244 Comments

So, so thankful for THE CONTRARIAN.

Now, we need Dem lawmakers giving constant press conferences, podcasts, Bluesky posts, etc.

Use this time when you have little legislative power to COMMUNICATE!

We need VISIBILITY!

There’s a huge army of grassroots volunteers working our tails off. We need visible LEADERSHIP! And if you can’t keep up or need to step away, get out of the way!

Be like our CONTRARIAN heroes!

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Cathy, I love what you said. I called both my senators earlier today to tell them people are wondering where the Democratic Party is, why elected Dems aren't leading the opposition against Trump. Are they waiting for the lawyers and judges to be the only ones to defend our democracy?

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This is all very helpful. I will tell you living in TX is a double ugh….I think I will start contacting D senators, too! Two of our three kiddos have left the state and are raising their families elsewhere. These MAGA principles are not quality of life friendly!

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We need to write to Republican congressmen and senators too. They need to hear from dissatisfied constituents more than the Dems.

Do you know of the Texas congressman James Tallerico? He is fabulous. Look him up on YouTube. He is an up and.coming good guy. He refutes ruining public schools and Christian nationalism. He is so well spoken.

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I wrote to my CA senators and representative today - telling them we require action! Cohesive voice. Contrasts. etc.

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Writing to the gop senators in Texas is like screaming in a void. We do have Lloyd Doggett.

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Do it anyway. If they get inundated with letters they may get some spine.

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You are on target! I’ve been screaming the same thing!

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No Head Start ! No food for children nor seniors! Have we lost our mind?

ENOUGH!!! WHERE DO I MARCH?

At 83, where do i march? Lorna Bourg

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2dEdited

I'm 75, I'm going to march alongside you, and our allies, wherever we can go, and be loud and be clear.

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We'd be tazed and pepper sprayed, and displayed for anyone who may cross him in the future to see their fate. I don't think a peaceful march is going to do any more than serve his power to intimidate.

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Are you kidding? To quote Tom Petty, Stand me up at the gates of Hell, I won't back down! I am 67 and I will not be bullied.

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Might give congress some spine!

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He wants to practice us as military targets so I, too, am weary of marching…

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The immoral assholes who've convinced themselves they just won a "mandate" must truly hate this country. Though I try to remain strong, the 10-day blitzshit has just knocked the wind out of me so far --- which is what they intended, of course. I never believed things would be OK, but am startled to see just how much havoc and chaos malice and illegality they're trying to generate. Stay strong, one and all.

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I listed out all the things I want to write to my Republican senator. Dang it is a long list. I think I will write him multiple letters and ask him to get a spine.

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Just 10 days. What will a month look like? I don’t want to know

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Moi aussi— the sheer nastiness takes my breath away— actually one could call it sheer sadistic pleasure they may or may not enjoy since many of these A-holes have no capacity for empathy— but for normal people with hearts, minds and souls their action in such a short time are brain numbing. Oh it’s bad but it’s going to get much worse and many of us will get really worn down just from the sheer effort of keeping the chaos at bay…

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Yep!

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I'm a tad younger than you but no spring chicken. My marching days are done! What I would do is wear a T shirt or cap that says "The Contrarian" on it. Where's the merch???

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We must insist that from the towns, villages, little settlements, from rural America who elected anyone to not stand for such a disruption that is to make the "golden age" not one that only a dictator and his rich pals get the gold and we get the shaft! Nope! Not in our democracy! Lorna Bourg

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Yes: dictator. Not presidential in the least meaning of the word. Good on you, Lorna!

Even Melania has returned, suddenly beaming (though wearing a kiss-proof hat), ever since (I heard) Bezos offered her 40 million to film a series for Prime about living in the White House. Anyone else wonder why she came back? True love???

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David Axelrod said yesterday I. Austin, that the young must step up. It can’t be those in the manisphere.

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Those in the manisphere wouldn't want to, anyway. Their idols are in charge.

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We should have been having marches daily. He thinks he’s untouchable

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At least write your reps.

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Thank you for bringing Paul Krugman into the fold!

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You know Trump has terrified most retired people or those on SS disability or Medicare !

He is a criminal with no idea of how people depend o. Their SS and Medicare! His lack of compassion and integrity is beyond comprehension. He just does not care

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He is a psychopath

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Caligula

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We should refer to him as Caligula. He won't know who he is. 😂

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How about calling his minions the Droogs? Reference to Clockwork Orange.

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No, they went around raping people. Need we emphasize that?

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Hell, he identifies with Hannibal Lecter.

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He and his rich friends don't rely on government services (altho they happily take it), so why would he worry? The vote is over, he's a lame duck, why please his base? It was never his intention to take care of them, or anyone for that matter. It's a free-for-all - for those who are rich and can play and pay.

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He is not gonna change! But congress needs a spine!

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I. Don’t trust him. He could declare himself king.

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It's a given that -- if he isn't dead by 2028 -- he'll run again, Constitution or no Constitution. He has already stated this multiple times. He'll run again, and they'll let him. Where is #Luigi when we need him?

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It's debilitating to see the news every day. I look forward to any light than can help keep the darkness at bay. However, while I won't hold me breath, I sincerely hope the morons in Congress grow a pair and prevent the imminent destruction around the corner.

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Regarding growing a pair, if you mean ovaries, then yes indeed. But if you mean cojones, then no thank you. That’s how we got into this mess.

Good times!

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Great reply. I suggested that my congressman sneak up behind republicans & inject them with spines!😂🤣 💉💉💉💉💉 🩻🩻🩻🩻🩻

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What we need is The Flame of Tar Valon to blind these Dark Friends and Forsaken. However, when epic fantasy doesn’t work I just tune into Designated Survivor to watch Kiefer play the benevolent yet hapless potus.

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It'll be more debilitating in a concentration/reeducation camp friend....

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Yes it will

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I am so grateful and proud to all journalists who are standing against power.

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I am too. These are true journalists bringing us truth and facts that we can depend on. Thank you, all of you.

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Liking the change to twice a day emails that include links to particular things we might want to check out. Thank you for listening to feedback.

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Yay for all those who dare to resist, to speak out, to call out, to dig out the facts, identify the frauds and keep us informed of the truth.

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Yes-we’re all trying to avoid the Handmaid’s Tale.

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And 1984.

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Loved the chat Norm had with Jim! Joined Jim as a paid subscriber and bought a year for my boyfriend too💙. Thrilled to support journalistic integrity! Thanks for everything you're doing! I'm loving it!

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If you live in New Mexico, consider signing up for "Searchlight New Mexico". A piece there today describes how Native Americans in our state are being targeted as "illegal aliens" because ICE has no idea that they are American citizens as well as citizens of their own tribal nation. Terrible. You might want to look at this piece even if you don't live in NM!

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They are the first Americans! What a sickening bunch of government thugs.

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My sister lives in Sant Fe. We talk frequently so I’m sure she’ll share all the details. I also get a monthly New Mexico magazine & expect to see an op-ed about what’s happening in this lovely & magical state.

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I hope New Mexico magazine covers this issue. And it will affect every state with Native Americans, which means a very large number of states! I hope people who read this will see the handwriting on the wall.

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I think Schumer’s asleep at the wheel

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Pardon me for saying so, but I think Schumer's asleep most of the time these days.

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yeah, but I'm kinda grateful for him sticking around during this demoralization era, can't blame him for feeling overlooked and misunderstood, but he's there playing the role despite everything. It matters.

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I'd much rather have a bold minority Senate leader who is uniting his party and leading the fight against fascism.

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I just watched Norm and Jim Acosta. I am incredibly grateful to have Substack, to have The Contrarian, to turn to to understand what is happening and to consider how to take a stand against the autocracy that we find ourselves being overwhelmed by. One bit of advice I took away from Heather Cox Richardson was to find a focus to help us to be productively engaged and not simply overwhelmed. I have chosen the April 1 election for the Supreme Court in Wisconsin. This is a hugely consequential election in a hugely consequential state, the tipping point state of national politics. I am committing to help Susan Crawford to prevail on 4/1 and to keep the 4-3 liberal majority of the court. Elon Musk is putting his voice, and doubtless his money, behind the GOP nominee. I will keep my focus there, as well as checking in here to be informed of the bigger picture. Thank you to every single person who is here providing us with truth, community and the encouragement to carry on. With immense GRATITUDE!!

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I’m so grateful for you all. 🙏🏻

These are very frightening times, and knowing you intelligent, wonderful people are fighting for democracy makes me feel better. Happy to be a subscriber!

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The paradox is that we are facing a highly regimented attempt to flood us with chaos and confusion. Trump is being handled in a meticulous manner, and every thrust of the dagger is carefully planned and timed. This makes me wonder who is the controlling hand for the Great Pageant.

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Stephen Miller - he is pure evil.

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reincarnated SS

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Ironically Jewish to boot.

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Leonard Leo & gang perhaps

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Bravo! This new democratic media is exactly what we need, and you're siphoning off the best of the best. Keep it up. Let us know how we can help.

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Aside from valued luminaries, I am waiting to read or otherwise hear from the chiefs of corporate America. For all their assumed interest in how Trump's antics will benefit them, personally, and their financial business interests, I think it is fair to note that tens of thousands of their employees might be on the verge of losing their stake as a result of this 'reawakening' of America. Forget the cost of bacon and eggs. How about their medical insurance, 401Ks, and just holding on to their jobs! Maybe I'm being too fanciful here, but the bomber in the White House is dipping into his arsenal in ways that will leave few people on the proverbial 'main street' untouched.

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And most of those Main Street people haven’t felt the cold hand yet, so they are going about their lives whistling past the grave yard.

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