Evening Roundup, October 31
Featuring Jen Rubin, Tim Dickinson, Michael Podhorzer, Frederic J. Frommer, Azza Cohen, Wyatt Schiff, Ruben Bolling, Jamie Schler, The Contrarian Podcast, and our Special Halloween Pets of the Week!
Lesser Known Undaunted Heroes
This space usually features prominent, public figures who have distinguished themselves in their defense of the rule of law, democracy, decency, truth, and other values the MAGA regime attacks. But especially this week, the work of ordinary Americans standing up in defense of their neighbors…
Why Are the Feds Criminalizing a Clarinetist?
She’s a mother, a musician, and a social worker. The feds are claiming she’s a violent criminal.
Calling This Court “Supreme” Is Obeying in Advance
The Roberts Court heard oral arguments this month in Louisiana v. Callais, which could mean the final blow to the Voting Rights Act – by some estimates eliminating a dozen or more congressional districts that have ensured that minority communities have a voice in Congress.
50 years ago, Ford told New York to drop dead—in so many words
By Frederic J. Frommer
The city was on the brink of bankruptcy. But Gerald Ford was reticent about helping.
The Octagon on the South Lawn
With every day that passes in this Trump administration, the threats against free speech, democracy, political organizing, an independent judiciary, and (what feels like) everything Americans hold sacred continue to build. We are forced to watch Stephen Miller blatantly lie to members of the press in an effort to divide us and silence Trump’s opposition…
Tom the Dancing Bug
"Writers Room"
Follow Ruben Bolling on Substack here; Join Tom the Dancing Bug’s Inner Hive here; and here is the Tom the Dancing Bug website, with information about the new Kickstarter for two new Tom the Dancing Bug books plus a “Trump You!” comic book (limited time: expires Nov. 20)
MAGA is weaponizing hunger by cutting off food for seniors, the disabled, veterans, and children
Ahead of a November 1 deadline, recent court rulings seem to have forced the federal government to distribute some money owed to recipients of SNAP. But it remains unclear if the administration will appeal or when the money will flow.
Contrarian Pets of the Week
13 (mostly) furry friends in costume are the (non-edible) treats this Halloween!
Enjoy these festive companions, courtesy of our Contrarian community. Thanks for making us smile during such spooky times.
Cruelty & chaos, hunger games, terrorizing kids & protecting pedophiles: Christian values? MAGA GOP continued SNAP benefits during the last Trump shutdown. Now they are just lying & using the threat of hunger for millions to take health care coverage from millions. https://newrepublic.com/post/202518/mike-johnson-christian-values-children-starve-pedophiles-skate
Judges rule that Trump admin must use contingency funds for SNAP benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyiI7jiiLUQ
Amazing dessert, precious pets, point on podcast with Jen, Jacky Rosen and Chelle Pingree, and Jen’s list of little known undaunteds doesn’t get any better than all of these Contrarian contributions. Happy Halloween 🎃 and be safe everyone!