24 Comments
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Philip Pearle's avatar

Jennifer, I don't think your comments about Schumer are correct. Which surprised me, because usually your understanding of issues is excellent. The point is that, if the government has no money, Trump is then given the power to decide what should not be funded, and the courts then cannot curb him, he cannot be sued as he can now. It was a choice between bad and worse, and he rightfully chose bad. And, also, the democrats cannot be blamed now for Trump's tanking the economy. And, also, he allowed senators to publicly take a principled stand, while many privately were relieved that there was no shutdown. He knew he would be blamed, and took it on himself. This is heroic behavior. You might want to listen to his interview with Chris Hayes where he gave good, properly nuanced, and to me, convincing, reasoning behind his decision.

It's Come To This's avatar

Agree. This was one issue where both Jennifer Rubin and Norm Ornstein both kind of left me. As a former federal employee, I've been through more than a few shutdowns back in the days before Republicans truly jumped the shark. Back then, they just wanted concessions, sometimes draconian ones. Today, they just want to destroy government itself. They were hoping Schumer would take the bait. He disappointed them. It's bought us some time --- as well as a functioning government.

Robert Lastick's avatar

This is a very, very complicated situation. Schumer did what he thought best. Do not let that divide us. Work together to impeach Trump!

Erica Bersin, BCPA's avatar

He’s LITERALLY doing that anyway. Schumer has always been spineless. During Trump 1.0 it was Pelosi doing all of the hard work, as women always do.

Daniel Solomon's avatar

From Meidas "… Commerce Secretary and Chief Huckster Howard Lutnick was on Fox last night urging their audience to support Musk by buying Tesla stock immediately: “Buy Tesla. It’s unbelievable that this guy’s stock is this cheap. I mean, who wouldn’t invest in Elon Musk?”

"… Lutnick also said Musk is going to sell us robots soon who will take care of all our household tasks: “We are all going to be buying robots - they are going to cost around $30,000. You’re going to be buying a Tesla robot, and anybody who does not buy a Tesla robot is going to be silly.”

"… The White House has now been turned into a Tesla dealership with Fox as a full time Tesla Shopping Network."

IMHO Musk, Trump and Lutnick should be jailbait. Is Lutnick an investor? Does he hold Tesla?

Meanwhile, please report on Feathers of Hope. Murkowski, manhy others are now speaking out. Shared government?

patricia's avatar

the people who put trump musk nutlick there can't even buy eggs...how are they supposed to buy tesla stock

Robert Lastick's avatar

It is a crime to buy Tesla stock.

Daniel Solomon's avatar

The point is it's a crime!

If these are "public servants" all profits should go to the Treasury.

LaurieOregon's avatar

A nationwide peaceful mobilization, Hands Off!, is set for April 5, organized by Indivisible, 50501, and numerous other democracy groups. Check at handsoff2025.com for a protest near you, or organize one of your own. A great toolkit is at handsoff2025.com. Stop the coup!

Steve's avatar

Can somebody look into the military troop buildup at the Mexico border. I live about 12 miles from the border. All I am getting is some local news about numbers but not much else. I do know that these units are not just support level but some rapid response troops along with Stryker units, chopper units including Chinook heavy choppers. Around 9000 troops here already and more to come but very little coverage. I think this is very concerning. What are they planning while everyone is looking elsewhere? If anyone knows please share. This needs looking into. Combat troops and equipment at the border. Thanks for listening

Robert Lastick's avatar

This is what happens when we fiddle while Rome burns!

Sharon Rippner's avatar

Please help spread the word about this Project 2025 tracker—it is user friendly, clear and precisely showing how quickly Project 2025 is being implemented. Www.project2025.observer

Robert Lastick's avatar

We missed our chance when we put up for nomination Trump for our next president. We could have nipped it at its bud!

Robert Lastick's avatar

I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for you and a tip of the old hat to both you, Jen and Prof. Ben-Ghiat for your insights into the building of a Fascist state. Understanding what we are facing is, undoubtedly, the primary path to its solution.

But the thing that truly sends shivers up my spine is the realization of just how little is being done to save our country from the jaws of Fascism and authoritarian rule.

1. I see few large companies standing up in defense of democracy and some (like Walmart) actually dissolving DEI programs.

2. I see few lawyers and no legal offices fighting back.

3. I see the media creating an enormous smoke screen flooding us with millions of facts, what about this or that, this guy is X and that guy is Y, and Z is ahead. This, in my opinion, has effectively created a screen that these fascists hide behind. We are all being led every which way while Trump, and his Fascist congressmen, take over American Democracy. It is shameful!

Is American Democracy so unpopular that 10's of millions of people would simply sit back and do nothing in the face of their countries takeover?? How many have fought and died for democracy?!

Where is the knight in shining armor? Who IS actually ready to stand up tall for American Democracy??

I see no one . I see little (besides, of course, you true patriots at the Contrarian, ready to stand tall for America. To you, I bow deeply and slowly.

Kim E Jones's avatar

I am trying to find the 15 things you can do article. Can someone point me to it? It had a posted date of Mar 18 but I want to find it again and print it.

Kim E Jones's avatar

Never mind. I found it!

leslie nyman's avatar

Please begin to talk about how to stop Trump and Musk. The courts are, indeed, active. But what can be done when they simply refuse to obey?

Margaret Tiger's avatar

I think we shouldn't use the acronym DEI . Every time we should say "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of all people in hiring & community life, a concept to which Republicans are completely opposed" 😬

Robert Lastick's avatar

"They" are currently turning our country into a Fascist state. They all should be in the slammer or deported.

Leslie Kjellstrand's avatar

2 things: I don't see the Contrarian Live because I'm busy. Do you tape it and stream it?

Also, I have several SubStack memberships, but can't afford to follow all that I would like to. It seems like more are coming on board every day. Help?

Irena's avatar

ALL live interviews and chats are available in print on The Contrarian site via transcripts some time after they air. Can't help with "several memberships" issue :)