We need >= 500,000 fresh faces in DC on Labor Day Weekend, with tents and portable chairs, parked in protest, saying "No. This city belongs to the people. We the people."
One thing we learned about Trump is that size matters to him. Trump is obsessed with the size of crowds and popularity in the polls. Trump's own psychology proves the falsity of Richard's assertion (below) that "We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism." Large crowds protesting Trump will prove that Trump is powerless to silence us.
Our Constitution is at least as important in proving the falsity of Richard's assertion that "We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism." Don't take my word for it. Take the words of the people who wrote and ratified our Constitution.
The rights that are first and most often expressly enumerated in our Constitution refer to the right and power of the people to express and communicate our own thoughts--especially about our self-government (how we govern ourselves and our public servants).
Article I states the power of Congress to secure "to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." Article I also protected the "Speech or Debate" of our directly-elected representatives in Congress. More importantly, our votes choosing those representatives determines who has the power to "make all Laws" that are "necessary and proper for carrying into Execution" Congress's "Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." Such laws clearly can govern the conduct of all executive and judicial branch employees.
Article VI secured the power of people of all faiths to be public officials. It outlawed any "religious Test" as a "Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
Amendment I secures the power of the people with respect to our freedom of thought, expression, communication and association ("no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances").
Amendments XIV, XV, XIX, XXIV, XXVI expressly emphasize and secure a particularly powerful form of the rights secured by the First Amendment, i.e., "the right" to "vote."
Amendment IV secures "[t]]he right of the people to be secure in their persons," as well as their "papers." SCOTUS precedent acknowledges this amendment was designed, in part, to protect people exercising rights and freedoms secured by the First Amendment.
Amendments VI and VII secure "the right" to a "public trial" and "the right of trial." That secures a right to speak (or not to speak, i.e., not "be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself") and even the right to compel speech by others (accusers and witnesses).
I'm confident you're right, as long as we continue to fight. This isn't the first time we've been at this juncture. After the SCOTUS majority issued the crushing Dred Scott decision in 1856, Lincoln had this to say at a Speech at Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1859 (Constitution Day):
“The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts" (and executive branch officials) "not to over-throw the Constitution, but to over-throw the men who pervert that Constitution.”
I feel as if a group of foreign enemies have infiltrated our government to crush our country and its history. However, I will continue to protest until they shoot me in the legs....
...with the National Debt soaring anew each and every day???
I fear national bankruptcy... and a takeover of this country by such as the Putin's or.factions such as Heritage Foundation regeim .
Can almost feel them...or their ilk salivating at the mere evil visional. possibility! Do so hope I am way off base here...the escalating danger & cortuptive / overpowering changes seem to be coming witout.let up...no reasonable time to respond/ mitigate. All offense from their standpoint...defense on ours.
Sophia, nobody with any sense or any sense of history expected all enemies of our Constitution to be foreign. That's why the people who wrote and ratified our Constitution (in Article II) required the president to promise (and acknowledge his duty) to "preserve, protect and defend" our "Constitution" to "the best" of his "Ability" in all official conduct. That's also why federal law (enacted by Congress with the president's approval) requires every "individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services" to promise (and acknowledge their duty) to "support and defend" our "Constitution" (not any person or party) "against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and "bear true faith and allegiance" to our Constitution (not any person or party) in all official conduct.
This is silly as well as wrong. We actually have far more power than they imagine, and the situation for them is far worse than they can imagine. Their antics only underscore that.
Richard, your defeatism blinds you to even the most obvious power. Do you not see the primary and most powerful point of all the current exercises of "the freedom of speech" and "press" and "the right of the people" to "assemble" secured by the First Amendment? Do you not see that all the foregoing is designed to support, secure and promote the exercise of a particular power, i.e., a particular part of the freedom of speech and the right to assemble? That's what voting is. Voting is one of the most powerful ways the people exercise their power over public servants.
Do you not see that the most important and most powerful audience for all the writing, speaking and assembling today isn't necessarily Trump today, it's voters next year? This isn't a secret. Even SCOTUS says it in one of the most famous legal decisions today.
In Citizens United v. FEC, 558 U.S. 310 (2010), Justice Kennedy delivered the opinion of the Court, in which Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia and Alito joined, and in which Justice Thomas joined regarding the following. When reading SCOTUS precedent addressing the meaning and protections for speech, it is important to bear in mind that voting clearly and necessarily is a type of speech.
“Premised on mistrust of governmental power, the First Amendment stands against attempts to disfavor certain subjects or viewpoints.” The justices in Citizens United also quoted a prior dissenting opinion to emphasize the following:
"Under our Constitution it is We The People who are sovereign. The people have the final say. The legislators are their spokesmen. The people determine through their votes the destiny of the nation. It is therefore important—vitally important—that . . . no point of view be [even] restrained [much less] barred."
The justices in Citizens United emphasized that our “Constitution” clearly “confers upon voters,” alone, the “power to choose the Members of the House of Representatives, Art. I, § 2, and it is a dangerous business for” any legislature “to use the election laws to influence the voters’ choices.”
"Speech [which clearly and necessarily includes voting] is an essential mechanism of democracy, for it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people. In a republic where the people are sovereign, the ability of the citizenry to make informed choices among candidates for office is essential. The right of citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government and a necessary means to protect it. The First Amendment has its fullest and most urgent application to speech uttered during a campaign for political office. Discussion of public issues and debate on the qualifications of candidates are integral to the operation of the system of government established by our Constitution."
"For these reasons, political speech [including voting] must prevail against laws that would suppress it, whether by design or inadvertence. Laws that burden political speech [including voting] are subject to strict scrutiny, which requires the Government to prove that the restriction furthers a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest."
"What, exactly, is this "power" that we "actually have"? And how will it, or can it, be used? Please be specific."
Theoretically, the power is through our Constitution. Unfortunately most people (including politicians) are either ignorant or simply don't care about it. Political parties will invoke it only when politically expedient. At a practical level, the biggest power we have is at the ballot box.
We're just going to turn them out of office. They can try to cling to power, and I'm sure there will be claw marks on the floor where we drag them out, but they are going.
They can rig elections where the vote is close. The vote will be about 80-20. They will not be able to hide our disdain for them.
These fascists are going to be scrubbed out of office. And then they are going to be on trial.
Richard, the power is in the many actions that we can and should take.
Are you trying to learn what powers we have or how the powers of our public servants are limited? Are you helping anyone working on any legislation or litigation? Are you helping get people registered to vote or helping them get to places where they can vote (when they can vote)? Are you educating anyone about why or how they should vote or why or how they should take any other action? Are you exercising the freedoms of expression and communication and association to help protect and preserve those freedoms? Are you trying to talk to anyone who might help make a difference?
I do blame the people, many of us. Protests do matter. They represent many and many who cannot but are with us. Elections matter-are you nuts? Vote them out! Run against them! Expand the court after! The military have not been really tested yet but soon will be. Norms matter, now especially when we realize how we depended on them and that they have been BROKEN!!. That tells us what must be done, what must be fixed. When norms are broken you get LAWS.
Your parenthetical is pure defeatism. Yes a psychopathic wannabe dictator has an incredible lineup of support and has put us back on our heels somewhat but also given us a wake up jolt. They, the myrmidons, will outlast him. Other wannabes in waiting will rise- like Vance already getting ready.
Are you going to therefore
1. stay here powerless and spit out hopelessness to the rest of us
2. fight for the social contract we have lived by for almost 250 years
No matter my written observations/ thoughts, Potter..this nonogenarian old bird will.fight to my last breath for this beloved country...will.never give in to this Nazi-like cabal.!
The protest in Washington D.C., following Trump's first election was one of the largest ever. What did it prevent? What did it change?
Not the overturning of, for example, Roe v. Wade. And not the re-election of the crude, vulgar, racist, cognitively-impaired, draft-dodging, p*ssy-grabbing, pornstar-screwing, rabble-rousing, dictator-loving, ally-betraying, charity-robbing, science-denying, tax-cheating, serial bankrupt, convicted felon, fraudster, rapist and compulsive, inveterate liar.
Again: what, specifically, are you going to do in the face of relentless authoritarianism?
The protest in Washington D.C. showed potential, solidarity, a fraction of how many people who were willing to take a stand. And it continues in small groups everywhere throughout the country. People gain courage and inspiration from each other. Sitting alone spreading your negativism does what? What do you gain? What do you gain here by dragging people down??
So you ask- showing your impatience for results- what did it actually change? Norm Eisen's entries here can answer you specifically if you care to know and read him. It's been proven that Trump stops with enough pushback.
But we are forced to deal with the larger picture because there is a barrage of things happening on many fronts.
Do we roll over? Fight? Are you leaving?
Ultimately we have to believe in elections and make sure they are "free and fair". NOW is the work on that. And we have to vote, and vote them out. We have to PROSECUTE. Bring legal cases. Lots.
You show you are angry. Here above you certainly know all the names to call - which DOES NOTHING!! Maybe it makes you feel better. Yeah you are opposed. But THAT is USELESS. Your anger is misplaced by focussing on the very troops fighting this war on us. You are even turning on me trying to get me on the defensive. Do I have to lay it out for you??? Obviously I include having to fight what you represent..DEFEATISM. So which is it??? 1.,2., or3.?
YOu don't want answers you just want to project defeatism. One of our greatest dangers at this point is defeatism. You are doing Trump's work. He depends on this method of galloping to overwhelm to get folks like you to say what's the use? I consider you a threat because you are doing worse than not helping. Someone with good will above intimated you are intelligent. This is not smart.
"In the face of authoritarianism, you have nothing concrete, nothing specific."
How, specifically, is Trump an authoritarian? Where, specifically, has he violated the Constitution in ways that have not been addressed through legal actions, including decisions from SCOTUS?
"How will you make sure elections are free and fair?"
Are you stating or implying that our elections are now or will not be "free and fair" in the future? Based on what evidence?
"How will you stop the blatant gerrymandering planned in Texas?"
Thus far, no one has said that what Texas is doing with regards to gerrymandering is illegal. Politically offensive, perhaps, but not illegal.
"Trump has been involved in more than 4,000 court cases. Have they ever stopped him?"
Many of these court decisions (SCOTUS) have defined the limits of presidential power, and that is a good thing.
Again- concerted action. Do your own research instead of being a "nabob of negativism". What are you going to do? Keep nattering negativism, fight or hide/leave. If you keep this up you are a drag and supporting Trump.. might as well vote for him.
Richard, what are you doing? Are you trying to learn what powers we have or how the powers of our public servants are limited? Are you helping anyone working on any legislation or litigation? Are you helping get people registered to vote or helping them get to places where they can vote (when they can vote)? Are you educating anyone about why or how they should vote or why or how they should take any other action? Are you exercising the freedoms of expression and communication and association to help protect and preserve those freedoms? Are you trying to talk to anyone who might help make a difference?
Richard, I understand that you are dispirited but you ask a question that is meaningless only because it cannot be answered. The D.C. protest you dismiss DID actually HAPPEN. And you ask what good did it do? That's as unproductive as asking, "What would the situation be had the protest not taken place?" No one can answer either question with certainty. Please stop looking for answers that do not exist. No single action taken now is guaranteed to "make everything all better", the way Mama promises when she puts a Flintstones bandage on the knee of her toddler.
Please keep on. You are a thinker and you are articulate. Please use these uncommon skills to try to make happen what you think needs to happen!
1. I did not dismiss the D.C. protest. I simply used it to point out that Trump, like most authoritarians, is immune to protests (other than seeing them as opportunities to bring out the national guard, or to express a desire to shoot protesters in the legs, or to dismiss the protesters as being "Woke").
2. I, for one, cannot think of a meaningful, effective way to oppose Trump's authoritarianism. Neither can you. However, you propose that I should "please stop looking for answers that do not exist." How is that for hopelessness?
3. America is at a tipping point. Old 'norms' have been discarded. Institutions have been and are being eviscerated. The concept of three co-equal branches of government has been abandoned (by two of the supposedly co-equal branches). The independence of universities and the media is under attack. Facts and data are being manipulated. Blatant corruption is no longer surprising. So let's have a protest or some hearfelt, well-meaning but ultimately meaningless comments on Substack. That will stop the rot.
Here you are 1. focussed not on what we do, but Trump and what HE will do to taking his "expressed desires" as though this is action.
You have been scare-mongered and you are reverberating that.
2. Trump's authoritarian acts are being addressed as they happen. The ultimate way to stop this is impeachment... thus the 2026 election. Until then he will keep us busy opposing each illegal act and taking what countermeasures we can.
This is a process of waking many people up about how their lives are or are going to be affected. We are 7 months into an assault that many people never imagined would happen.. many are disappointed that they voted for this.
3. You are in a panic. Norms have not been "discarded". They have been violated by Trump et al. We still have 3 co-equal branches even though you think otherwise. Universities and the media are fighting back and/or paying heavily for bending. The data manipulation is threatened but there will be repercussions and responses.
Your hopelessness and cynicism is a drag. This is another thing we have to fight... it's not helping. You are in a panic. What are you going to do?
What is your prescription? or are you yelling that nothing is being done while doing nothing but exerting a drag?
For those who wish to fearmonger, that's always a good line to start with. We always seem to be at a "tipping point" which implies that some action needs to be taken immediately else the world as we know it is utterly destroyed.
"Old 'norms' have been discarded."
I heard that a lot from the Democrats this past election cycle, only they were the ones who decided what the "norms" were and that Trump/MAGA was breaking every single one. So, which particular "norms" are you addressing?
"Institutions have been and are being eviscerated. The concept of three co-equal branches of government has been abandoned (by two of the supposedly co-equal branches)."
Uh, no. The branches were not intended to be "co-equal". The Founders felt that Congress should have the most power as it made the laws and held the power of the purse. They were the most accountable to the people via direct elections (House) and state legislatures (Senate).
"The independence of universities and the media is under attack."
All the universities have to do is stop taking federal money and all the "strings" that are attached to such. Most of those problems disappear.
The media, for the most part, have become nothing more than cheerleaders for one political ideology or another. They are supposed to report the facts (ALL of them) and let the reader decide.
"Facts and data are being manipulated."
No argument there, and it happens in both the private and public (government) sectors.
"Blatant corruption is no longer surprising."
See my response to "Facts and data are being manipulated".
But previously, a crowd of protesters skeert Guilty Donnie so badly he hid in his secret bunker and wouldn't come out. He's STILL afraid, and it shows. Doesn't that tell you something about the effectiveness of resistance? This isn't a short game, so Join in or get out of the way.
Dear Richard. Have you read ANY History at all. Start maybe with WW2. Now that guy Hitler and his nasty clone types from other countries trying to subjugate their populations DID loose the fight. Collectively the people will remove Trump.
This is a fact. Get the history books out. And start reading.
Lawsuits and protests and calls to Congress have not yet defeated President Orwell but if you think they have no influence, read the news. TACO has at times responded to negative PR. Inaction, silence, are appeasement and complicity.
Responding to negative PR when his actions negatively affect markets is...responding. I don't care what his motives are because he has only two motivators: help himself and hurt whoever he thinks has disrespected him.
Well Richard - a pretty hopeless statement. However I agree with all of it, almost. I am not sure the military will be so compliant when push comes to shove. I hope we do not get to the point where that is severely tested. And elecctions can matter, unless the Republicans completely subvert them as they are trying to do. I imagine a blue wave in 2026 where both House and Senate revert back to Democratic hands. If that could only happen, I think the Trump administration can be neutered. Or if not neutered it would force the administration to go nuclear with a real live coup. I would love to see that happen, and the reaction from the American people. But that 2026 blue wave - at this point it can only be imagined. Making it happen is the big challenge.
Nihilism will not help us get out of this. Our long and complicated history shows us that mass movements of ordinary people do make a difference. It may take a generation to fully restore our democracy and plug our many loopholes, but it’s work we must do for our children and grandchildren. I found that joining my local Indivisible chapter has helped me avoid despair, knowing that there are so many of us who abhor what is happening and want to push back. Courage is contagious!
Richard, please use your mind and your passion for more than mere defeatism ("We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism.").
We are powerless only if we don't bother to learn what our powers are and how to use them. That's truly the precise reason many people worked very hard to write and ratify our Constitution, our Bill of Rights and laws. See, e.g., "Trump isn't fighting crime in D.C. He's committing crimes in D.C." https://blackcollarcrime.substack.com/p/trump-isnt-fighting-crime-in-dc-hes
Well, OK then, I guess we may as well roll over and play dead. All I can say is I'm glad we the people didn't have your attitude in the 1770s. Or the 1940s. And I'm sorry you choose to be one of the compliant.
Trump has answered the age-old question, asked since Roman times --- "who will watch the watchers?" You known who I mean -- REPUBLICANS. Where the fuck are Republicans? Where is "concerned" Susan Collins? Where's the primping, preening scumbag Hawley who gave a clenched fist salute to the scum who killed 7 people on January 6? Where's Kentucky Fried Voldemort, other than staring blankly into space and chuckling over his memories of telling a Black president he was entitled to only 3/5 of his term in office? Where's that PHONY Thom Tiliis, already resigned with supposedly nothing to fear? Where the hell are all of them?
He is going to do everything he can think of to stop, ignore, subvert, sabotage, prevent elections next year. AND gerrymander, redistrict his way to stack the deck -- if you don't see that, you need to have your head examined. How will he do that? By means of Republican silence, that's how.
So work like hell to make the GOP extinct. Abraham Lincoln is cheering you (and us) on. Focus on the source of the plague, not just its carriers. Do not count on others saving your republic for you. You must save it for yourselves.
Truly, it's up to We the People to save our democracy. A national strike needs to be in the offing. The GOP sold it's already shriveled soul to MAGA and needs to be replaced as a party.
Yes, people power is one avenue, along with challenges in the courts and vigorous social media campaigns to get the word out on what is really happening and to mobilize the public to take action. As economic conditions deteriorate--and they will--there will be opportunities to shift the narrative and urge the the public to get involved in various ways. I also support the idea of a general strike, but the challenge is to get the backing of the unions, many of which unfortunately support the MAGA agenda. But remember, things can change in a heartbeat--see, for example, the revolutions that swept the (former) Soviet Union republics in the fall of 1989. Nonviolent resistance has a track record of success, as Erica Chenowith and her collaborators have shown. When shit comes down, let's be ready.
Crime is everywhere -- in red states, blue cities, purple suburbs. I do not really know, but most Congresscritters probably don't reside in the District. Wherever they do reside, some crime is probably nearby. I don't know of a modern society where this isn't true.
until wealth inequality is addressed, crime will stay. people who commit crimes have nowhere to go, they are frozen in their space and have nothing to lose. don't come back at me with that bootstrap thing because when you are working 3 jobs and still can't afford food AND rent you don't have time to look for those bootstraps. and now the 1% is taking even more...
I worked in DC for over 20 years and I knew many that did.
Lobbyists work the dining rooms in the senate and house. Watering holes near the Capitol. In my day, if they wanted access to Republicans, the Monacle, etc. Also the airport. No reason protestors can't lobby.
This is no "distraction." This is what the big dummy's right of right wingnuts are telling him to do. We've got to continue to hammer our representatives in Congress and let them know they've traitors who have abdicated their duties to check a would-be king. Clearly, someone has already gotten to that crazy woman in Georgia whose name I won't mention here. She's done an about-face, probably because her constituents are crushing her. I play golf in that district, and trust me, it's not what you would call affluent. Her people have probably been adversely affected by her former fearless leader's "policy." If she can be turned, others can. And as The Grifter's polls drop out of sight (37% last week, can we be headed for the 20s soon?), I think more members of Congress will become more afraid of their constituents than they are of him. No one should have to do their jobs based on intimidation, but the sycophants in the GOP need to remember who they're serving, and it's not some career loser/grifter/racist/misogynistic/idiot/scumbag. It's the people. They haven't been doing their jobs since the days of Reagan, when income inequality and the effort to buy off SCOTUS began in earnest.
Look around you, folks. Things in the US right now are likely the best they will be for the foreseeable future. It won’t be long before institutions and infrastructure start breaking down, and they won’t be repaired. Natural disasters will sweep through some regions, and there will be no relief for the victims, and no rebuilding of their homes and communities. We are sitting ducks in the face of the next communicable disease. It’s not rational anymore to believe these consequences are not imminent.
The DC Mayor really let her city down. She sounds like Susan Collins. Also, I hope the DC attorney general is preparing a lawsuit. And I think every Democratic Senator and Representative should be gathering and traveling all over DC speaking out against the regime.
You haven't the slightest idea about it because you don't live here and have no clue about what DC's bizarre legal status actually permits the Mayor to do. While Mayor Bowser has never been my personal hero, you literally know nothing about the kind of legal straitjacket she faces. Spare your anger for the source of the outrage, not the messenger.
I also think Rubin was a bit heavy-handed in criticizing the mayor. She has a job with a ton of responsibility and very little authority. She's between a rock and a hard spot. I was disappointed in her failure to push back, but I understand it. She needs the cavalry to ride in ... and here we are.
Agree that Alan knows little about it. And if he knew the history of right wing treatment of DC from before the civil war through today his comments would be different. Read and learn sir.
I know you’re just quoting someone, but our strength should lie in the achievements of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.. Who advocated for nonviolence achieved their ends through nonviolence. So no guns just money and lawyers.
OK you quoted Warren Zevon. Why should I listen to him over Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.? my point was guns do not make it better. No matter who he is, he said bring guns money and lawyers.
I appreciate your point about non-violence but be aware that it's a quote from a song. It describes the desperation of someone in deep trouble looking for any and all tools for help. As with a lot of his songs there is a dark sardonic humor about it.
Jeff, it's not even potentially funny or even remotely clever to use any medium or message to encourage anyone to bring a gun to a fight with the government.
And, in reference to an attributed quote, if one wishes one's response to be taken seriously, I suggest referring to the Quotee (hmmm, correct term?) as "someone" does not enforce one's argument.
Ed, it's not even potentially funny or even remotely clever to use any medium or message to encourage anyone to bring a gun to a fight with the federal government.
I'm reading The Women in the Castle by J. Shattuck about Germany under Hitler. The detail that gave me nightmares was how Hitler set up a mandated youth exercise program to build his army. Kennedy's New fitness requirements parallel this mandate. Scary.
Rubin writes, "With each passing day, we are getting closer and closer to embodying the characteristics of an authoritarian thugocracy."
Closer and closer? Really? We're SO there already that only the media and out-of-touch government elites can't see it. The only relevant question is will we skulk forward muttering to ourselves (and writing Chuck Schumer-caliber concerned letters), or fight like hell to claw ourselves back?
The sight of APCs (armored personnel carriers) parked on James Madison Drive this morning, katty-korner from the Smithsonian's Museum of African-American History and Culture, the Washington Monument behind them, proves we are now officially a country run by shit-flinging Republican baboons. Normal people are torn between shrieking with disgust or howling with laughter.
The laughter will die off as the price of housing, medical care and food starts imitating the shit. The only consolation is knowing his MAGAzoids are going to get it in the face first.
In DC he needs Congress to extend his authority more than a month. The Home Rule Act gives him the power to use the D.C. police force for “federal purposes” if he determines that there are “special conditions of an emergency nature.” He can use the D.C. police for up to 48 hours, or for up to 30 days if he sends a special message to the leaders of certain congressional committees. To use the D.C. police for longer than 30 days, he would need authorization from Congress.
A federal law passed in 1878, the Posse Comitatus Act, bars the use of the U.S. military for civilian law enforcement except when authorized by the Constitution or another provision of federal law.
Today, in San Francisco, the Trump takeover of the California National Guard and his marshal law occupation in LA is at trial. "These details emerged during a bench trial currently being held in Los Angeles over Trump’s decision to federalize the California National Guard. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer for the Northern District of California is running a three-day trial this week. The case examines whether the administration broke the Posse Comitatus Act by taking over the California National Guard and deploying it to Los Angeles. Trump ordered the takeover and deployment after protests broke out over Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Southern California.
During testimony on Monday, California called Sherman as a witness. He told an attorney for the state of California that “intelligence” did not indicate a threat to federal functions near MacArthur Park, but that immigration authorities wanted more than 50 military vehicles to drive through the park as part of the operation. Sherman said that he hesitated to go forward with the idea. When the California attorney asked Sherman whether Bovino questioned his “loyalty” to the United States in response, Sherman confirmed that he had.
"The MacArthur Park operation eventually took place on July 7.
"During testimony on Tuesday, DOJ attorneys tried to downplay the operation as extremely limited, and only in support of existing immigration enforcement efforts. That goes to a key distinction under the law: while it’s illegal to use the military for domestic law enforcement purposes (the Insurrection Act is the big exception to this, and the administration never invoked it), they can be used in a supporting role. The DoD, for example, has long provided various forms of logistical support to immigration agencies acting along the U.S.-Mexico border.
"The Trump administration enlarged the definition of “support” to justify using the military to help immigration authorities carry out a crackdown. On Monday, Trump sent the D.C. National Guard into the nation’s capital; though he has more leeway over how to use the D.C. Guard, it’s another example of the creeping presence of troops in American cities.
"What’s key to understand here is that serving as domestic law enforcement is not the mission for the military. It’s not what soldiers join to do; it’s not what they and their commanders spend years training for. The missions are different."
tRump has dragged us a long way down the authoritarian/totalitarian rathole. Inconvenient statistics? Fire the statistician - the ones at CDC and the FBI will be replaced shortly. He is already driving POC off the streets and into hiding or into 'self deportation'. As a consequence, crops are rotting in the fields and on the trees. We will have to learn the lessons of having fanatics running the Government. It will be a dangerous and costly set of lessons
The best way to make the Dear Leader and his Gestapo look like fools is for every resident of DC, including the kids, to create a self-imposed curfew after 9pm. No traffic, deserted streets. Turn DC into a temporary ghost town and let all of those National Guardians and FBI agents and DC police sit around with absolutely nothing to do. Except for a real emergency, stay home at night for the next 30 days.
A problem with that is, I can see “dear leader“ taking credit for those empty crimeless streets. It would be a lie, but what would he care? Unless there is reporting via the citizens for making clear what they’re doing I can see this becoming a PR windfall for the president and his DOJ minions.
He's going to take credit anyway, deserved or not (99.9% not, of course). It's still a good idea, a good tactic. But not the only one. It takes many, coming from all directions at once.
I just hope I'm making a difference, even if that difference isn't immediately visible. The existence of anything unusual is not visible on my daily route. So far. That doesn't mean there is no martial law.
I heard on WTOP radio this morning that the National Guard had troops around The Washington Monument. I'm in DC frequently and the one area of the city where you should be least concerned about crime is on the National Mall and the Smithsonian.
Where are the young people! Somebody said oh they’re at work or attending their children. Well, take a day off and do something important that will affect the rest of your life. I’m sick of reading all these comments from obviously older people. And I look around me and everything looks normal. Nobody’s hair is on fire like it should be. I’m kind of sick of doing everything for everybody. I’ll be dead soon but they won’t be.
SO true, Pam!!! Where are the younger people??? This regime and intended plans for the future will turn their lives into a dystopian (Gilead) existence for their lifetimes and their children’s. Where’s the concern??? The apathy is alarming.
I think us elders are out there and speaking up because we actually learned history in school. We remember or were taught what society was in the 1950s. We lived through all the chaos of making laws that made our society more equitable. These young people really don't have a clue what life was like before Brown v Board Education, Voting Rights act or Roe V Wade. Also our fathers actually fought fascism in a war that ended 80 years ago this week.
I wish I was optimistic that we can turn from this but I no longer feel that we can. I’m 70 now, a Gold Star wife and mom and daughter of a WW2 vet. They would all be appalled at the use of military this pathetic wannabe despot has embraced. We need a whole rebranding of the Democratic Party with new blood and leadership. I hope the party can find their way to say thanks and goodbye to the current old white male guard leadership.
Time is indeed running out but - you know what? It's running out for Trump, also. His mental acuity is clearly deteriorating, rapidly. I realize that his cabinet members are behind much of what is happening, but if Trump is absented, change will occur on the ground. Trump is a form of lynch pin with the people that voted him in. They did not vote in Vance.
Thank you for your analysis but a small paragraph @ the end :”The only solution is fighting everything, everywhere, all at once. Litigation may not always succeed, but both lawsuits, political action, and community engagement …” could be enhanced with bullets that make suggestions of what to do or links to organizations.
We need >= 500,000 fresh faces in DC on Labor Day Weekend, with tents and portable chairs, parked in protest, saying "No. This city belongs to the people. We the people."
I am with you. WE THE PEOPLE. See you Labor Day weekend.
One thing we learned about Trump is that size matters to him. Trump is obsessed with the size of crowds and popularity in the polls. Trump's own psychology proves the falsity of Richard's assertion (below) that "We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism." Large crowds protesting Trump will prove that Trump is powerless to silence us.
Our Constitution is at least as important in proving the falsity of Richard's assertion that "We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism." Don't take my word for it. Take the words of the people who wrote and ratified our Constitution.
Go to https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/ and search for the word "right."
The rights that are first and most often expressly enumerated in our Constitution refer to the right and power of the people to express and communicate our own thoughts--especially about our self-government (how we govern ourselves and our public servants).
Article I states the power of Congress to secure "to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." Article I also protected the "Speech or Debate" of our directly-elected representatives in Congress. More importantly, our votes choosing those representatives determines who has the power to "make all Laws" that are "necessary and proper for carrying into Execution" Congress's "Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." Such laws clearly can govern the conduct of all executive and judicial branch employees.
Article VI secured the power of people of all faiths to be public officials. It outlawed any "religious Test" as a "Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
Amendment I secures the power of the people with respect to our freedom of thought, expression, communication and association ("no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances").
Amendments XIV, XV, XIX, XXIV, XXVI expressly emphasize and secure a particularly powerful form of the rights secured by the First Amendment, i.e., "the right" to "vote."
Amendment IV secures "[t]]he right of the people to be secure in their persons," as well as their "papers." SCOTUS precedent acknowledges this amendment was designed, in part, to protect people exercising rights and freedoms secured by the First Amendment.
Amendments VI and VII secure "the right" to a "public trial" and "the right of trial." That secures a right to speak (or not to speak, i.e., not "be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself") and even the right to compel speech by others (accusers and witnesses).
Thank-you for this post!! Deep in my heart, I know that we shall overcome.
I'm confident you're right, as long as we continue to fight. This isn't the first time we've been at this juncture. After the SCOTUS majority issued the crushing Dred Scott decision in 1856, Lincoln had this to say at a Speech at Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1859 (Constitution Day):
“The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts" (and executive branch officials) "not to over-throw the Constitution, but to over-throw the men who pervert that Constitution.”
We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism.
Protests do not matter. Elections do not matter. 'Norms' do not matter. Laws do not matter (unless they can be used against we, the people).
A compliant Congress. A compliant Supreme Court. A compliant military. Everything that a psychopathic wannabe dictator could wish for is now in place.
Trump gave America due warning. America did not listen.
I feel as if a group of foreign enemies have infiltrated our government to crush our country and its history. However, I will continue to protest until they shoot me in the legs....
Putin set out to destroy the USA and he found his best weapon in trump.
Putin is the winner for sure. Get ready for trump to be played this Friday....
The Heritage Foundation is responsible for project 2025 and 47 is its puppet.
...with the National Debt soaring anew each and every day???
I fear national bankruptcy... and a takeover of this country by such as the Putin's or.factions such as Heritage Foundation regeim .
Can almost feel them...or their ilk salivating at the mere evil visional. possibility! Do so hope I am way off base here...the escalating danger & cortuptive / overpowering changes seem to be coming witout.let up...no reasonable time to respond/ mitigate. All offense from their standpoint...defense on ours.
Please...tell me I am dead wrong.!
Sophia, nobody with any sense or any sense of history expected all enemies of our Constitution to be foreign. That's why the people who wrote and ratified our Constitution (in Article II) required the president to promise (and acknowledge his duty) to "preserve, protect and defend" our "Constitution" to "the best" of his "Ability" in all official conduct. That's also why federal law (enacted by Congress with the president's approval) requires every "individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services" to promise (and acknowledge their duty) to "support and defend" our "Constitution" (not any person or party) "against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and "bear true faith and allegiance" to our Constitution (not any person or party) in all official conduct.
Well, none of that is happening....
This is silly as well as wrong. We actually have far more power than they imagine, and the situation for them is far worse than they can imagine. Their antics only underscore that.
What, exactly, is this "power" that we "actually have"? And how will it, or can it, be used? Please be specific.
Richard, your defeatism blinds you to even the most obvious power. Do you not see the primary and most powerful point of all the current exercises of "the freedom of speech" and "press" and "the right of the people" to "assemble" secured by the First Amendment? Do you not see that all the foregoing is designed to support, secure and promote the exercise of a particular power, i.e., a particular part of the freedom of speech and the right to assemble? That's what voting is. Voting is one of the most powerful ways the people exercise their power over public servants.
Do you not see that the most important and most powerful audience for all the writing, speaking and assembling today isn't necessarily Trump today, it's voters next year? This isn't a secret. Even SCOTUS says it in one of the most famous legal decisions today.
In Citizens United v. FEC, 558 U.S. 310 (2010), Justice Kennedy delivered the opinion of the Court, in which Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia and Alito joined, and in which Justice Thomas joined regarding the following. When reading SCOTUS precedent addressing the meaning and protections for speech, it is important to bear in mind that voting clearly and necessarily is a type of speech.
“Premised on mistrust of governmental power, the First Amendment stands against attempts to disfavor certain subjects or viewpoints.” The justices in Citizens United also quoted a prior dissenting opinion to emphasize the following:
"Under our Constitution it is We The People who are sovereign. The people have the final say. The legislators are their spokesmen. The people determine through their votes the destiny of the nation. It is therefore important—vitally important—that . . . no point of view be [even] restrained [much less] barred."
The justices in Citizens United emphasized that our “Constitution” clearly “confers upon voters,” alone, the “power to choose the Members of the House of Representatives, Art. I, § 2, and it is a dangerous business for” any legislature “to use the election laws to influence the voters’ choices.”
"Speech [which clearly and necessarily includes voting] is an essential mechanism of democracy, for it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people. In a republic where the people are sovereign, the ability of the citizenry to make informed choices among candidates for office is essential. The right of citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government and a necessary means to protect it. The First Amendment has its fullest and most urgent application to speech uttered during a campaign for political office. Discussion of public issues and debate on the qualifications of candidates are integral to the operation of the system of government established by our Constitution."
"For these reasons, political speech [including voting] must prevail against laws that would suppress it, whether by design or inadvertence. Laws that burden political speech [including voting] are subject to strict scrutiny, which requires the Government to prove that the restriction furthers a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest."
"What, exactly, is this "power" that we "actually have"? And how will it, or can it, be used? Please be specific."
Theoretically, the power is through our Constitution. Unfortunately most people (including politicians) are either ignorant or simply don't care about it. Political parties will invoke it only when politically expedient. At a practical level, the biggest power we have is at the ballot box.
We're just going to turn them out of office. They can try to cling to power, and I'm sure there will be claw marks on the floor where we drag them out, but they are going.
They can rig elections where the vote is close. The vote will be about 80-20. They will not be able to hide our disdain for them.
These fascists are going to be scrubbed out of office. And then they are going to be on trial.
Richard, the power is in the many actions that we can and should take.
Are you trying to learn what powers we have or how the powers of our public servants are limited? Are you helping anyone working on any legislation or litigation? Are you helping get people registered to vote or helping them get to places where they can vote (when they can vote)? Are you educating anyone about why or how they should vote or why or how they should take any other action? Are you exercising the freedoms of expression and communication and association to help protect and preserve those freedoms? Are you trying to talk to anyone who might help make a difference?
I do blame the people, many of us. Protests do matter. They represent many and many who cannot but are with us. Elections matter-are you nuts? Vote them out! Run against them! Expand the court after! The military have not been really tested yet but soon will be. Norms matter, now especially when we realize how we depended on them and that they have been BROKEN!!. That tells us what must be done, what must be fixed. When norms are broken you get LAWS.
Your parenthetical is pure defeatism. Yes a psychopathic wannabe dictator has an incredible lineup of support and has put us back on our heels somewhat but also given us a wake up jolt. They, the myrmidons, will outlast him. Other wannabes in waiting will rise- like Vance already getting ready.
Are you going to therefore
1. stay here powerless and spit out hopelessness to the rest of us
2. fight for the social contract we have lived by for almost 250 years
3.abandon ship
I hope you do either #2 or 3.
No matter my written observations/ thoughts, Potter..this nonogenarian old bird will.fight to my last breath for this beloved country...will.never give in to this Nazi-like cabal.!
You are an inspiration!!
Again:
What, specifically, are you going to do?
How are you going to fight?
The protest in Washington D.C., following Trump's first election was one of the largest ever. What did it prevent? What did it change?
Not the overturning of, for example, Roe v. Wade. And not the re-election of the crude, vulgar, racist, cognitively-impaired, draft-dodging, p*ssy-grabbing, pornstar-screwing, rabble-rousing, dictator-loving, ally-betraying, charity-robbing, science-denying, tax-cheating, serial bankrupt, convicted felon, fraudster, rapist and compulsive, inveterate liar.
Again: what, specifically, are you going to do in the face of relentless authoritarianism?
The protest in Washington D.C. showed potential, solidarity, a fraction of how many people who were willing to take a stand. And it continues in small groups everywhere throughout the country. People gain courage and inspiration from each other. Sitting alone spreading your negativism does what? What do you gain? What do you gain here by dragging people down??
So you ask- showing your impatience for results- what did it actually change? Norm Eisen's entries here can answer you specifically if you care to know and read him. It's been proven that Trump stops with enough pushback.
But we are forced to deal with the larger picture because there is a barrage of things happening on many fronts.
Do we roll over? Fight? Are you leaving?
Ultimately we have to believe in elections and make sure they are "free and fair". NOW is the work on that. And we have to vote, and vote them out. We have to PROSECUTE. Bring legal cases. Lots.
You show you are angry. Here above you certainly know all the names to call - which DOES NOTHING!! Maybe it makes you feel better. Yeah you are opposed. But THAT is USELESS. Your anger is misplaced by focussing on the very troops fighting this war on us. You are even turning on me trying to get me on the defensive. Do I have to lay it out for you??? Obviously I include having to fight what you represent..DEFEATISM. So which is it??? 1.,2., or3.?
In the face of authoritarianism, you have nothing concrete, nothing specific.
Many words but your words won't change a thing.
How will you make sure elections are free and fair? How will you stop the blatant gerrymandering planned in Texas?
By bringing "lots and lots of legal cases"?
Trump has been involved in more than 4,000 court cases. Have they ever stopped him? No. And now he has the Supreme Court bending to his will.
Any other suggestions? Or just another blast of impotent hot air?
Do you do ANY research before you shoot off your hot air??
The questions are oppositional directed at me personally when movement happens on concert with those in the right positions and their supporters to help. There are many working on free and fair elections for 2026. There are lots of legal cases being brought. Many are waiting now for rulings. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/projects-series/trials-of-the-trump-administration/tracking-trump-administration-litigation
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2025-lawsuits-against-trump-administration/?embedded-checkout=true
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/us/trump-administration-lawsuits.html (shared link)
YOu don't want answers you just want to project defeatism. One of our greatest dangers at this point is defeatism. You are doing Trump's work. He depends on this method of galloping to overwhelm to get folks like you to say what's the use? I consider you a threat because you are doing worse than not helping. Someone with good will above intimated you are intelligent. This is not smart.
"In the face of authoritarianism, you have nothing concrete, nothing specific."
How, specifically, is Trump an authoritarian? Where, specifically, has he violated the Constitution in ways that have not been addressed through legal actions, including decisions from SCOTUS?
"How will you make sure elections are free and fair?"
Are you stating or implying that our elections are now or will not be "free and fair" in the future? Based on what evidence?
"How will you stop the blatant gerrymandering planned in Texas?"
Thus far, no one has said that what Texas is doing with regards to gerrymandering is illegal. Politically offensive, perhaps, but not illegal.
"Trump has been involved in more than 4,000 court cases. Have they ever stopped him?"
Many of these court decisions (SCOTUS) have defined the limits of presidential power, and that is a good thing.
Again- concerted action. Do your own research instead of being a "nabob of negativism". What are you going to do? Keep nattering negativism, fight or hide/leave. If you keep this up you are a drag and supporting Trump.. might as well vote for him.
Focus now is on the attempts at gerrymandering...
https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/more-states-consider-joining-redistricting-fight-launched-by-trump/
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-states-can-help-local-election-officials-keep-2026-2028-elections
https://www.cisa.gov/cisas-election-services
Richard, what are you doing? Are you trying to learn what powers we have or how the powers of our public servants are limited? Are you helping anyone working on any legislation or litigation? Are you helping get people registered to vote or helping them get to places where they can vote (when they can vote)? Are you educating anyone about why or how they should vote or why or how they should take any other action? Are you exercising the freedoms of expression and communication and association to help protect and preserve those freedoms? Are you trying to talk to anyone who might help make a difference?
Richard, I understand that you are dispirited but you ask a question that is meaningless only because it cannot be answered. The D.C. protest you dismiss DID actually HAPPEN. And you ask what good did it do? That's as unproductive as asking, "What would the situation be had the protest not taken place?" No one can answer either question with certainty. Please stop looking for answers that do not exist. No single action taken now is guaranteed to "make everything all better", the way Mama promises when she puts a Flintstones bandage on the knee of her toddler.
Please keep on. You are a thinker and you are articulate. Please use these uncommon skills to try to make happen what you think needs to happen!
1. I did not dismiss the D.C. protest. I simply used it to point out that Trump, like most authoritarians, is immune to protests (other than seeing them as opportunities to bring out the national guard, or to express a desire to shoot protesters in the legs, or to dismiss the protesters as being "Woke").
2. I, for one, cannot think of a meaningful, effective way to oppose Trump's authoritarianism. Neither can you. However, you propose that I should "please stop looking for answers that do not exist." How is that for hopelessness?
3. America is at a tipping point. Old 'norms' have been discarded. Institutions have been and are being eviscerated. The concept of three co-equal branches of government has been abandoned (by two of the supposedly co-equal branches). The independence of universities and the media is under attack. Facts and data are being manipulated. Blatant corruption is no longer surprising. So let's have a protest or some hearfelt, well-meaning but ultimately meaningless comments on Substack. That will stop the rot.
Here you are 1. focussed not on what we do, but Trump and what HE will do to taking his "expressed desires" as though this is action.
You have been scare-mongered and you are reverberating that.
2. Trump's authoritarian acts are being addressed as they happen. The ultimate way to stop this is impeachment... thus the 2026 election. Until then he will keep us busy opposing each illegal act and taking what countermeasures we can.
This is a process of waking many people up about how their lives are or are going to be affected. We are 7 months into an assault that many people never imagined would happen.. many are disappointed that they voted for this.
3. You are in a panic. Norms have not been "discarded". They have been violated by Trump et al. We still have 3 co-equal branches even though you think otherwise. Universities and the media are fighting back and/or paying heavily for bending. The data manipulation is threatened but there will be repercussions and responses.
Your hopelessness and cynicism is a drag. This is another thing we have to fight... it's not helping. You are in a panic. What are you going to do?
What is your prescription? or are you yelling that nothing is being done while doing nothing but exerting a drag?
"America is at a tipping point."
For those who wish to fearmonger, that's always a good line to start with. We always seem to be at a "tipping point" which implies that some action needs to be taken immediately else the world as we know it is utterly destroyed.
"Old 'norms' have been discarded."
I heard that a lot from the Democrats this past election cycle, only they were the ones who decided what the "norms" were and that Trump/MAGA was breaking every single one. So, which particular "norms" are you addressing?
"Institutions have been and are being eviscerated. The concept of three co-equal branches of government has been abandoned (by two of the supposedly co-equal branches)."
Uh, no. The branches were not intended to be "co-equal". The Founders felt that Congress should have the most power as it made the laws and held the power of the purse. They were the most accountable to the people via direct elections (House) and state legislatures (Senate).
"The independence of universities and the media is under attack."
All the universities have to do is stop taking federal money and all the "strings" that are attached to such. Most of those problems disappear.
The media, for the most part, have become nothing more than cheerleaders for one political ideology or another. They are supposed to report the facts (ALL of them) and let the reader decide.
"Facts and data are being manipulated."
No argument there, and it happens in both the private and public (government) sectors.
"Blatant corruption is no longer surprising."
See my response to "Facts and data are being manipulated".
We know very well what giving up will get us.
But previously, a crowd of protesters skeert Guilty Donnie so badly he hid in his secret bunker and wouldn't come out. He's STILL afraid, and it shows. Doesn't that tell you something about the effectiveness of resistance? This isn't a short game, so Join in or get out of the way.
Dear Richard. Have you read ANY History at all. Start maybe with WW2. Now that guy Hitler and his nasty clone types from other countries trying to subjugate their populations DID loose the fight. Collectively the people will remove Trump.
This is a fact. Get the history books out. And start reading.
I actually think you are a BOT.
Or you need an antidepressant or maybe 2 .
So your answer is "Do Nothing."
What, specifically, do you suggest that will have the slightest influence on Trump and his supporters?
Lawsuits and protests and calls to Congress have not yet defeated President Orwell but if you think they have no influence, read the news. TACO has at times responded to negative PR. Inaction, silence, are appeasement and complicity.
The only time Trump responds to negative PR is when his actions negatively affect the markets (specifically, the bond market).
If you have other examples of Trump changing course due to lawsuits and protests and calls to Congress please share them.
Responding to negative PR when his actions negatively affect markets is...responding. I don't care what his motives are because he has only two motivators: help himself and hurt whoever he thinks has disrespected him.
Thoughtful and on the mark.
Well Richard - a pretty hopeless statement. However I agree with all of it, almost. I am not sure the military will be so compliant when push comes to shove. I hope we do not get to the point where that is severely tested. And elecctions can matter, unless the Republicans completely subvert them as they are trying to do. I imagine a blue wave in 2026 where both House and Senate revert back to Democratic hands. If that could only happen, I think the Trump administration can be neutered. Or if not neutered it would force the administration to go nuclear with a real live coup. I would love to see that happen, and the reaction from the American people. But that 2026 blue wave - at this point it can only be imagined. Making it happen is the big challenge.
Nihilism will not help us get out of this. Our long and complicated history shows us that mass movements of ordinary people do make a difference. It may take a generation to fully restore our democracy and plug our many loopholes, but it’s work we must do for our children and grandchildren. I found that joining my local Indivisible chapter has helped me avoid despair, knowing that there are so many of us who abhor what is happening and want to push back. Courage is contagious!
Richard, please use your mind and your passion for more than mere defeatism ("We, the people, are powerless in the face of authoritarianism.").
We are powerless only if we don't bother to learn what our powers are and how to use them. That's truly the precise reason many people worked very hard to write and ratify our Constitution, our Bill of Rights and laws. See, e.g., "Trump isn't fighting crime in D.C. He's committing crimes in D.C." https://blackcollarcrime.substack.com/p/trump-isnt-fighting-crime-in-dc-hes
Well, OK then, I guess we may as well roll over and play dead. All I can say is I'm glad we the people didn't have your attitude in the 1770s. Or the 1940s. And I'm sorry you choose to be one of the compliant.
Great idea!
It would be great if we could donate money to fund peoples’ trip and lodging in DC on that weekend.
Trump has answered the age-old question, asked since Roman times --- "who will watch the watchers?" You known who I mean -- REPUBLICANS. Where the fuck are Republicans? Where is "concerned" Susan Collins? Where's the primping, preening scumbag Hawley who gave a clenched fist salute to the scum who killed 7 people on January 6? Where's Kentucky Fried Voldemort, other than staring blankly into space and chuckling over his memories of telling a Black president he was entitled to only 3/5 of his term in office? Where's that PHONY Thom Tiliis, already resigned with supposedly nothing to fear? Where the hell are all of them?
He is going to do everything he can think of to stop, ignore, subvert, sabotage, prevent elections next year. AND gerrymander, redistrict his way to stack the deck -- if you don't see that, you need to have your head examined. How will he do that? By means of Republican silence, that's how.
So work like hell to make the GOP extinct. Abraham Lincoln is cheering you (and us) on. Focus on the source of the plague, not just its carriers. Do not count on others saving your republic for you. You must save it for yourselves.
Truly, it's up to We the People to save our democracy. A national strike needs to be in the offing. The GOP sold it's already shriveled soul to MAGA and needs to be replaced as a party.
Yes, people power is one avenue, along with challenges in the courts and vigorous social media campaigns to get the word out on what is really happening and to mobilize the public to take action. As economic conditions deteriorate--and they will--there will be opportunities to shift the narrative and urge the the public to get involved in various ways. I also support the idea of a general strike, but the challenge is to get the backing of the unions, many of which unfortunately support the MAGA agenda. But remember, things can change in a heartbeat--see, for example, the revolutions that swept the (former) Soviet Union republics in the fall of 1989. Nonviolent resistance has a track record of success, as Erica Chenowith and her collaborators have shown. When shit comes down, let's be ready.
They all have offices, staff in DC.
Although they may not be permanent and vote in DC, most Congressional Republicans reside in the District. Should be able to map their residences.
I don't know this for a fact, but I bet they choose to reside in DC over PG County or Alexandria, where there is actual crime.
Crime is everywhere -- in red states, blue cities, purple suburbs. I do not really know, but most Congresscritters probably don't reside in the District. Wherever they do reside, some crime is probably nearby. I don't know of a modern society where this isn't true.
until wealth inequality is addressed, crime will stay. people who commit crimes have nowhere to go, they are frozen in their space and have nothing to lose. don't come back at me with that bootstrap thing because when you are working 3 jobs and still can't afford food AND rent you don't have time to look for those bootstraps. and now the 1% is taking even more...
And the greater the wealth and job disparity, the more crime will become more frequent.
I worked in DC for over 20 years and I knew many that did.
Lobbyists work the dining rooms in the senate and house. Watering holes near the Capitol. In my day, if they wanted access to Republicans, the Monacle, etc. Also the airport. No reason protestors can't lobby.
Common knowledge about the suburbs in DC that have high crime rates. In DC https://www.sftriallawyers.com/blog/most-dangerous-neighborhoods-in-washington-d-c/
Some DC suburbs have virtually no crime. Zillow has stats.
I live here now, and have for decades. I don't care where people live, I care how they vote..
You have immediate access to them because you live there.
This is no "distraction." This is what the big dummy's right of right wingnuts are telling him to do. We've got to continue to hammer our representatives in Congress and let them know they've traitors who have abdicated their duties to check a would-be king. Clearly, someone has already gotten to that crazy woman in Georgia whose name I won't mention here. She's done an about-face, probably because her constituents are crushing her. I play golf in that district, and trust me, it's not what you would call affluent. Her people have probably been adversely affected by her former fearless leader's "policy." If she can be turned, others can. And as The Grifter's polls drop out of sight (37% last week, can we be headed for the 20s soon?), I think more members of Congress will become more afraid of their constituents than they are of him. No one should have to do their jobs based on intimidation, but the sycophants in the GOP need to remember who they're serving, and it's not some career loser/grifter/racist/misogynistic/idiot/scumbag. It's the people. They haven't been doing their jobs since the days of Reagan, when income inequality and the effort to buy off SCOTUS began in earnest.
From your keyboard to God's ears...
Look around you, folks. Things in the US right now are likely the best they will be for the foreseeable future. It won’t be long before institutions and infrastructure start breaking down, and they won’t be repaired. Natural disasters will sweep through some regions, and there will be no relief for the victims, and no rebuilding of their homes and communities. We are sitting ducks in the face of the next communicable disease. It’s not rational anymore to believe these consequences are not imminent.
The DC Mayor really let her city down. She sounds like Susan Collins. Also, I hope the DC attorney general is preparing a lawsuit. And I think every Democratic Senator and Representative should be gathering and traveling all over DC speaking out against the regime.
You haven't the slightest idea about it because you don't live here and have no clue about what DC's bizarre legal status actually permits the Mayor to do. While Mayor Bowser has never been my personal hero, you literally know nothing about the kind of legal straitjacket she faces. Spare your anger for the source of the outrage, not the messenger.
I also think Rubin was a bit heavy-handed in criticizing the mayor. She has a job with a ton of responsibility and very little authority. She's between a rock and a hard spot. I was disappointed in her failure to push back, but I understand it. She needs the cavalry to ride in ... and here we are.
Yes, I agree. The vulnerability of black female leaders, and the singling out of them by 47 truly cause them to be caught between a rock…….
Agree that Alan knows little about it. And if he knew the history of right wing treatment of DC from before the civil war through today his comments would be different. Read and learn sir.
I live in a DC suburb...all I can say is if you drive into DC...don't get lost.
trump and the rest of the current gov will eventually be brought up on charges of treason and derriliction of duty
From your keyboard to the people, to the ballot box.
"Bring lawyers, guns, and money..." Warren Zevon
I know you’re just quoting someone, but our strength should lie in the achievements of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.. Who advocated for nonviolence achieved their ends through nonviolence. So no guns just money and lawyers.
"someone"? Pam, as Hegel said, "We learn from history that we do not learn from history."
OK you quoted Warren Zevon. Why should I listen to him over Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.? my point was guns do not make it better. No matter who he is, he said bring guns money and lawyers.
I appreciate your point about non-violence but be aware that it's a quote from a song. It describes the desperation of someone in deep trouble looking for any and all tools for help. As with a lot of his songs there is a dark sardonic humor about it.
Jeff, it's not even potentially funny or even remotely clever to use any medium or message to encourage anyone to bring a gun to a fight with the government.
OMG, "Cease thy counsel, which falls into mine ears as profitless as water in a sieve!". W Shakespeare.
Sorry, but finding a spot of humor is how I survive.
Hard time summoning up any humor these days, dark and sardonic or otherwise.
And don’t just quibble with my attribution, quibble with the thought that gun shouldn’t be part of the equation
See my reply to Jack, above. Thank you.
And, in reference to an attributed quote, if one wishes one's response to be taken seriously, I suggest referring to the Quotee (hmmm, correct term?) as "someone" does not enforce one's argument.
If one wants to quibble one can, even if they are someone. You take yourself very seriously.
"The shit has hit the fan!"
👍
Yes. Labor Day weekend!!!!!!
I take your point that we are rapidly descending into a lawless banana republic.
Ed, it's not even potentially funny or even remotely clever to use any medium or message to encourage anyone to bring a gun to a fight with the federal government.
I'm reading The Women in the Castle by J. Shattuck about Germany under Hitler. The detail that gave me nightmares was how Hitler set up a mandated youth exercise program to build his army. Kennedy's New fitness requirements parallel this mandate. Scary.
the army of little people will die off soon enough with no vaccines...exercise them all you want
It is time for a National General Strike.
Victories in the courts mean little when they are ignored by Fuhrer (t)Rump and overturned by a less than supreme Court.
Herb, I support this idea - strongly. Strikes work when protests are ignored.
Strikes work when the protests are strong. We aren't there yet.
I agree with this thought, too - but we are getting there! And I think the pace is about to pick up, alot.
It is now the Supine Court.
Rubin writes, "With each passing day, we are getting closer and closer to embodying the characteristics of an authoritarian thugocracy."
Closer and closer? Really? We're SO there already that only the media and out-of-touch government elites can't see it. The only relevant question is will we skulk forward muttering to ourselves (and writing Chuck Schumer-caliber concerned letters), or fight like hell to claw ourselves back?
The sight of APCs (armored personnel carriers) parked on James Madison Drive this morning, katty-korner from the Smithsonian's Museum of African-American History and Culture, the Washington Monument behind them, proves we are now officially a country run by shit-flinging Republican baboons. Normal people are torn between shrieking with disgust or howling with laughter.
The laughter will die off as the price of housing, medical care and food starts imitating the shit. The only consolation is knowing his MAGAzoids are going to get it in the face first.
In DC he needs Congress to extend his authority more than a month. The Home Rule Act gives him the power to use the D.C. police force for “federal purposes” if he determines that there are “special conditions of an emergency nature.” He can use the D.C. police for up to 48 hours, or for up to 30 days if he sends a special message to the leaders of certain congressional committees. To use the D.C. police for longer than 30 days, he would need authorization from Congress.
In an order Monday, Trump said the D.C. police force under his control would protect federal buildings and national monuments, typically a function of federal law enforcement agencies. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/restoring-law-and-order-in-the-district-of-columbia/
A federal law passed in 1878, the Posse Comitatus Act, bars the use of the U.S. military for civilian law enforcement except when authorized by the Constitution or another provision of federal law.
Today, in San Francisco, the Trump takeover of the California National Guard and his marshal law occupation in LA is at trial. "These details emerged during a bench trial currently being held in Los Angeles over Trump’s decision to federalize the California National Guard. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer for the Northern District of California is running a three-day trial this week. The case examines whether the administration broke the Posse Comitatus Act by taking over the California National Guard and deploying it to Los Angeles. Trump ordered the takeover and deployment after protests broke out over Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Southern California.
During testimony on Monday, California called Sherman as a witness. He told an attorney for the state of California that “intelligence” did not indicate a threat to federal functions near MacArthur Park, but that immigration authorities wanted more than 50 military vehicles to drive through the park as part of the operation. Sherman said that he hesitated to go forward with the idea. When the California attorney asked Sherman whether Bovino questioned his “loyalty” to the United States in response, Sherman confirmed that he had.
"The MacArthur Park operation eventually took place on July 7.
"During testimony on Tuesday, DOJ attorneys tried to downplay the operation as extremely limited, and only in support of existing immigration enforcement efforts. That goes to a key distinction under the law: while it’s illegal to use the military for domestic law enforcement purposes (the Insurrection Act is the big exception to this, and the administration never invoked it), they can be used in a supporting role. The DoD, for example, has long provided various forms of logistical support to immigration agencies acting along the U.S.-Mexico border.
"The Trump administration enlarged the definition of “support” to justify using the military to help immigration authorities carry out a crackdown. On Monday, Trump sent the D.C. National Guard into the nation’s capital; though he has more leeway over how to use the D.C. Guard, it’s another example of the creeping presence of troops in American cities.
"What’s key to understand here is that serving as domestic law enforcement is not the mission for the military. It’s not what soldiers join to do; it’s not what they and their commanders spend years training for. The missions are different."
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/where-things-stand/where-things-stand-behind-the-scenes-of-trumps-haphazard-occupation-of-la
'Warfighters' against unarmed brown and black people. 47's wet dream.
“Shit fling…..”. S a perfect description I will now use.
tRump has dragged us a long way down the authoritarian/totalitarian rathole. Inconvenient statistics? Fire the statistician - the ones at CDC and the FBI will be replaced shortly. He is already driving POC off the streets and into hiding or into 'self deportation'. As a consequence, crops are rotting in the fields and on the trees. We will have to learn the lessons of having fanatics running the Government. It will be a dangerous and costly set of lessons
The best way to make the Dear Leader and his Gestapo look like fools is for every resident of DC, including the kids, to create a self-imposed curfew after 9pm. No traffic, deserted streets. Turn DC into a temporary ghost town and let all of those National Guardians and FBI agents and DC police sit around with absolutely nothing to do. Except for a real emergency, stay home at night for the next 30 days.
A problem with that is, I can see “dear leader“ taking credit for those empty crimeless streets. It would be a lie, but what would he care? Unless there is reporting via the citizens for making clear what they’re doing I can see this becoming a PR windfall for the president and his DOJ minions.
He's going to take credit anyway, deserved or not (99.9% not, of course). It's still a good idea, a good tactic. But not the only one. It takes many, coming from all directions at once.
BTW, I work in DC. With camera ready.
“ BTW, I work in DC. With camera ready.”
Excellent!
I just hope I'm making a difference, even if that difference isn't immediately visible. The existence of anything unusual is not visible on my daily route. So far. That doesn't mean there is no martial law.
Great ideal
I heard on WTOP radio this morning that the National Guard had troops around The Washington Monument. I'm in DC frequently and the one area of the city where you should be least concerned about crime is on the National Mall and the Smithsonian.
Yes, that smacks of security theater for social media.
Where are the young people! Somebody said oh they’re at work or attending their children. Well, take a day off and do something important that will affect the rest of your life. I’m sick of reading all these comments from obviously older people. And I look around me and everything looks normal. Nobody’s hair is on fire like it should be. I’m kind of sick of doing everything for everybody. I’ll be dead soon but they won’t be.
SO true, Pam!!! Where are the younger people??? This regime and intended plans for the future will turn their lives into a dystopian (Gilead) existence for their lifetimes and their children’s. Where’s the concern??? The apathy is alarming.
I think us elders are out there and speaking up because we actually learned history in school. We remember or were taught what society was in the 1950s. We lived through all the chaos of making laws that made our society more equitable. These young people really don't have a clue what life was like before Brown v Board Education, Voting Rights act or Roe V Wade. Also our fathers actually fought fascism in a war that ended 80 years ago this week.
So So So true! Where are All those young men who voted for this disaster and put
Republican assholes in charge of their lives. Good damn luck
I wish I was optimistic that we can turn from this but I no longer feel that we can. I’m 70 now, a Gold Star wife and mom and daughter of a WW2 vet. They would all be appalled at the use of military this pathetic wannabe despot has embraced. We need a whole rebranding of the Democratic Party with new blood and leadership. I hope the party can find their way to say thanks and goodbye to the current old white male guard leadership.
Time is indeed running out but - you know what? It's running out for Trump, also. His mental acuity is clearly deteriorating, rapidly. I realize that his cabinet members are behind much of what is happening, but if Trump is absented, change will occur on the ground. Trump is a form of lynch pin with the people that voted him in. They did not vote in Vance.
Thank you for your analysis but a small paragraph @ the end :”The only solution is fighting everything, everywhere, all at once. Litigation may not always succeed, but both lawsuits, political action, and community engagement …” could be enhanced with bullets that make suggestions of what to do or links to organizations.