTUS handmaiden to Chairman Yack-off of what's left of the Whitehouse that holds veto power, pardon power, and a machine spewing executive orders for him, other than what they've been doing in bringing lawsuits they usually win in lower courts, but are largely ignored by the Yack-off administration as a whole, and will likely be reversed if the shit-for-brains, MAGgot SCOTUS judges get their filthy hands on those cases? Hmm?
The answer to your question can be found in my posts.
Start by reading this post.
https://williamlmiller.substack.com/p/how-to-stop-trump-republicans-and
The 10th Amendment authorizes state to write and enforce laws. The Constitution permits states to enforce criminal law on federa officials who act outside the scope of their official duties.
No, it is the failure of the Republicans who blocked it. Get real. Jack Smith was prepared to prosecute and the Dems impeached. Yes, on the SC.
Democrats and Jack Smith were also blocked by six justices on SCOTUS. But Biden could have invoked the Insurrection Act and arrested prosecuted and convicted the six justices.
That is a bunch of propaganda.
That is parody. It's not meant to be understood as fact. Babylon Bee is like The Onion.
I see.
That sounds like fake news to me, DZK.
Uh! Can you not appreciate parody? Babylon Bee, like The Onion, is a parody press. I'll grant that it would all probably fall flat for National Enquirer, Star, and Fox News consumers - they'd be unable to distinguish the difference. Or are you just a'pullin m'leg?
I'm not pulling your leg and not trying to be facetious either, DZK. I'm just not getting the point. Call me dense. I just don't get it.
Thank you because like Cheryl I am upset, terrified, angry and disheartened. I would love to wake up from this nightmare! We need our friends in Europe! Thank you for your kind note!!
You must keep the faith Cyndi! Stay strong. Wishing you resilience and courage from over the pond ❤️💙🤍 these nightmare days are numbered.
THANK YOU! We are trying. Going to rally today as we have since last February. We WILL stay strong as we know we have friends like you in Europe. Together we will survive this lunatic administration!
please be careful! I'm too afraid to go to rallies but I'm certainly there in spirit.
Thank you Irena!
Bless, Cyndi.
Thank you for this ray of hope. It’s my understanding that the actions in Venezuela violated international law and that ICC can issue arrest warrants even though we’re not members. That would be poetic and, hopefully, will include Susan Wiles et al and every republican who voted to support the actions. I read that 47’s threats against Greenland violated the terms of the 1951 agreement that gives the US access to Pituffik Space Base. We should expect to be evicted. https://www.dw.com/en/us-intervention-in-venezuela-violated-international-law-say-legal-experts/a-75412120
He’s threatening to go to war with a fellow NATO country and just take it!🙄 This has to violate international law, NATO, right?!
It’s like we went through the looking glass, where “logic is inverted.”
We should all be pounding on the doors of our representatives in both houses and demanding that they stand up to Trump and stop all the evil this administration is doing.
Write, call, fax, just don't email. they don't pay attention to those. Also donating $5.00 to someone in your district gets you on the donor list and messages from you will take priority.
Why bother complaining? That's only for folks living in free countries.
This is an election year!
Hopefully.........
valid point. America is sadly not a free country anymore.
We HAVE to keep fighting, we can’t give into despair!! These midterms are a DO or DIE election; we either FIGHT for our democracy or we lose our country. We need to elect ppl who can hold this Administration accountable!
Wait, what did I miss that train again
Interesting!
What is a Glasgow kiss?
I looked it up and am sorry that I did.
Thank you. My young relatives want to leave the US. They are white and 5th generation or more Americans.
I’m old and I keep looking at other countries. If I was rich I think my kids and I already be there.
Albania - I worked there for two years three years ago. It has already become more expensive since then, but they like Americans and it is much more affordable than some of the other European countries, like mine, that Americans are looking at. I also heard Montenegro was becoming popular.
They are beautiful countries, but don't they have their own problems?
Of course - every country has its problems. And every country is going to be different from what the average American would be used to (that's why many of them move here and try to change things!) I also know this from reading social media posts from individuals who came here and decided to leave and list all our country's "shortcomings". I was responding to a reader whose concerns about being able to emigrate included the anticipated expense. The cost of living in some 'alternative to the US' countries is not prohibitive.
Sometimes you can transfer your social security and pensions to other countries. We can find out if that is possible.
I know of a man who moved to Sweden and took Social security with him.
I envy him.
You can have your US Social Security payments deposited directly into your foreign bank in many countries (my friend does this). You do not lose your SS payments if you leave the US.
You still ah e to pay tax to trump even if you escape.
AND you have to pay tax here if the tax here exceeds what you had to pay in the US. Given the difference in cost of living, it still works well for many people.
Some of mine feel similar. A couple are supporters of the regime…😰🤬
He needs to come back to Scotland for a Glasgow Kiss.
There’s nothing like a Glasgow kiss to stop a person in his dictatorship tracks 😆
what is a Glasgow kiss? I can imagine since you're offering one to our insane dictator.
Headbutt. It’s a colloquialism that came about because of the city's reputation for violence in some areas. Really, it is a nice place to visit, but like any urban areas, it’s not without its dodgy areas.
Eskaveeda, you win the internet today!
🤗
Time to neuter the billionaire class across the planet. They are behind this. Trump is a puppet. Where are the Epstein files???
Thank God! I've been thinking perhaps NATO should send a drone and bomb the White House while there is a Cabinet meeting going on - he's already destroyed the East Wing so might as well take the rest down and we can rebuild it. I know this sounds idiotic but look what we are dealing with!
An empowered international group of law enforcers is what’s needed, to remove all of them, not just the leader.
Not idiotic at all Colleen, none of this is sane! I think it's the volume of sheer lunacy unfolding at breakneck speed that's shifting the tectonic plates.
Thanks, A Ellis-Dunn. It's pretty much what he did in Venezuela. I just hate all of what is going on. It doesn't do any good to say: Yes, we knew it was coming if he were elected. It's so hard at this point to do something about it!
“Still she persisted.” Keep protesting, keep a close eye on your state legislators and call them, call your US rep and senators too. And there many ways to help the immigrants and detainees and the families of the deported. One day at a time, for as long as it takes.
I believe every person can do something to show their resistance, no matter how small. There are approximately 320 million people in America, right?
I'm with you!
Thank you so much! I pray that people worldwide understand that there are those of us who are in complete and total disagreement with everything this monster has done, as well as the monsters who report to him and bow down to him.
Here in Portugal as well. But we have elections on the 18th and I fear that the CHEGA party may continue to gain ground and they are very 'nativist'.
That’s so sad. Friends and family members have visited Portugal over the years and just fell in love with its beauty and people. I hope you beat back the CHEGA party.
Chega are still in the minority but they made gains last time. Recently, their (so they say) charismatic leader, André Ventura posted billboards (his billboards are everywhere always) that said "Get rid of the Roma" (gypsies). The government ordered him to take them down but he is appealing. In the meantime he covered over the word "Roma" with "Those People". He is capitalising on the fact that rich (relative to us) foreigners have bought up properties here and are willing to pay high prices - also for rents. This has driven the cost of housing out of reach for many Portuguese, especially the young adults. Over 30% of Portuguese still living in Portugal ages 18 - 34 live with their parents. I say "still living in Portugal" because 30% of young adults leave here for other countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland where they can earn more money and afford a better lifestyle. So when André parades through Lisbon shouting "Portugal for the Portuguese" he speaks to a lot of genuine concerns. BUT.......
Why not Spain?
If you are enquiring why some of that 30% of young adults in Portugal do not move to Spain, then one reason would be that their earnings there would not be any better than what they can make at home. The housing crises in Spain - at least in the major cities - is as bad as at home. The language - despite what outsiders might believe - is very different and the Spanish tend to speak Spanish only - by choice. In the other countries I mentioned, they can get by with English until they pick up some local language. I am commenting as a consumer of local news - I am not an immigration/emigration expert.
Thank you for those kind words we need so much. It helps to lessen our sense of despair.
Thank you for your support and kindness.
Thank you! 🙏
Thank you! Realizing this weekend we are really in desperate and deep need for the rest of the world to step in to help us halt and reverse the effects of this administration's (it's not just Trump) actions to destroy democracy and the international norms of rule of laws.
@Ellis-Dunn This made me cry. I feel so hopeless and so much despair. Thank you to the rest of the world to think we are worth saving. ❤️❤️❤️
A Ellis-Dunn - Thanks. Always a treat to read from folks across the pond.
Cheryl, I can safely say that feeling is felt by so very many of us. I, too, am afraid of my government. I do not want to leave though. I want to get these fascists out of our government! I am angry. I'm angry at the corporate democrats in Congress that refuse to fight for us. I'm angry that for the first time in our country, there are armed thugs and military patrolling our streets looking for trouble. I'm angry that a withered, sick, demented narcissist has taken over our country. When I get angry, I feel like I want to punch something, but instead, I double down on the work I do. We have to keep fighting and resisting as hard as we can right now. All of our leaders on these substacks told us that he would definitely get so much worse and to be prepared for it. This past week is showing us that he is feeling cornered and is starting to lash out. He wants to deflect from the Epstein files so does these completely off-the-wall things. His hatred for everyone that he feels has done him wrong! As this year progresses, We the People have to be prepared for some horrific things and when they happen, double down and work even harder. We must not let up, we must resist every single time! I truly understand the despair you are feeling, Cheryl, but we need you! Please know that you can come on this substack and vent, yell and let out your frustrations and absolutely no one will ever judge you. We will be here for you to encourage and lift you up so that you can fight some more. We've got your back, Cheryl! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
I keep hearing about these corporate democrats, though I don’t know who they are, but I would not include my senators from Oregon, Merkley and Wyden. They need our support, not derision.
We need to STOP demonizing our own party and stop demanding perfection, and this is going to sound harsh, but I am more concerned about THIS country, rn, than I am about Gaza, rn. Can we put the oxygen mask on ourselves FIRST before assisting others?
But these are the primaries. We have options. We should investigate and consider challengers within our own party.
I can and want and do both. If I were in Gaza as seen in hundreds of photos and videos, I would certainly be saying that I 'have never felt such despair. I have never been so afraid of [my] government. I have never wanted to leave so badly, but have zero options to'. As for corporate Dems, read/research and you will find what is being referred to. The words they choose to say and the actions they take and the people they align themselves with and the m o n e y they r e c e i v e speak for themselves. So no one has to defend themselves and we don't need to defend politicians who aren't "corporate". In any case, unity is necessary and manageable: "they' would love to see us infighting.
What a kind, powerful, encouraging statement. This is exactly what we all need right now- to walk shoulder to shoulder forward into whatever way we want to make a difference. Peggy, your thoughtfulness is such a reminder that there are still kind, thoughtful fellow Americans who share our fears and are walking forward into our future together. Thank you. Your words matter especially at times like these.
Thank you, Polly! I love knowing that I am walking shoulder to shoulder with you and Cheryl and everyone else on this substack community! We can do this and we will do this together!
Peggy.....💙💙💙🇺🇸
Ditto!
You said this so well, Peggy. I feel the same way. Due to health issues I can’t do as much as I would like but I do things that I can. Thank you for expressing exactly what I’m feeling.
You are so welcome, Susan! Hang in there! We will get through this and it will be grand and glorious when we do!
Thank you, Peggy.
Always, Cheryl!
Thank you, Peggy. 🙏🏻
I feel very despairing too, Cheryl, and I’m across the pond, far away from it all. I have a sister in Portland and quite a few American friends. My Dad was American. I love Americans and have had happy times travelling in the USA. These 3 diverse people, sitting around a table having coffee and civilised discussions give me hope. The immediate time ahead will be very hard, but please keep the faith - love is a force to be reckoned with when it gets going, far stronger than hate which divides. American people are strong and resilient; we are supporting you to remove this regime and return to better times.
Irena, your faith in us is fuel that keeps us going. There have been times when I felt that people in other parts of the world looked on all of us with disdain; however, thankfully I have friends in many different countries and they let me know they are behind me 100%! Your kind words to Cheryl resonated with me, too. Thank you.
Cheryl there are so many that have the exact same feelings. My mom who is 87 expressed for the “first time” that she’s afraid of our government. Keep in mind the math born in 1939 prior to the U.S. entering WWII. This is a woman who marched for women’s rights, for voting rights and equality for all. Her ancestors fought for this country, in WWI and as far back as the Revolutionary War. My family on both sides have fought for this country’s ideals of a democratic-republic. But as soon as she expressed her fear she also expressed that anything worth keeping is worth fighting for. So we stay, we fight, we do everything we can and do to support our family, our friends and our neighbors. As she said, “I may be in the twighlight of my years on this earth, but by God I will not ever allow a man who wears more makeup than I’ve ever worn and an Orange-Faced-Fascist drive me out of my own country or leave my great-grandchildren a country that will fall into Fascism. Ever!”
She calls all three of our MAGA/Republican Representatives at least four times a week to express her opinion of discontent. BTW-she’s still a Republican.
I’m a proud daughter, grandmother, mother of hers. We stay we fight and we will defend as our ancestors have. Who knew at any of our ages in life we would have to be a member of a resistance against our own unfolding fascist government in the United States of America… Stay safe and healthy
I am loving your mom right now!!!
She’s a pistol alright. So proud and love her beyond words.. she may not go out that often to protest but damn she’s full of as she says “piss & vinegar”- she also says often “someone needs to slap that asshole across the face” and she would be willing to do so as she smiles and laughs .. God love her ..
Me too … What a fabulous role model!
Ditto!
Ditto!
TJ - Is it wrong to say that I just fell in love with your Mom? :)
That was a great post. Thank you for that “pep talk”. And thank your Mom for being such a fighter. Threads is really saving my sanity today. Thank you, Threinds. 🫶🏼
Cheryl no problem we all have these days like many of us, sometimes more now than ever. Take those mental days that are so needed. Be safe and healthy and hang in there. Take care
Today I went to a protest against #ICE.
That’s wonderful!!!
Making Good Trouble necessary Trouble.
Was out as well ..
Stay safe and well there are more of us then them, got your back ..
I feel exactly as you do Cheryl. Believe me. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
Canada is willing to take Americans at risk like LGBTQI+ people as long as you have a Canadian sponsor. Also do you speak a foreign language? That can be a tremendous asset. In the meantime, whatever you do, don't let fear paralyze you. That is what they want and it will close you off your thinking. Do things that take you out of anxiety and depression and get you thinking again. Turn an ad-blocker on your internet browser and watch and listen and meditate to music set to specific frequencies to help you overcome these emotions. Here is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6j-UaRszZU&t=1831s. Also limit your intake of news to as far away from your sleep times as possible as you are more suggestible then. Watch a show that is uplifting: https://www.youtube.com/@MayimBialik/videos is one such show. Think about therapy, both individual and group. You can get it free some places. Surround yourself with supportive people. Take Rescue Remedy. And start a handwritten goal journal that you keep to yourself. Also keep to yourself a lot of your plans so as not to invite opposition from people.
One more exercise you might try. Right down on two sheets of paper 1) all the things that could help you leave, and 2) all the reasons that you can't. Then tear up and or shred the 2nd piece of paper. And keep building on all the the things you have going for you.
I hope I haven't overstepped but these are all things that have helped me, while dealing with this crisis.
Blessings to you,
Gandalf
Wizardly Wise Words 😉
You have not overstepped, Gandalf. Your words and suggestions are quite welcome. In fact, I made a screenshot of your comments so I can reread them later, in a moment of calm. Thank you. 🙏🏻
I took French in HS and two semesters of Spanish in college. I should really take a language course. It would be good for my brain, along with all the other benefits.
Good idea.
Libraries networks frequently have free online language classes.
Sister-feeling. I started having speculations about could I get an old friend of family with dual US/birthright Canadian citizenship to marry me quite awhile back. But he died. I actually fantasized (ok, not very seriously) about a couple of friends, one with claims to Irish, one Danish! I guess I was having instincts of despair for a long time. This is the worst, though. Here we are. No escape.
I have wanted to get the hell out of here too! However, do I let Trump, that rat bastard and his evil henchmen/women, drive me out of MY country? NO they are the ones breaking our Constitution. ship them all to a retention center. That is where they belong. The whole Administration should be locked up.
Absolutely correct! I'll not run from bullies. My parents raised me better than that, starting eighty-nine years ago just before WWII. I served once and will do so again if required, albeit in a different capacity or no uniform.
I love your post! YES! We will do whatever we can to RESIST! Together we are stronger!
Ditto!
So far, my country and state are still taking care of me. I have Social Security, Medicare and government subsidized housing. I'm not going anywhere. My only hope is that I will see the end of the trumpian nightmare, and the beginning of our American rebirth. In my life, I have survived some terrible things. There were many times that I wanted to "check out", but I'm glad to be here now. I've seen the Phoenix rise from the ashes many times, and I know it will again. You will see! 💜💜💜
Me too, but I am married and old.
Lauren, I'm not married, but I am old! Even being old is not going to stop me from fighting for the country that I know and love. This regime will NOT win! That old saying, 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going' is so true of all of us that are doing everything we can to fight and resist! Hang in there, Lauren! We've got this!
A lot of people believed that in NAZI Germany.
Maybe the right watched the Handmaid's Tale and decided they didn't want us to have an escape. This is just speculation.
Meanwhile, less than 1% of the Epstein Files are released. He's keeping his secrets by starting a war, brutalizing US citizens, releasing 2000 ICE thugs into a single city, threatening Greenland, Mexico, and Canada!
Peter Theil is the puppet master, oligarchs are dancing, their crimes obscured by smoke and mirrors.
Trump is corrupt. Vance is corrupt.
Miller is evil.
Bondi is a stooge.
Patel is a fraud.
You forgot Leavitt and Noem - their mendacity is staggering! 😡 That dead look in their eyes as they spout lie after lie after lie shows they are part of a cult, right?
and killing people no questions asked is neither American nor Christian.
Sadly, both American (think Jim Crow) and Christian (think Crusades)...
If a white blonde American mother can be executed arbitrarily by an ICE agent with impunity than no-one is safe. Sorry to put it that way but it's true. On September 12th, 2025 a Latino father of two boys was murdered by ICE and nobody knows or cares.
Peter Theil is J.D. Vance's puppet master. But Putin is the master chess player behind all of this. Putin is the only person Trump is afraid to alienate. And the only person he has referred to as a friend. He vacillates back and forth on him, putting us all, left and right in peril! Although a lot of people, myself included think that J.D. Vance would be a far worse president!
And the extensive redactions make the documents released non-compliant, right? They're at about 1% through redacting before they're ready? Wow!
I hope it is worth it to the Donald to start a war as a distraction at this moment.
Cheryl, trump wants everyone to despair + be afraid. Find a protest this weekend. Go to: refusefascism.org, to find one, where you live. Today, Sat, in DC: 1 p.m., WH.
It concerns me that once again Democrats like you are demanding that Democrats find the perfect candidate for you to be willing to vote for them!!! FFS!!! The country is on FIRE! ROME is burning!!! I’ll vote for a fucking ham sandwich at this point to avoid Trump continuing his reign of terror!! You? You are looking for the IDEAL CANDIDATE on “DemocracyMatch.com”!!! And my concern is here, not Gaza. GEEZUS FKING KRIST! Ppl like you who didn’t like Kamala for this reason or that reason and she couldn’t shit a fking shoot a ruby out her ass so you stayed home, or you voted third party are the reason we are in this mess! Hell you probably did that to Hillary, too!
I really think that you are being judgemental when you don't seem to be aware of what's actually happening. We AREN'T obsessing over Democratic leadership right now. I want Schumer to go away. He's past his “use by date”.. I want people to stand up like we are in California. People in the rest of the country need to be FULLY AWARE of the ICE violence and resist them. SHOW UP, ENGAGE lawfully, take photos and share them with local media and public radio. We are working with elected Democratic officials to educate people who are open to learning about the situations that are occurring in here, and how important it is to vote, because if they don't, there may not be a next time.
Cheryl is right, and unless the folks who will not be satisfied unless the Democrats walk on water, build the Ark and float it on said water, etc beyond comprehension, the USA is doomed, like most other democracies through the ages. Scrap the offal from your eyes and see the ridiculousness of your demands. You should be a Democrat - are you perfect? Go to the committee meetings and try to work with others.
Another leader in the Democratic Party, an intelligent, courageous, articulate woman who stands up to the Republican Party is Melanie Stansbury, representative for New Mexico!
I'm done with CBS and Paramount. I pray Netflix wins
ICE IS OUT THERE TRYING TO STIR UP FIGHTS
Portland has two blocks that suck and the rest is great.
Cheryl 100% spot on!! There is no perfect candidate and nobody is going to align perfectly with everyone that is just impossible.
It’s like they say in an emergency on the plane fix your own mask first and then worry about the person you are travelling with. The US is in a deep dive right now. Trustworthy is the word you all are looking for (no fetterman fascist turncoats) just dems or left leaning independents and support the hell out of them!!
These past few years, I never knew a human being could feel so sad for so long. Jung's work on awakened souls -- and how the herd treats them -- was illuminating.
what's the title of the book?
He is talking about the concept that he has a superior perception as a conscious pioneer that using the 9th amendment to remove members of the house for failing to follow their oath is not being recognized by the "herd", who he attributes to being the readers on this Substack and possibly other liberal minded citizens.
He believes that the readers here are rejecting or misunderstanding his idea, because they challenge collective norms. He thinks his insights are viewed as out of place or threatening because they are being ignored.
I looked up the 9th amendment and asked the internet this question a while back, if it could be used as he describes, and here is what it said:
No, the Ninth Amendment cannot be directly used by citizens to remove members of Congress for oath violations; the Constitution provides specific, internal mechanisms like expulsion (requiring a 2/3 vote by their chamber) or impeachment (House impeaches, Senate tries), not direct citizen removal, and the 9th protects unenumerated rights, not providing removal powers. Citizens' power lies in voting them out or pushing for impeachment/expulsion within Congress.
Why the 9th Amendment Doesn't Apply Here:
Nature of the 9th Amendment: The Ninth Amendment states that the enumeration of specific rights doesn't mean other rights retained by the people are denied, protecting unenumerated rights like privacy or free speech. It doesn't grant citizens power to remove federal officials.
No Citizen Recall: The U.S. Constitution doesn't provide for the recall of federal officials (President, Senators, Representatives).
Constitutional Removal Methods:
Expulsion: Each House of Congress can expel a member for "disorderly Behaviour" with a two-thirds vote, as per Article I, Section 5, Clause 2.
Impeachment: A Member of Congress can be impeached by the House and removed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors".
What Citizens Can Do:
Vote Them Out: The primary method for citizens to hold representatives accountable for oath-breaking is to vote them out during elections.
Advocate for Impeachment/Expulsion: Citizens can lobby their state representatives and Congress members to initiate impeachment or expulsion proceedings.
Camille, thank you for this detailed, enlightening comment on the 9th Amendment. Much appreciated!
Thanks, Victor.
I too would love to see any feasible avenue available to us, succeed. I checked my understanding with a friend who is much more skilled in history and political processes than I am, more than once.
Also, just like the gerrymandering, if one side does it, even legitimately, you know the other side will bend over backwards illegally or legally to do it as well.
I'll take being wrong over right, if it saves democracy and ends this tyranny. Take care.
I watched the video of the shooting in Minneapolis with much the same feeling as you but also with feelings of rage, because this was little more than an execution. I am in the UK but the same feelings are there. The same happened with Venezuela. But I don't have to live with it because I'm in the UK. God knows what it's like living with it.
It’s hell.
It’s fking dreadful, Colin. Every day…I feel like I’m slipping more and more into despair.
That’s where they want you to be. Think about Fascist Germany 1933. We cannot Become, nor in some cases, continue to be, good Germans.
We need relentless ongoing, nonviolent, peaceful resistance! Go to
@refusefascism For peoples indictment. We were formed nine years ago after Trump was elected the first time. While others poo pooed and called us hysterical to take his rhetoric Seriously. Go to Paul Street on Substack for his daily reports and analysis. It has to become no business as usual. Not a NATIONAL call forprotest every couple of months or so. We are now living under fascism. What we do in the days and weeks ahead will be pivotal. We cannot wait for midterms - look what has happened just in the past few months - Which may be ruled “stolen” anyway.
Yesterday, I looked out my window and saw this roughly 5-foot-tall rabbit, wearing jeans, MAGA T-shirt and matching red MAGA cap, who kept repeatedly looking at its wristwatch and muttering something about being late.
-
That rabbit must've been on its way to training:
https://youtu.be/3xzhX3xn9BE?si=1ShWbkKJUd2XnxZw
Wow! What are you smoking? I want some! Or maybe not!
Did you look at the video? It's just as intense
I'm not seeing five foot tall rabbits yet... what is MAFA? Typo?
MAGgots notoriously fail to understand irony. Failing to understand elementary literarily reference as sarcasm appears to square with their views on education, inability to read, and inability to effectively communicate, as well.
That is most of us.
I’m right there with you.
🤗
Also this background, meditation, & sleep music can help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3AuByXd9Yo
Some way, somehow the corrupt convicted felon Putin puppet Trump regime authoritarian dictatorship has to be stopped!
THEY are fixing to be STOPPED
ABSOFREAKINLUTELY
Let's start over, please. When the ICE officers first approached Ms. Good in her car, there was a second vehicle on the passenger's side. This second vehicle had the driver's side door open and was in close proximity to the front end of Good's car. The officer using his camera to record the proceedings circled Good's car and left her field of view as she was being addressed by the two other officers. The shooter moved around the front of Good's vehicle while she engaged the abusive ICE agent who called her a "Fucking Bitch." An Ice representative reached into Good's car and attempted to open her driver's side door. Being called a fucking bitch and having an officer aggressively attempt the extricate her from the vehicle frightened Ms. Good, and rightly so. In an attempt to leave the scene, Good's car was put in reverse in an attempt to change the angle she needed to get around the open door on the car immediately to her right. Once she had changed the position of her car she turned the wheels and proceeded to go around the obstruction immediately on her right. The shooting officer had moved into a position just off of the right front quarter panel of Good's car. He drew his pistol before Good had even begun to move forward. With his camera in one hand and his gun in the other, as Good's car began to move forward he opened fire on a woman who just wanted to leave. She in no way wanted to hit the officer who murdered her. He put himself in a position of danger which went against his training. Then he fired at a vehicle trying to leave the scene, which again was against police policy. If the first officers who approached Good's car had simply said in a professional manner; "Mam --if you don't move your car I'm going to have to arrest you. Instead of calling her a fucking bitch--things may have progressed in a different manner. Yes she was at fault for trying to flee the scene but her actions didn't warrant her death. She didn't intentionally try to injure the officer with her car, that type of thinking stems from ignorance not logic. Ms. Good didn't deserve to die with her dog in the family car for an apparent lack of judgement.
You perversely omit the basic fact that ICE has NO jurisdiction or authority over US citizens.
NONE. Agents had no authority whatsoever to order a citizen out of their car. It was her neighborhood, and she was in front of her home.
I couldn't include every thing.
You are correct, but I don't think that was a deliberate omission. Especially a perverse one.
Let us NEVER forget that basic fact.
Which means that ICE's main purpose under the Trump regime is to INCITE violence.
btw, omitting it made the whole piece obscene.
We are on the same page, just disagreeing about the intent of the author. Your second sentence says it all. ICE does have (or did have) a real job to do but the Trump regime has perverted it and is changing them into the Gestapo.
That is correct. He could not build his secret police out of the military, which includes National Guard units.
Things are rapidly coming to a head.
What makes things so perverse is when people say "She would not have lost her life if she complied with the gestapo" as though they were the police. I maintain she was practicing the Christian faith and being called a "terrorist" over it
Jack-booted mother killer
Trump supporters claim that the woman was at fault, as if ICE had no alternative but to kill. These morons are signing their own death warrants.
You are wrong! ICE doesn’t belong here at all!!!!!!!!!!!
It's Chaos 99
Yes, Thomas, Trump has turned ICE agents into his personal mercenaries, and he claims that they are above the law.
Agree except ONE of their orders was leave - which is what she was trying to do! She was murdered plain and simple. I so hope that MN can somehow get Jonathan Ross convicted and if they have the death penalty killed if not life in prison.
Colleen - The way that Congress wrote the law about ICE when it was created there is very little recourse (criminal or civil) that they can take - Especially since they are keeping the state out of the investigation. I believe that some in Congress are trying to amend it but I don’t see it happening. Plus, this administration is not going to prosecute him. The man (who doesn’t deserve to be named) who killed Floyd was tried both in the state and federal courts but I don’t see that happening with this guy. And, yes, it’s wrong.
Well, both Glenn Kirshner and Dave Aronberg have said that yes the state can prosecute and Frank Frizolli (?) a past FBI supervisor also said yes and that the guy did wrong. They did say it would be an uphill battle especially given this regime but not impossible. He put himself in harms way by going around the front of her car. And no I didn't see him get hit at all. NY Times (I think it was) had the best video from a different angle.
Colleen - Yes, the state has some jurisdiction but this administration just said that they will not share anything with them and have kept them from the scene, gathering evidence or doing interviews. That makes it a lot harder to bring a case to court because the defense doesn’t have to share what they have. I understand that the state is setting up a way for people to share any video or other information with them but it still will make it difficult. Should they still try? Absolutely. The family themselves will have a harder time in trying to get any justice (criminally or civilly) if it stays just federally. Yes, he ignored his training by going in front of the vehicle (let alone shooting at a person in a moving vehicle) but what is an even bigger problem is that (from what I’ve just recently read) is that he was using his mobile phone to film. He didn’t keep his hands free and that is definitely against protocol/training. If the government cared about public safety and security for their officers they would insist on body cameras. If he had one it doesn’t seem that he used it. If this stays only federal then the only silver lining is that murder charges have no statute of limitations. Sadly, while we wait, we have no idea if this delay will cause any other injuries/deaths but at this rate (2 shootings in Portland the very next day) I would assume so. Especially since this is the fifth shooting (that we know of) that has happened since the “crackdowns” started. Good police work starts with facts and careful planning so both the public and the law enforcement minimize the risk and that is not happening here with this department.
Anon, I do not disagree with all you have said but check this out - it's Glenn Kirschner's view: https://glennkirschner.substack.com/p/team-justice-law-school-class-on?publication_id=3415166&post_id=184165456&r=g3t05&triedRedirect=true
Colleen - Thank you for the link - I appreciate it.
and impeach Trump for inciting and abetting violence. IMpeachment time has arrived.
I couldn't agree more, but I think we need more Dems in Congress before it will happen. The R's have NO spine!
I totally agree with ur description of events! I saw several different camera angles on the news stations & I believe that ICE agent should be prosecuted & fired. Hs point blank murdered Mrs Good & that’s against our constitutional rights.
FIRED?! You forgot the part about slapping his wrist. Jesus, Shirley, you surely can imagine some punishment a wee more serious, maybe 20 years incarceration, no parole, or just go for the needle…
Everyone of those ICE agents is a thug, nothing more! Power has gone to their heads & they think they should be allowed to intimidate anybody! He killed a US citizen, a woman that posed no threat to him & was trying to flee the area! He had no right to try to open her door & no right to shoot to kill!! She deserves to get the satisfaction of having the ICE THUG prosecuted with life in prison with no no parole but that’s a judge’s ruling!!! Too many cops have trigger fingers also & try to get away with killing somebody & get no punishment for their heinous crimes. Fire these creeps on the spot & hire other people that will uphold the law fairly!!
Where do you think all the "Proud Boys" went? Straight into ICE!
I thought that as soon as the call went out for hiring agents. Most have no record now so I’ll bet at least a third are ones paroled
I suspected but wasn’t sure. There was another para military group in that bunch of insurrectionists & I wonder if they are also part of the terrorizing ICE agents??
They are all losers who can’t get a job as a cop so they joined ICE. Men.
A key word in her post that you overlooked was “prosecuted”. That means a trial and, if convicted as I think he would be, time in prison.
Should be? MUST BE !
If he ordered her to move her car then murdered her for doing so, an arrest warrant for her murderer should be drawn up.
She was shot like a dog!
Dogs deserve more respect than that. And I'm a 100% cat lover!
Shot like ICE Barbie Noem’s dog. No wonder Noem is dancing in glee and defending her ICE murderer—she gets off on this stuff. Deplorable.
cruel but realistic
That was an excellent account of this incident, Donald. I have shared this account so people can possibly understand what occurred.
I don't think you can even blame Ms. Good for bad judgement. She was receiving conflicting commands. None, absolutely none of this was her fault. If the ICE agents are taking control, they by definition need to be coordinating with each other, but they aren't. They are poorly trained and badly vetted. None of that was her fault. She is the victim of bad government policy and a hate filled white man. You know we're in deep trouble when he is whisked away and protected instead of him being disarmed and arrested.
There are two very important but separate issues in this tragedy. One issue concerns the incident itself, which you have addressed here. The second issue is the government's claim of correctness and absolving the ICE agent of wrongdoing without reviewing the circumstances., thereby giving immunity to all ICE agents regardless of circumstances. If Trump and his agents are not challenged at this point the lives of all US citizens will be in danger.
Donald - While the other woman who confronted him was trying to get into the passenger side door. There is no way that he had a clear backstop. It was, and is, against any trained officers policy or training. It has been proven that he has a history of escalating situations and should never have been hired or at the least let out in the field. You don’t put yourself in front of a vehicle and you have options to track them down if they leave the scene. He should have been relegated to a desk job because he clearly has not gotten over the last incident of being dragged by a car. A situation that he put himself in when he reached into the car on the first (as far as we know) incident. When you are approaching a person/scene only one officer (usually the senior officer) speaks and gives commands. This way there are no conflicting commands. This hasn’t been happening as far as I can tell. I might back the blue (and red and green) because I was one but I don’t back what they are doing.
Issues: did the officer act correctly? Did the ICE officer act on his own, or was he following orders? Has the government the authority to reach a conclusion without examining the evidence? Do ICE agents enjoy immunity because presumably they are the president's agents? If they are, shouldn't ICE be immediately be abolished?
Victor - Answers: No, he didn’t act correctly. He placed himself in a vulnerable position and was supposedly using his cell phone to record which doesn’t leave both hands available. He used a taser on the last incident but he didn’t revert to it this time. That is against anyone’s training. I don’t believe that she was trying to leave the scene since her passenger was still outside the vehicle. I believe he was acting on his own when he made the decision to pull a more lethal force weapon instead of a less lethal means. But I do think he believes that he is following the orders of the department/administration. They want to get the “numbers” that were demanded of them by Miller/Noem which leads to the wrong mentality. No, the government doesn’t have the authority to decide judge, jury and executioner but This administration has shown that it doesn’t care about rules if it doesn’t fit their narrative or agenda. ICE gets a certain amount of immunity because of the way that Congress wrote the rules/laws. As usual, when creating the laws, they didn’t see this coming - even though they should have. Don’t know if Congress even had input from law enforcement. As far as abolished - I don’t think so (I know that that thinking is not popular right now) . The reason why is because ICE is being abused by this administration, some unqualified hires and their head figures in the department. This was never the intention of Congress (I assume) when the department was created. Who needs to be abolished are the ones who set this abuse of power in motion. For the people who have for years had to drive while being Black the events that happened are nothing new to them (and that’s extremely sad and maddening) but with the right policies, training and definitely the right officers/leadership it shouldn’t have to be this way. Most people hate the police until they need them but what this administration is doing is putting a huge stain (and strain) on all of law enforcement and that hurts the public. Both literally and figuratively.
Thank you for your thoughtful, detailed response to my post.
Victor — You are welcome.
This killer has killed before, and Democrats are allowing this to happen. Their response is totally inadequate. Trump is insane and needs to be removed immediately. Immediately! Trump has hired killers to terrorize and kill Americans, and people are acting like this was a bad call in a football game.
Thank you
What the hell was Noem talking about? There was a little ice in the street, no one was pushing cars out of the snow like it was a blizzard, that was the first lie. Second lie was that this woman was disobeying an order to get out of the car. She was not committing a crime. She was just trying to go around the a holes standing in the street, 3rd lie was that she intentionally used her car to try to ram the officers. 4th lie that she was part of a radical leftist terror organization and the 5th lie was that the officer was defending himself and other officers AS SHE TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY!
He committed cold blooded murder at least 2nd degree
Yes and they got her license plate number, so if she really did anything wrong (which imho she did not) they could have found out who she was and do things accordingly to the law. This was an execution.
Three things, the officer walking away called her F-ing B after she was shot. Also one officer was telling her to move while the other was telling her to get out and her wife was on the other side tried to open door and get in.
It’s MIND BLOWING that people STILL NOT GET WHAT IS HAPPENING!! Makes me want to leave even more! I’ve been screaming about #Project2025 since before the Election, and I don’t get how ppl are not seeing what is happening, but they can see it in OTHER COUNTRIES!! We are a stupid nation. Our Media is FAILING us!
Ditto!
I've been screaming about #Project2025 since BEFORE the election and all I got was dropped by a lot of 'friends' who didn't want to hear my negativity!
Same. I can’t get my family to listen to just how dangerous this is. They abhor it but don’t see that just focussing on the day to day threatens the possibility of future day to days.
It will, their training in the field of Urban Warfare
Fortunately, my family undertands and agrees with me. That probably means we'll be targreted by the formerly-free Americans.
Because YOU are not seeing what is actually happening in a way that you can communicate to others. That's right. You don't "get it." To the extent that the "media is failing us," we are failing ourselves. This is a time that cries out for clear thinking.
Thomas, perhaps if you shared the way you communicate to others, readers might not get the feeling that you are attacking them over their comments. Everyone is trying their best to understand and as you put it "get it".
Good luck barking up that tree, Peggy. Been there, done that to no avail.
I know, Camille! I didn't realize he was a bot or troll just trying to get under everyone's skin! I will not respond anymore.
On the campaign trail, someone shouted out to Harry Truman: "Give em Hell, Harry!"
To which he responded: "I just give em the Truth, and they think it's Hell."
Our media is owned by FACISTS as well.
You're right, Thomas. I honestly DON'T get it why a majority of humans seem to prefer to live their lives under slavery and fear!
This really gets to the heart of the work of Abraham Maslow. Living too long obsessing over safety and security (and comfort) results in profound mental psychosis.
colplaceny be careful is like poison icy don't scratch
Remember ABC along with CBS actions.
Support NPR and PBS and now Substack.
And The Lever, Medias Touch, Dropsite News. Excellent journalists fleeing or laid off at mainstream news outlets are continuing their work in these and other smaller venues on Substack and YouTube. I also have great respect for News from the States, which pays attention to more than DC, NY, LA and Chicago.
And then they wouldn't allow a nearby doctor to come to her aid
If one is going to be evil and depraved, why not go all the way?
Depraved indifference
Depraved, yes. But they weren't indifferent. They had a vested interest keeping the doctor away from the crime scene and the victim!
Bingo.
They knew she was past help. It's not an excuse, it's CYA to minimize witnesses, but no "inner conflict," because what's the difference.....
They knew she was past help because they have medical degrees in addition to ICE badges?
Good one!
Yes, and he may have seen some evidence.
Bingo.
Thanks for this conversation. A brother of mine who is not usually engaged, because he lives in his own world, is actually touched by what happened to Renee. And he, my brother, is in Scotland. So, courage folks. There are other parts of the world watching too.
Absolutely : we’ve seen what happened in Minneapolis, and independent media are showing here in Italy. Unfortunately our premier Meloni is in love with your fascist boss and has an extreme right racist background. But clever people see and know…
We are watching with horror. Who can stop this. Only the USA legislature/electorate?
HCR has written very recently on what fascism is. But, please, do what Kamau suggests: try to lift the shadow from the space around you, get involved, make the local space brighter. What goes around does come around. Maybe we had too long - in some parts of the world - but certainly not all! - where we thought everything was Rosie (o’Donnell!). Just do your bit. This part of what is the resource for the future. Gosh! Sorry to sound so dictatorial! 😈
Stephen, it is my fervent hope that We the People will stop this in the midterms by electing candidates that will do away with all of this! If the orange man tries to cancel the election, then our country will most definitely become a violent place.
My hope too. Must replace the Republicans because they support and endorse Trump, his fascism, kidnapping, shooting and murdering people, attacking sovereign countries on behalf of their oil donators, and taking away healthcare which will injure and kill people. Republicans are as deplorable as their golden calf leader.
I would love to see our candidates putting out a message that resonates with not just democrats but independents and those republicans sickened by what maga has turned their party into!
Never lose sight of a driving force, the Federalist Society
The obscenely wealthy as the result of Citizen United is financing this abomination and believe they have the power to prevent our success by mere bribery (see what Musk did in 2024). They were handed that power by Roberts. We csnnot afford to do the same thing Rs did in 2016 that put Trump in power which was allowing 17 or so R candidates to split thej ticket which only served to hand the nomination to the worst jackass on the planet to be “hilariously” funny at insulting his opponents that they handed him the power to kill our Democracy. We cannot split the vote like that. We will lose.
The Democrats do not have the power in Congress right now, and elections aren’t until November 2026! He can do SO MUCH DAMAGE to America and the world between now and then! Look at how much damage he’s done in his first year! It’s terrifying! Also, (and I HATE saying it out loud or typing it because I feel like it’s manifesting it somehow) what do we do if he attempts to STOP elections from happening next November?! I am 100% sure he has a team exploring that option…
Watching in horror from the UK Sandra. Sending much love
Don’t put too much money down on the electorate, bruh. The Dictator in Chief has already stated many many times that the elections are rigged, and I’m sure that he and Stephen Miller can figure how to figure out a way to get around THAT . Just use your imagination.
Question; Trump is overly upset with Iran for killing protesters demanding change in that country, what is the difference between their protesters and ours.
I know you are just exposing hypocrisy, but of course T. never gave a hoot for Iranian protestors, just somebody told him it was an excuse to do some bombing, which makes him feel so GOOD!
"somebody told him" Netanyahu. Another monster.
One that Joe Biden loves. And a majority in Congress of both parties, judging by the standing ovations.
Biden embraced Netanyahu soon after that horrifying attack on Israelis. It was a display of empathy to those who were suffering as anyone with humanity would do in that moment. But what is currently happening is an abomination aided and abetted by a Netanyahu wannabe criminal and Biden definitely would not love this. So just stop with the lies about Biden whose only “fault” has been a desire to lift up people in pain and suffering while his critics spew at him for doing so while professing to be “Christians” themselves.
Biden, on the basis of unfounded lies from Netanyahu's regime, CUT all aid to the Palestinians via the UN agency, UNRWA. this happened early on, mere months after 10/7.
As the evidence mounted of horrific crimes against humanity, Biden broke US laws about military aid going to such regimes.
Well, you helped to elect Trump, then. "Both sides-ism." won.
LOL!!!! I admit, I helped elect Trump by voting for Joe Biden in 2020.
And you are now beating up a good man verbally which only aids and abets the monster. Just great, dude.
I truly, sincerely would like to understand how Muslims thought the Muslim-ban; saw Muslims jumping for joy on 9/11: move embassy to Jerusalem guy was ok and treaty-bound, AIPAC-slave (I get that part) Biden was POS. Truly.
Ditto!
"you are a troll or a bot or whatever put on here to cause problems"
For fair-minded readers, I have been a subscribing member of this forum for at least three out of the past four years.
My hope is that any problems I might cause are of the same nature as Socrates, Plato, Diogenes and others -- and I don't put myself anywhere near them on the scale. It was Athenian "democracy" that could not tolerate what Socrates was doing.
In those three plus years, I have witnessed the attack on discourse when it deviates from the herd mentality.
It is worth recalling that the Athenians committed genocide during the war. It did not help them. They resenterd but also admired Socrates, so they gave him the option of exile. Socrates loved Athens too much to admit culpability and thus give some moral support to his cowardly judges.
Oh, I see now that you are a troll or a bot or whatever put on here to cause problems. Since that is the case, I don't intend to interact with you anymore.
Duh. The same difference as the Oval Office fü hrer pardoning an actual imprisoned drug trafficker, then arresting a head of a country with no evidence presented, of illegal drug trafficking. After killing
people on boats. Um. In order to steal that country's oil.
It's all about ICEcold-blooded murder and /or theft.
DOWN WITH MAGANAZI-FASCISTS.
Killing Americans. Trashing parts of America.
Kristo Numb also responsible die delay responding to floods in Texas or southeast, resulting in deaths of children. Sadistic in Chief. SIC.
No contradiction here. The good Iranians are protesting against the evil ayatollah. Our evil protesters are in rebellion against a white Christian nationalist president. If you don't want to be crushed like a bug you have to focus on what's happening here at home. Forget Iran, forget Ukraine, forget Gaza, Greenland, Venezuela. Your rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are being taken away from you here at home, right now!
What do you think Trump is going to do with that massive private army he's assembling, full of poorly trained masked fanatics with no accountability and who shoot first and ask questions later? Or that high-security bunker he's building below the "ballroom" he's building? Or the bureaucracy he's installing to replace our actual history with his white Christian nationalist mythology? Or all the media being purchased by his corporate capitalist allies? It's the Fourth Reich of a doomed, isolated America, despised by the rest of the world and leaking brains like a fire hose.
Oh boy, do I agree with you!
The murder of Renee Good changes the calculus for the reconvened Congress. There's a different playing field. The fascists are gunning for white folks now. Another government shutdown has become more likely. Dems need to submit articles of impeachment for Noem. That's a given. But they also need to call for the disarming of ICE, the unmasking of its agents, and a significant cut in their funding.
One seat currently divides the balance of power in the House. The people of Minnesota need to rally behind an effort to force the resignation of their state's MAGA Whip in DC -- Tom Emmer.
Emmer refuses to protect Americans of Somali desdent in his district and sides with ICE and the Trump regime. Moreover, he has BETRAYED his oath of office.
I've contacted my Senators (CO) and Thune to do exactly that! Please everyone contact your Congresspeople! Demand puppy killer be impeached and NO money to ICE. Abolish if possible.
We need to tighten our belts. We are not accustomed to the hardships visited by tyrants holding on to power. Shut down the gov again will hurt a lot of people. And they are already hurting. Elected leaders are really going to have their backs against a difficult wall. Weak ones will crumble. We need to make sure we have the backbone to endure the fight.
Has it? It all depends on how many people are actively planning to give up their lives and the lives of their families so that some future ancestor or cousin MIGHT we allowed to live their life in peace. Let's get serious here!
I’m old, Paul, but I’m not that pessimistic. It is said that hope is what lies between optimism and pessimism. So I remain hopeful, even as I am aware that it is necessary to take action to realize those hopes.
WHERE TF IS CONGRESS??!!!
I know it seems too little, too late, but I think the worm has turned, or is in the process of turning. Thom Tillis, no liberal squish has taken to the floor & spoken some much needed truths, & it appears Thomas Maskie, in his farewell tour, has provided a permission structure to the cowards.
Apologies, Thomas Massie
Kissing Drump's ass for 30 pieces of silver.
The Coffee Klatch was absolutely spot on today, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! First, I want to applaud Kamau Bell's Tshirt! What a fantastic sentiment! Love is the most powerful force on the planet! I loved the way you explained what this regime is doing in order to make the right hate the left so much. To be honest, I could not understand why magas hated the left so much and now I understand. It's very clear now that the orange man and his sycophants spin the lies to maga about how everyone on the left is part of this huge domestic terrorist group that is going to destroy our country. It was very understandable then that even though Ms. Good was a white, Christian woman with children and a family, she was part of this domestic terrorist group so her death was justified. It is so very chilling to me, but it does help me understand maga thinking. They cannot think for themselves preferring to use the talking points the regime gives them and they will cling to that no matter how much those talking points are shown to be wrong. You know what? Once you understand that thinking, it is so much easier to keep up the fight. Americans need to spread this information to all of their acquaintances! The more we can wake up the sleeping Americans that prefer not to get involved, the more votes we can count on in the midterms. We have to campaign and campaign hard! Remember, if you decide to just not vote, to just stay home, we will continue to suffer more and more because he will take over completely and if that happens, you will fully understand the pain and suffering he will inflict. Thank you for such an informative Coffee Klatch, Professor Reich and Mrs. Lofthouse! Thank you, Kamau Bell! Keep fighting, America! Stay strong and stay safe!
Is Congress going to do another short term CR for funding the government?
Chuck Schumer needs to G-O!!
Unleashing a heavily armed, minimally trained goon squad recruited from America's bullies, high-school dropouts, unemployed thugs and gangster wannabes on our residential streets and quiet neighborhoods, with quite predictable results, is equivalent to premeditated murder.
What is coming is not another version of America; it is not America at all. From my essay, 'American Politics 101: Section 5: The Immanent Death of American Greatness' https://dialector.substack.com/p/american-politics-101 Here are the first three paragraphs- "If the Constitution falls, the fall of the whole Republic into the evil of tyranny will not come all at once, but piece by piece, like the extinguishing of lights across a once-great city. Prior to the immediate fall of the Republic, the separation of powers gets dismantled. Once power is consolidated, the light of American liberty itself will be put out. Our right to stand before the law and demand to know the charge will vanish. When the Constitution is gone, the government will seize and hold whoever it wishes. Habeas corpus, our oldest safeguard of the freedom of citizens, will be cast aside as an inconvenience to tyrants. People will vanish in the night, “detained for questioning”, “held for national security”, and their names will never appear again. The walls that protect the innocent from arbitrary government power will be torn down, and fear will take their place.
When fear rules our politics, our freedom of speech dies. The voices that once spoke truth will fall silent, not because they have nothing to say, but because every word risks punishment. Without the First Amendment, truth will belong to the state. Newspapers will print only what is permitted. Artists, teachers, and ordinary citizens will watch their own tongues, learning to speak in whispers or not at all. This is how tyranny breathes, by suffocating words before they can become ideas and ideas before they can become the living aspirations of a free people. This is the death of American greatness.
When no one dares to speak, justice follows the loss of our voices into the grave. The independent courts of the Republic will become props in the play of power. Judges will no longer weigh evidence but will think only of their allegiance to the government; juries will become tools of vengeance. Trials will be held behind closed doors; the accused will face their accuser only in nightmares. Tyranny thrives in such courts, where verdicts are written before hearings begin, and where guilt is a pre-determined sentence, not a finding of law."