Two things stand out as obvious this morning. Number one: Trump and his mob must not allow an honest election next fall. Number two: Trump must control the military and get its support. He is managing a full court press, with initiatives throughout the Federal Government to cement his control. But all collapses without maintaining control through the fall election. Even actions of the Supreme Court not related to voting can be managed - by new cases or simply defiance, though there is no reason to expect Roberts to behave responsibly or rationally. If Trump loses both branches in the election, he is finished. So he must stop or steal them. All else is distraction, including the indictment of Comey.
And having large numbers of citizens actively engaged against this antiConstitutional Unitary Executive makes him really mad. tRump has never been a bright man and tRump mad will make lots more mistakes - so we need to look for ways to keep him in that state. Who knows? It might even hasten 'the big one'.
So fun for many people, to equate trump’s narcissistic personality disorder with dementia. Learn the difference, people! Not everyone develops dementia and equating the two is disingenuous. As you will learn if you’re lucky enough to live long enough…
I am just curious - where did you go to medical school. Dementia and Personality Disorders are not mutually exclusive and he had his collection of Personality Disorders back in the 80s, long before his all-too-obvious Dementia manifested.
Personality disorders hardly account for Trump's slurred speech and failure to connect one idea with another when speaking. It's as if we are hearing stream of consciousness random spew.
Now, that he always thinks of himself as the victim, thinks he's being put upon and persecuted, and demanding revenge at every turn -- those are a result of the personality issues.
I would love to see the military refuse his commands and instead come for him. Some would call that a coup. I would call it a long-delayed carrying out of justice.
That is a good point, and a lot of the leadership that would conceivably oppose an illeagal order have been replaced with compliant toadies. They can't even take advice from the JAG Corps, which has, for all intents and purposes, been dismantled.
I would also point out that the Felon is merely a dementia-addled mouthpiece for the ghostly whispers of Miller, Vought, Thiel, and the like. In fact, the Felon doesn't seem to be able to retain an idea for more than a few seconds before it--poof!--disappears. So he is being fed these insanities, including the latest WTF round of import taxes (which thankfully Marketplace is finally calling them, since Ammurrikans seem still not to understand what "tariffs" are). And the Tik-Tok deal has been proclaimed a "shakedown" by all credible news outlets, as is the latest Amazon stunt. The entire purpose of this maladministration is to amass as much wealth as possible while destroying any democratic institutions that might hinder them. And the Rethuglicans find this entirely appealing--until their own testicles are in a vise. I am finding the whole Comey thing kind of amusing, considering that his actions in 2016 undoubtedly contributed to the Felon's win. He lived to regret that but the egg is still on his face.
Wow!!!! If we can win the House and Senate our country the way it is today will stop on a dime. The whole world will change and it can happen. Let’s hope so.
Hope smope. We will have to work to make it so. Defending democracy is going to war against authoritarian fascism. It isn't pretty, but it is necessary.
Let's make it happen! More and more people are getting wary of the Republican President. Let's render him totally ineffectual for the remainder of his term!
To your two good thoughts….first, I would substitute “cannot” for must not. Republicans are rapidly creating conditions that will make an honest election unwinnable for them. Second, the Hegseth calling in of all the military command from around the world is greatly concerning and could be the first step in trying to create a personal military rather than a public military focused on defense of the nation.
Abraham Lincoln said : “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.” we all may be required to validate Lincoln’s wisdom.
The October 18, 2025 protest is drawing nigh. I made a batch of 126 protest signs for you and your group. Please share, restack, copy and paste the link. Have a printing company do these for you! Here they are:
There is no group in the US who has had their free speech rights attacked more than those who support Palestinian justice and autonomy.
The constant firings, doxings, de-platforming, and sometimes outright detainment and deportation of critics of Israel have provided a test ground for extending the attacks on free speech to progressives or critics of Trump in general. Far too few elected Democrats and media pundits have spoken out against this.
Since these attacks on free speech have been largely successful, we are now seeing an expansion of suppression. While the return of Jimmy Kimmel is certainly worth celebrating, the many who have lost their jobs and freedom for speaking out against apartheid and ethnic cleansing do not get the same level of attention or support.
These attacks on the speech of critics of Israel have continued, even the The Contrarian and most other US media have seemingly forgotten about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and extreme escalation of violence in the West Bank, after a but of focus this summer. Hopefully this will change.
What's especially outrageous is that the US could actually stop the genocidal devastation in Gaza by ceasing the transfer of money, weapons and intelligence to Israel. There is no other war that the US has this much power to end. And our wanna-be Nobelist won't do the one thing he can. (And Netanyahu will never, never take orders from president chump re the West Bank.)
At the UN: today: while the US has blocked Mahmoud Abbas from even entering the country (so much for its all about Hamas), Netanyahu 'ordered Israel's military to position loudspeakers around the Gaza Strip to broadcast his words to the Palestinians in Gaza.
He also said Israeli intelligence had taken over the phones of people across Gaza to live-stream the speech.'
Most of the UN General Assembly walked out before he spoke.
Yes. ugh is right. At least many of the delegates had the good grace to walk out on Netanyahu. They should have done that when president pinocchio spoke.
Did you know that Palestinians make up 50-70% of the Jordanian population? Did you know that they have 0 rights and are not allowed to become citizens. That is a true apartheid country. No Jews,no news. Agree?
Did you know that Israel is committing genocide and killing children every single hour of every single days for the past two years?
Did you know that Israel has killed more journalists than in any other 'conflict' this century, and has created more child amputees in Gaza per capita than anywhere else on the planet this century?
Did you know that these Israeli genocide scholars and organizations have all affirmed that Israel is committing genocide?
I guess they must all be antisemitic:
BT'Selem - Israel
Physicians for Human Rights - Israel
Omer Bartov, Israeli-American professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University
Amos Goldberg, Israeli professor in the Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a fellow of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute
Raz Segal, Israeli historian and associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and endowed professor in the Study of Modern Genocide at Stockton University
Shmuel Lederman, professor specializing in political theory and genocide studies at the Open University of Israel
as well as the president of J Street - he must hate Jews too!
not to mention Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Doctors Without Borders, and many more...
We've played this ring-around-the rosy a few weeks ago, Jason. It is easy to claim genocide and distort what the above has said. Amos Goldberg stated, "Israel's campaign in Gaza exhibits the elements of genocide." I won't bother to investigate the others that you highlight. You are like the right-wing fanatics. Facts don't matter.
BTW, I intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.
We aren't playing 'ring around the rosy', you just continue to troll my comments with whataboutism and nonsense.
Since 'facts matter' to you, here is what Amos Goldberg wrote over a year ago in an essay titled 'Yes, It Is Genocide':
'Yes, it is genocide. It is so difficult and painful to admit it, but despite all that, and despite all our efforts to think otherwise, after six months of brutal war we can no longer avoid this conclusion. Jewish history will henceforth be stained with the mark of Cain for the “most horrible of crimes,” which cannot be erased from its forehead. As such, this is the way it will be viewed in history’s judgment for generations to come.'
Since you can't be bothered to 'investigate the other claims I made', here are a couple other quotes:
From Raz Segal in an article titled 'A Textbook Case of Genocide':
'The assault on Gaza can also be understood in other terms: as a textbook case of genocide unfolding in front of our eyes. I say this as a scholar of genocide, who has spent many years writing about Israeli mass violence against Palestinians.'
He also writes about 'the weaponization of antisemitism accusations to justify Israeli violence against Palestinians', something you should be familiar with.
Omer Bartov wrote this in a piece for the NY Times this summer, titled "I’m a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It." :
'My inescapable conclusion has become that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. Having grown up in a Zionist home, lived the first half of my life in Israel, served in the I.D.F. as a soldier and officer and spent most of my career researching and writing on war crimes and the Holocaust, this was a painful conclusion to reach, and one that I resisted as long as I could. But I have been teaching classes on genocide for a quarter of a century. I can recognize one when I see one.'
I could go on, but why bother? You have proved yourself immune to reason and facts anyway.
It's funny that you claim to 'intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.' while at the same time aligning yourself with their views and using the same denials and false charges they use to defend and deflect from their constant war crimes.
Ok, I have wasted more than enough time on you, again.
"It's funny that you claim to 'intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.' while at the same time aligning yourself with their views and using the same denials and false charges they use to defend and deflect from their constant war crimes."
You are really something else. Either I agree with or I align myself with his views ... . You have proved yourself immune to reason and facts anyway." I guess one has to either agree with you or you swing one onto the totally opposite side. Are you trying to put me on the defensive? I won't go there for your benefit.
The primary reason I challenge you is because no matter what is written on the substack, you throw in the topic of Israel and genocide. If the information on the substack were about the Epstein files, you'd bring in Israel and genocide. Trump's skin color and hair, Israel is committing genocide.
But Disney's motivating force was the loudest 'speech' of all: money. Once they saw what the 'customers' (we, the people) thought of them, and how it could, or will, affect their bottom line, they caved. Their stock drop of 3.5% (four billion) was the key marker. Their despicable earlier payment of the unnecessary $16m 'bribe' was another 'money talks' move. Iger, just another of those for whom too much is never enough, only has the ability to count.
As always, follow the money. It's Disney's prime motivation. First, last, always.
If Sinclair- and Nexstar are losing advertising revenue as a result of their conduct, theur shareholders are screwed and can bring shareholder derivitive suits.
What would it take to do hostile takeovers?
To sue for intentional interfence of business relagtions?
It was so inspiring to be part of a this defense of freedom of speech this week. We canceled our Disney/Hulu subscription, sent a letter to the CEO, and also decided not to visit Disneyland. When such an act is just by two people, it matters little to a giant corporation. But when it's many, when We the People stir, then it makes an impact that can't be ignored, as Disney's sudden drop in valuation shows.
It's not enough for us. Disney has yet to apologize, and they have not laid out any defense of freedom of speech nor any further actions they'll take to avoid caving to the Trump regime in the future.
We do not live much in the USA, don't have cabel, and do not subscribe to Hulu or anything else. My husband and I sold all our Disney stocks in all our portfolios. When I told my husband I was going to do it, he was shocked at first and said, " I have owned Disney for over 60 years." I gave a look. He stood up and proceeded to sell his precious Disney, then smiled and said, "I feel free". We all need to do whatever we can do.
First they take away the reporting rights of those working the Pentagon beat, just before calling the high brass home en masse to Quantico. What is in the wind? And will we know it?
Suppression of free speech. Refusal to cease funding/supporting Israel's genocide in Gaza. Malicious prosecution of the president's personal enemies by the DOJ, which the president has turned into his personal law firm. Talking out of both sides of his mouth on Russia/Ukraine. Sending the National Guard into cities to intimidate citizens and kidnap migrants. Oh, and there's STILL Epstein and those disappeared files. Now the Generals and Admirals are called to Quantico. More than analysis, even when the analysis is brilliant, is needed, Jen.
There was certainly a heartening response to the Kimmel situation. But more than anything The Grifter has stolen or destroyed, I worry about him trying to rig the midterm elections. We've got to fight him with every tool we have, and after we do, vote Democratic majorities to the House and Senate. The House should be easy enough. The Senate will be tougher, but there are vulnerable seats in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, etc., and some worthy candidates to swoop in and take them. Since he took "office," the big oaf has committed, I would guess, at least one impeachable offense per day. I'm sick of his claim of witch hunts and hoaxes. He needs to GO.
Support organizations such as Democracy Docket, which is in the forefront of defending the right to free and fair elections in the courts. Also support ACLU, the NAACP, etc.
I’m looking for hard-ball Democratic leaders to hold press conferences and tell the American people what is going on!
Write in the sky that Trump refused to meet with Democrats to discuss the shutdown! Let them know that Republicans are responsible for whatever happens.
Would some network force Hegseth to tell us what he’s doing in Quantico next week?
How about telling Congress?
I agree that protests need to happen at least weekly. People in the suburbs seem paralyzed. No one in my town is protesting against anything! Not even food prices!
Also, Hegseth began with a crackdown on press access, to the Pentagon on non-classified materials. I hope that a press lawsuit is forthcoming. Clearly Hegseth is attempting to hide whatever he is up to.
I have been massively lifted up by this undeniable evidence that our souls have not shriveled under Trump&CO's unprecedented attack on our rights and 250 year old iterative experiment with fair government as a welcome substitute for the default autocratic governments of the past. No wonder so many came to wonder at it--for its mere existence, no matter how wobbly--in the early years of our Republic. I think it's time for us to start labeling ourselves as members of a loosely organized "Resistance" after those brave and numberless souls (and sometimes martyrs) who pushed back in ways large and small, when the Nazis overtook France in WWII. Thank god we haven't had to break up supply lines, blow up bridges or take out armed storm troopers. Yet. But a stitch in time saves nine. Let's keep at it!
I think the most difficult question for most of us is how to respond. A big rally once every few months doesn't do it. I for one can't make it as October 18th has other commitments that where decided upon many months ago. There was an idea of a daily rally at 7 each evening. I wish that was pushed more enthusiastically and took root. One of the qualities of the 3.5% was vontinuous protests. I wish the Contrarian did more in endorsing daily protests and other forms of opposition. We need leaders among us.
Our community has 2 Indivisible "honk and wave" rallies every week. One out on the major north-south highway and one downtown on the major east-west highway. Each is 2 hours long, one on Wednesdays and one on Saturdays. I'm too old to stand for 2 hours at a time, but I'm there for an hour each week, health permitting.
We do one of the "honk and wave" rallies every Tuesday evening in front of the county courthouse. We also average 250+ for the larger organized rallies, which in a town of this size in a red area isn't bad. Two state highways are in front of us.
You left out John Oliver's most powerful words: "Fuck you, make me". The segment relevant to this begin at 25:15 in his latest show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohPToBog_-g
I see this phrase is becoming a rallying cry. As it should have from the start with all of the cowards. Because there is something funny in standing up to bullies. It is watching them then fail. Funny and fun and glorious. You better hope Larry Ellison lets Oliver still work after he acquires HBO and everything that owns it.
Yes, very true. Any ways to be preemptive/proactive? Can the American people get their minds around possibility of loyalty oath to trump by generals next Tuesday??
Could be more than an Orange loyalty oath. Could be preparations for a government shut down. Fire those who work at all the jobs that help average citizens and replace them with soldiers who are trained to kill whomever the brass points to. We must be on the lookout for another autocratic twist to our lives.
Two things stand out as obvious this morning. Number one: Trump and his mob must not allow an honest election next fall. Number two: Trump must control the military and get its support. He is managing a full court press, with initiatives throughout the Federal Government to cement his control. But all collapses without maintaining control through the fall election. Even actions of the Supreme Court not related to voting can be managed - by new cases or simply defiance, though there is no reason to expect Roberts to behave responsibly or rationally. If Trump loses both branches in the election, he is finished. So he must stop or steal them. All else is distraction, including the indictment of Comey.
And having large numbers of citizens actively engaged against this antiConstitutional Unitary Executive makes him really mad. tRump has never been a bright man and tRump mad will make lots more mistakes - so we need to look for ways to keep him in that state. Who knows? It might even hasten 'the big one'.
Trump's descent into dementia is accelerating. As such, he may be his own worst enemy.
I think so. His information processing capability is declining quickly and his sycophants are loath to tell him no.
So fun for many people, to equate trump’s narcissistic personality disorder with dementia. Learn the difference, people! Not everyone develops dementia and equating the two is disingenuous. As you will learn if you’re lucky enough to live long enough…
I am just curious - where did you go to medical school. Dementia and Personality Disorders are not mutually exclusive and he had his collection of Personality Disorders back in the 80s, long before his all-too-obvious Dementia manifested.
Personality disorders hardly account for Trump's slurred speech and failure to connect one idea with another when speaking. It's as if we are hearing stream of consciousness random spew.
Now, that he always thinks of himself as the victim, thinks he's being put upon and persecuted, and demanding revenge at every turn -- those are a result of the personality issues.
Or our worst enemy as his puppet masters take over behind the scene.
I would love to see the military refuse his commands and instead come for him. Some would call that a coup. I would call it a long-delayed carrying out of justice.
but Fox propaganda plays non-stop at commissaries across the country - so will 'the military' know what's going on in the real world?
That is a good point, and a lot of the leadership that would conceivably oppose an illeagal order have been replaced with compliant toadies. They can't even take advice from the JAG Corps, which has, for all intents and purposes, been dismantled.
I would also point out that the Felon is merely a dementia-addled mouthpiece for the ghostly whispers of Miller, Vought, Thiel, and the like. In fact, the Felon doesn't seem to be able to retain an idea for more than a few seconds before it--poof!--disappears. So he is being fed these insanities, including the latest WTF round of import taxes (which thankfully Marketplace is finally calling them, since Ammurrikans seem still not to understand what "tariffs" are). And the Tik-Tok deal has been proclaimed a "shakedown" by all credible news outlets, as is the latest Amazon stunt. The entire purpose of this maladministration is to amass as much wealth as possible while destroying any democratic institutions that might hinder them. And the Rethuglicans find this entirely appealing--until their own testicles are in a vise. I am finding the whole Comey thing kind of amusing, considering that his actions in 2016 undoubtedly contributed to the Felon's win. He lived to regret that but the egg is still on his face.
Wow!!!! If we can win the House and Senate our country the way it is today will stop on a dime. The whole world will change and it can happen. Let’s hope so.
Hope smope. We will have to work to make it so. Defending democracy is going to war against authoritarian fascism. It isn't pretty, but it is necessary.
Let's make it happen! More and more people are getting wary of the Republican President. Let's render him totally ineffectual for the remainder of his term!
To your two good thoughts….first, I would substitute “cannot” for must not. Republicans are rapidly creating conditions that will make an honest election unwinnable for them. Second, the Hegseth calling in of all the military command from around the world is greatly concerning and could be the first step in trying to create a personal military rather than a public military focused on defense of the nation.
Abraham Lincoln said : “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.” we all may be required to validate Lincoln’s wisdom.
The October 18, 2025 protest is drawing nigh. I made a batch of 126 protest signs for you and your group. Please share, restack, copy and paste the link. Have a printing company do these for you! Here they are:
http://bit.ly/46WY4Ru
I'd like a copy of the Trump-Epstein statue to paste on my T-shirt. :)
Very BOLD GRAPHICS.
Easy for people to use. Thank you for sharing.
On my sign I have the words: 'RESPECT' , ' HONOR'
and a flower from American Vets.
then
'NOT' next to a photo of tRump and Epstein and a small Nazi insignia.
There is no group in the US who has had their free speech rights attacked more than those who support Palestinian justice and autonomy.
The constant firings, doxings, de-platforming, and sometimes outright detainment and deportation of critics of Israel have provided a test ground for extending the attacks on free speech to progressives or critics of Trump in general. Far too few elected Democrats and media pundits have spoken out against this.
Since these attacks on free speech have been largely successful, we are now seeing an expansion of suppression. While the return of Jimmy Kimmel is certainly worth celebrating, the many who have lost their jobs and freedom for speaking out against apartheid and ethnic cleansing do not get the same level of attention or support.
These attacks on the speech of critics of Israel have continued, even the The Contrarian and most other US media have seemingly forgotten about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and extreme escalation of violence in the West Bank, after a but of focus this summer. Hopefully this will change.
What's especially outrageous is that the US could actually stop the genocidal devastation in Gaza by ceasing the transfer of money, weapons and intelligence to Israel. There is no other war that the US has this much power to end. And our wanna-be Nobelist won't do the one thing he can. (And Netanyahu will never, never take orders from president chump re the West Bank.)
ugh.
At the UN: today: while the US has blocked Mahmoud Abbas from even entering the country (so much for its all about Hamas), Netanyahu 'ordered Israel's military to position loudspeakers around the Gaza Strip to broadcast his words to the Palestinians in Gaza.
He also said Israeli intelligence had taken over the phones of people across Gaza to live-stream the speech.'
Most of the UN General Assembly walked out before he spoke.
Yes. ugh is right. At least many of the delegates had the good grace to walk out on Netanyahu. They should have done that when president pinocchio spoke.
Did you know that Palestinians make up 50-70% of the Jordanian population? Did you know that they have 0 rights and are not allowed to become citizens. That is a true apartheid country. No Jews,no news. Agree?
Did you know that Israel is committing genocide and killing children every single hour of every single days for the past two years?
Did you know that Israel has killed more journalists than in any other 'conflict' this century, and has created more child amputees in Gaza per capita than anywhere else on the planet this century?
Did you know that these Israeli genocide scholars and organizations have all affirmed that Israel is committing genocide?
I guess they must all be antisemitic:
BT'Selem - Israel
Physicians for Human Rights - Israel
Omer Bartov, Israeli-American professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University
Amos Goldberg, Israeli professor in the Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a fellow of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute
Raz Segal, Israeli historian and associate professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and endowed professor in the Study of Modern Genocide at Stockton University
Shmuel Lederman, professor specializing in political theory and genocide studies at the Open University of Israel
as well as the president of J Street - he must hate Jews too!
not to mention Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Doctors Without Borders, and many more...
We've played this ring-around-the rosy a few weeks ago, Jason. It is easy to claim genocide and distort what the above has said. Amos Goldberg stated, "Israel's campaign in Gaza exhibits the elements of genocide." I won't bother to investigate the others that you highlight. You are like the right-wing fanatics. Facts don't matter.
BTW, I intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.
We aren't playing 'ring around the rosy', you just continue to troll my comments with whataboutism and nonsense.
Since 'facts matter' to you, here is what Amos Goldberg wrote over a year ago in an essay titled 'Yes, It Is Genocide':
'Yes, it is genocide. It is so difficult and painful to admit it, but despite all that, and despite all our efforts to think otherwise, after six months of brutal war we can no longer avoid this conclusion. Jewish history will henceforth be stained with the mark of Cain for the “most horrible of crimes,” which cannot be erased from its forehead. As such, this is the way it will be viewed in history’s judgment for generations to come.'
Since you can't be bothered to 'investigate the other claims I made', here are a couple other quotes:
From Raz Segal in an article titled 'A Textbook Case of Genocide':
'The assault on Gaza can also be understood in other terms: as a textbook case of genocide unfolding in front of our eyes. I say this as a scholar of genocide, who has spent many years writing about Israeli mass violence against Palestinians.'
He also writes about 'the weaponization of antisemitism accusations to justify Israeli violence against Palestinians', something you should be familiar with.
Omer Bartov wrote this in a piece for the NY Times this summer, titled "I’m a Genocide Scholar. I Know It When I See It." :
'My inescapable conclusion has become that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. Having grown up in a Zionist home, lived the first half of my life in Israel, served in the I.D.F. as a soldier and officer and spent most of my career researching and writing on war crimes and the Holocaust, this was a painful conclusion to reach, and one that I resisted as long as I could. But I have been teaching classes on genocide for a quarter of a century. I can recognize one when I see one.'
I could go on, but why bother? You have proved yourself immune to reason and facts anyway.
It's funny that you claim to 'intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.' while at the same time aligning yourself with their views and using the same denials and false charges they use to defend and deflect from their constant war crimes.
Ok, I have wasted more than enough time on you, again.
"It's funny that you claim to 'intensely dislike Bibi and his fascist right wing gangs.' while at the same time aligning yourself with their views and using the same denials and false charges they use to defend and deflect from their constant war crimes."
You are really something else. Either I agree with or I align myself with his views ... . You have proved yourself immune to reason and facts anyway." I guess one has to either agree with you or you swing one onto the totally opposite side. Are you trying to put me on the defensive? I won't go there for your benefit.
The primary reason I challenge you is because no matter what is written on the substack, you throw in the topic of Israel and genocide. If the information on the substack were about the Epstein files, you'd bring in Israel and genocide. Trump's skin color and hair, Israel is committing genocide.
All true, Jen.
But Disney's motivating force was the loudest 'speech' of all: money. Once they saw what the 'customers' (we, the people) thought of them, and how it could, or will, affect their bottom line, they caved. Their stock drop of 3.5% (four billion) was the key marker. Their despicable earlier payment of the unnecessary $16m 'bribe' was another 'money talks' move. Iger, just another of those for whom too much is never enough, only has the ability to count.
As always, follow the money. It's Disney's prime motivation. First, last, always.
Thank you, Jen for this articulate article! You and Norm help keep us all sane!
If Sinclair- and Nexstar are losing advertising revenue as a result of their conduct, theur shareholders are screwed and can bring shareholder derivitive suits.
What would it take to do hostile takeovers?
To sue for intentional interfence of business relagtions?
It was so inspiring to be part of a this defense of freedom of speech this week. We canceled our Disney/Hulu subscription, sent a letter to the CEO, and also decided not to visit Disneyland. When such an act is just by two people, it matters little to a giant corporation. But when it's many, when We the People stir, then it makes an impact that can't be ignored, as Disney's sudden drop in valuation shows.
It's not enough for us. Disney has yet to apologize, and they have not laid out any defense of freedom of speech nor any further actions they'll take to avoid caving to the Trump regime in the future.
We made a difference, and that matters.
We do not live much in the USA, don't have cabel, and do not subscribe to Hulu or anything else. My husband and I sold all our Disney stocks in all our portfolios. When I told my husband I was going to do it, he was shocked at first and said, " I have owned Disney for over 60 years." I gave a look. He stood up and proceeded to sell his precious Disney, then smiled and said, "I feel free". We all need to do whatever we can do.
“Giving the bully your lunch money doesn’t make him go away, it just makes him come back hungrier each time.”
And this is the basic premise from which you absolutely must operate when dealing with anyone in the MAGA cult.
First they take away the reporting rights of those working the Pentagon beat, just before calling the high brass home en masse to Quantico. What is in the wind? And will we know it?
Suppression of free speech. Refusal to cease funding/supporting Israel's genocide in Gaza. Malicious prosecution of the president's personal enemies by the DOJ, which the president has turned into his personal law firm. Talking out of both sides of his mouth on Russia/Ukraine. Sending the National Guard into cities to intimidate citizens and kidnap migrants. Oh, and there's STILL Epstein and those disappeared files. Now the Generals and Admirals are called to Quantico. More than analysis, even when the analysis is brilliant, is needed, Jen.
I think the gens and admirs called to celebrate the opening of the new pentagon bar...
:))
Careful, thoughtful analysis is the starting point for righteous and effective action, however.
Like Jennifer Rubin offers.
There was certainly a heartening response to the Kimmel situation. But more than anything The Grifter has stolen or destroyed, I worry about him trying to rig the midterm elections. We've got to fight him with every tool we have, and after we do, vote Democratic majorities to the House and Senate. The House should be easy enough. The Senate will be tougher, but there are vulnerable seats in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, etc., and some worthy candidates to swoop in and take them. Since he took "office," the big oaf has committed, I would guess, at least one impeachable offense per day. I'm sick of his claim of witch hunts and hoaxes. He needs to GO.
Support organizations such as Democracy Docket, which is in the forefront of defending the right to free and fair elections in the courts. Also support ACLU, the NAACP, etc.
I’m looking for hard-ball Democratic leaders to hold press conferences and tell the American people what is going on!
Write in the sky that Trump refused to meet with Democrats to discuss the shutdown! Let them know that Republicans are responsible for whatever happens.
Would some network force Hegseth to tell us what he’s doing in Quantico next week?
How about telling Congress?
I agree that protests need to happen at least weekly. People in the suburbs seem paralyzed. No one in my town is protesting against anything! Not even food prices!
How do we change that?
Also, Hegseth began with a crackdown on press access, to the Pentagon on non-classified materials. I hope that a press lawsuit is forthcoming. Clearly Hegseth is attempting to hide whatever he is up to.
Contact Indivisible for help in setting up a local protest:
https://indivisible.org/
Starts with you, Christine. Grab a friend or five, make signs, get out there downtown!
I have been massively lifted up by this undeniable evidence that our souls have not shriveled under Trump&CO's unprecedented attack on our rights and 250 year old iterative experiment with fair government as a welcome substitute for the default autocratic governments of the past. No wonder so many came to wonder at it--for its mere existence, no matter how wobbly--in the early years of our Republic. I think it's time for us to start labeling ourselves as members of a loosely organized "Resistance" after those brave and numberless souls (and sometimes martyrs) who pushed back in ways large and small, when the Nazis overtook France in WWII. Thank god we haven't had to break up supply lines, blow up bridges or take out armed storm troopers. Yet. But a stitch in time saves nine. Let's keep at it!
I think the most difficult question for most of us is how to respond. A big rally once every few months doesn't do it. I for one can't make it as October 18th has other commitments that where decided upon many months ago. There was an idea of a daily rally at 7 each evening. I wish that was pushed more enthusiastically and took root. One of the qualities of the 3.5% was vontinuous protests. I wish the Contrarian did more in endorsing daily protests and other forms of opposition. We need leaders among us.
Our community has 2 Indivisible "honk and wave" rallies every week. One out on the major north-south highway and one downtown on the major east-west highway. Each is 2 hours long, one on Wednesdays and one on Saturdays. I'm too old to stand for 2 hours at a time, but I'm there for an hour each week, health permitting.
Organize in your own community:
Contact Ihttps://indivisible.org/
We do one of the "honk and wave" rallies every Tuesday evening in front of the county courthouse. We also average 250+ for the larger organized rallies, which in a town of this size in a red area isn't bad. Two state highways are in front of us.
you can drive by and honk...a form of participation for us non-standers for too long
target and chick fil and disney boycotts...very effective
You left out John Oliver's most powerful words: "Fuck you, make me". The segment relevant to this begin at 25:15 in his latest show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohPToBog_-g
I see this phrase is becoming a rallying cry. As it should have from the start with all of the cowards. Because there is something funny in standing up to bullies. It is watching them then fail. Funny and fun and glorious. You better hope Larry Ellison lets Oliver still work after he acquires HBO and everything that owns it.
💗💗💗💗💗💗‼️times 25
Beautifully written and inspirational- thank you Jennifer Rubin for helping us through these difficult times.
Yes, very true. Any ways to be preemptive/proactive? Can the American people get their minds around possibility of loyalty oath to trump by generals next Tuesday??
Could be more than an Orange loyalty oath. Could be preparations for a government shut down. Fire those who work at all the jobs that help average citizens and replace them with soldiers who are trained to kill whomever the brass points to. We must be on the lookout for another autocratic twist to our lives.