I didn’t realize how big the protests have gotten. C-Span surprisedly televised one of Governor Walz’s town hall. Broadcast media isn’t doing itself any favors by not covering the protests. I am just about weaned off of network and cable news. I have to say who ever protested in front of Congressman Comer’s office in Kentucky in chicken suits-I really needed to see that. ❤️
Well, through this independent organizing of town hall meetings, I have found out that the largest daily in Arkansas "the Arkansas Democrat Gazette) is not to be trusted. I have read it is "right-leaning," but come to find out it is more in the category of OAN, Fox, etc.
Case in point: A town hall meeting was organized in Arkansas District 2 on the evening of March 18, 2025. The US Rep. for this district, French Hill, as well as the two US Senators from Arkansas (Boozeman and Cotton) were invited. Hill texted the organizer to decline the invitation, the two senators didn't bother with any reply. Needless to say, they didn't show up, they had a more important date that night: A $7,000 a plate fund raiser fir Cotton at a secret location.
In any case, approximately 800 people showed up (I was one of the many), which was far beyond the organizers wildest expectations, and the hall was bursting at the seams. As expected, everyone was unhappy with muskrat and the orange felon, especially lots of veterans and retired military, as well as what is happening in Washington, DC.
Although the Arkansas Democrat Gazette announced the scheduled town hall three or so days ahead of time, not one article was published by it after the fact. The only report to be found anywhere in Arkansas was by the Arkansas Times.
So thank you, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, you are saving me $39/month for a subscription for your "news"paper.
Update: my memory is not what it used to be. In my original post I forgot to mention that I wrote an email to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on Wednesday, March 20, asking why they had not reported on the town hall. So far no answer.
Is it possible to have transcripts of these important discussions? I cannot spent 20 minutes to read the captions (I wear hearing aids and I cannot use earphones.) I'm sure I'm not the only one who prefers reading the transcripts. Thanks for considering this.
Patricia--there is a "transcript" button you can click to the right of the "share" button just below the title of the piece underneath the video. Hope this helps
I like the emphasis on not traveling a long way, but putting up a local protest where you are - to a degree. I have a problem with the dilution of numbers with at least six events within say, 10 miles of me, in this very liberal area. Ho hum, 200 people in this liberal town, another 500 in this liberal town, etc. - who's going to cover that? I'd rather see one or two centralized events if we want the media to take notice. I also expect, if a lot of people have the same thought, they would be more likely to come out to increase numbers at a major event.
I love Ezra Levin's energy and enthusiasm - he had lots of good information too. My friends and I will all be there in Augusta Maine on April 5th. I wonder if Jared Golden plans to join us.
I’ll be in auburn Maine that day. Was just also wondering if Jared would see the strength in our resolve and trust in our determination and belief in democracy.
Ezra Levin is very impressive. He’s articulate and passionate and likable. I am no expert in politics, so maybe I’m off base, but here are some thoughts: The anti-Trump movement should not be associated with any one element of a political party or even one political party. It should include all groups and individuals interested in preserving American democracy and opposing Trump’s moves toward autocracy.
To have Indivisible identified as the main driving force of the anti-Trump movement—for it to be the face of that movement— carries a risk of narrowing that movement. Here are some reasons: 1) The Indivisible website says the following at https://indivisible.org/about: “We face two fundamental problems: first, our democracy was rigged from the start in favor of the white and wealthy.” Here Indivisible is attacking the very democracy that the march is supposed to support by saying it was “rigged” toward a certain group; 2) the words “in favor of the white and wealthy” may turn off people who are white and wealthy. I could be included in that category although I don’t think of myself that way.
My idea is this: Have a broad coalition that includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents. I don’t think Ezra Levin would disagree with that because he mentioned 5051, groups from Reddit, etc. The coalition could be overseen by a board that has maybe five members and at least one Democrat, one Republican (maybe Mitt Romney? maybe Paul Ryan?) and one independent. The board could also have representatives from large groups, such as veterans.
Very importantly, the message would not be diluted by Democratic messages about universal healthcare, free choice, taxation policies, anti-racism, or any other such issues that potential allies in the anti-Trump movement might disagree with. I say that because at a recent town hall meeting given by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Golden, Colorado, I heard Bennet talk about free choice, universal health care, and other issues that I think were beside the point and had the potential of alienating people who might want to be part of a broad anti-Trump coalition. People were mainly there to hear about how to stop Trump and preserve our American democracy and the separation of powers in that democracy. That’s the key issue, and Americans of all political leanings can agree on that issue.
One idea I had for the name of the coalition was “the Allies.” This would harken back to World War II and the efforts of the free world to defeat totalitarianism. The board could pick a spokesperson, but the spokesperson would stress that the Allies are focused on one thing: preserving constitutional democracy and stopping Trump and his march toward totalitarianism. I believe the Allies could say that this extends to preserving freedom for the entire world, including Ukraine, because U.S. freedom is tied to the freedom of its allies and the strength provided to the U.S. through alliances such as NATO.
The Allies should form as an organization before the April 5 rally and be the face of the April 5 rally. Maybe I’m out of my league here, but those are my current thoughts on that issue.
Here are some other comments: I’ve made an internal commitment to spend at least an hour a day toward trying to preserve our democracy. When others have given their lives, I think that’s a small price to pay. If 500,000 Contrarian subscribers devoted an hour a day toward this effort, I would think that the power of 500,000 person-hours per day would be awesome.
Even if a Republican senator or member of the house is outside my district, I can still communicate with that senator or representative through X (Twitter), replying to the legislator’s most recent post, which can be found with a Google search of "most recent X post by Sen. so and so. My reply can have at least three links to anti-Trump stories or videos. I can also use regular mail to communicate with legislators outside my district.
All legislators, in their oath of office, “solemnly swear” to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic … so help me God.”
So a broad-based effort by 500,000 Contrarians to communicate with those Republicans who voted yes on Ukraine in 2024, reminding them of their oaths of office, could be a strategy that might be helpful. All legislators take an oath. So protecting the Constitution goes beyond “Democrat” or “Republican” or “liberal” or “conservative” or “left” or “right.”
We’re talking freedom here, as represented by our constitutional democracy, and legislators of both parties made a solemn vow to defend it.
I apologize for the length and thanks for reading. I’ll be there on April 5.
"They're coming for everything," as though anything the Two Fuhrers don't personally use, do, or like is "waste." Whereas civic-minded people acknowledge that OTHERS benefit from using, doing, or liking some things that we may not, and so we agree to fund them. If you will only support that which falls within the perimeters of your own life ... YOU SHOULD NOT BE PART OF THE CIVIC CONVERSATION. (Translation for Trump: This means you don't get to be president.)
Ezra Levin is so right ... dems all need to be calling out the #47 administration and pointing to oath of office to preserve, protect, defend the constitution as well as make sure laws are executed as intended. Many, many examples with the power grab, ignoring court orders, coming after veterans, social security, medicaid, etc... and just flat out lying ... match campaign promises to actions since taking office. It can get people's attention. Most everyone knows or is someone that benefits from social security, medicaid, is a veteran, or been impacted by disaster.
In every letter to my R representative, R Senators I have included the question: will you abide by your oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States?
I'm not sure that I understand your comment. In what way has Indivisible been unwelcoming and/or unorganized in "your area"? In what ways were you stonewalled?
Write to the broadcast and cable media— ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, PBS, C-SPAN, etc— and ask them why they aren’t covering the protests nationwide?!
I didn’t realize how big the protests have gotten. C-Span surprisedly televised one of Governor Walz’s town hall. Broadcast media isn’t doing itself any favors by not covering the protests. I am just about weaned off of network and cable news. I have to say who ever protested in front of Congressman Comer’s office in Kentucky in chicken suits-I really needed to see that. ❤️
Me too!
I will!
Well, through this independent organizing of town hall meetings, I have found out that the largest daily in Arkansas "the Arkansas Democrat Gazette) is not to be trusted. I have read it is "right-leaning," but come to find out it is more in the category of OAN, Fox, etc.
Case in point: A town hall meeting was organized in Arkansas District 2 on the evening of March 18, 2025. The US Rep. for this district, French Hill, as well as the two US Senators from Arkansas (Boozeman and Cotton) were invited. Hill texted the organizer to decline the invitation, the two senators didn't bother with any reply. Needless to say, they didn't show up, they had a more important date that night: A $7,000 a plate fund raiser fir Cotton at a secret location.
In any case, approximately 800 people showed up (I was one of the many), which was far beyond the organizers wildest expectations, and the hall was bursting at the seams. As expected, everyone was unhappy with muskrat and the orange felon, especially lots of veterans and retired military, as well as what is happening in Washington, DC.
Although the Arkansas Democrat Gazette announced the scheduled town hall three or so days ahead of time, not one article was published by it after the fact. The only report to be found anywhere in Arkansas was by the Arkansas Times.
So thank you, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, you are saving me $39/month for a subscription for your "news"paper.
Update: my memory is not what it used to be. In my original post I forgot to mention that I wrote an email to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on Wednesday, March 20, asking why they had not reported on the town hall. So far no answer.
Thank you SO much.
The two empowering town halls that I joined were organized by Indivisible.
Again, thank you.
Is it possible to have transcripts of these important discussions? I cannot spent 20 minutes to read the captions (I wear hearing aids and I cannot use earphones.) I'm sure I'm not the only one who prefers reading the transcripts. Thanks for considering this.
Patricia--there is a "transcript" button you can click to the right of the "share" button just below the title of the piece underneath the video. Hope this helps
Thank you for pointing this out to me!
I prefer reading; it's faster than the videos. I always use the transcripts. Enjoy, and best wishes, friend.
I like the emphasis on not traveling a long way, but putting up a local protest where you are - to a degree. I have a problem with the dilution of numbers with at least six events within say, 10 miles of me, in this very liberal area. Ho hum, 200 people in this liberal town, another 500 in this liberal town, etc. - who's going to cover that? I'd rather see one or two centralized events if we want the media to take notice. I also expect, if a lot of people have the same thought, they would be more likely to come out to increase numbers at a major event.
I love Ezra Levin's energy and enthusiasm - he had lots of good information too. My friends and I will all be there in Augusta Maine on April 5th. I wonder if Jared Golden plans to join us.
I’ll be in auburn Maine that day. Was just also wondering if Jared would see the strength in our resolve and trust in our determination and belief in democracy.
Ezra Levin is very impressive. He’s articulate and passionate and likable. I am no expert in politics, so maybe I’m off base, but here are some thoughts: The anti-Trump movement should not be associated with any one element of a political party or even one political party. It should include all groups and individuals interested in preserving American democracy and opposing Trump’s moves toward autocracy.
To have Indivisible identified as the main driving force of the anti-Trump movement—for it to be the face of that movement— carries a risk of narrowing that movement. Here are some reasons: 1) The Indivisible website says the following at https://indivisible.org/about: “We face two fundamental problems: first, our democracy was rigged from the start in favor of the white and wealthy.” Here Indivisible is attacking the very democracy that the march is supposed to support by saying it was “rigged” toward a certain group; 2) the words “in favor of the white and wealthy” may turn off people who are white and wealthy. I could be included in that category although I don’t think of myself that way.
My idea is this: Have a broad coalition that includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents. I don’t think Ezra Levin would disagree with that because he mentioned 5051, groups from Reddit, etc. The coalition could be overseen by a board that has maybe five members and at least one Democrat, one Republican (maybe Mitt Romney? maybe Paul Ryan?) and one independent. The board could also have representatives from large groups, such as veterans.
Very importantly, the message would not be diluted by Democratic messages about universal healthcare, free choice, taxation policies, anti-racism, or any other such issues that potential allies in the anti-Trump movement might disagree with. I say that because at a recent town hall meeting given by U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Golden, Colorado, I heard Bennet talk about free choice, universal health care, and other issues that I think were beside the point and had the potential of alienating people who might want to be part of a broad anti-Trump coalition. People were mainly there to hear about how to stop Trump and preserve our American democracy and the separation of powers in that democracy. That’s the key issue, and Americans of all political leanings can agree on that issue.
One idea I had for the name of the coalition was “the Allies.” This would harken back to World War II and the efforts of the free world to defeat totalitarianism. The board could pick a spokesperson, but the spokesperson would stress that the Allies are focused on one thing: preserving constitutional democracy and stopping Trump and his march toward totalitarianism. I believe the Allies could say that this extends to preserving freedom for the entire world, including Ukraine, because U.S. freedom is tied to the freedom of its allies and the strength provided to the U.S. through alliances such as NATO.
The Allies should form as an organization before the April 5 rally and be the face of the April 5 rally. Maybe I’m out of my league here, but those are my current thoughts on that issue.
Here are some other comments: I’ve made an internal commitment to spend at least an hour a day toward trying to preserve our democracy. When others have given their lives, I think that’s a small price to pay. If 500,000 Contrarian subscribers devoted an hour a day toward this effort, I would think that the power of 500,000 person-hours per day would be awesome.
Even if a Republican senator or member of the house is outside my district, I can still communicate with that senator or representative through X (Twitter), replying to the legislator’s most recent post, which can be found with a Google search of "most recent X post by Sen. so and so. My reply can have at least three links to anti-Trump stories or videos. I can also use regular mail to communicate with legislators outside my district.
All legislators, in their oath of office, “solemnly swear” to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic … so help me God.”
Those Republican members of the House who might be most willing to honor that sworn oath to defend the constitution could be the ones who broke with the majority of Republicans in their party in voting for aid to Ukraine in April 2024. There is a graph that lists the representatives who voted yes on Ukraine at https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/04/20/us/politics/ukraine-israel-foreign-aid-vote.html. There is also a list of Republican senators who broke with their party and voted yes on Ukraine in February 2024. See https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/12/us/politics/republican-defectors-ukraine-aid.html.
The Ukraine/Russia issue might be the one in which Trump is most out of touch with the American people. (See https://youtu.be/9yMZt4sWhhg?si=RX5knvCFzXUGk-hl .)
So a broad-based effort by 500,000 Contrarians to communicate with those Republicans who voted yes on Ukraine in 2024, reminding them of their oaths of office, could be a strategy that might be helpful. All legislators take an oath. So protecting the Constitution goes beyond “Democrat” or “Republican” or “liberal” or “conservative” or “left” or “right.”
We’re talking freedom here, as represented by our constitutional democracy, and legislators of both parties made a solemn vow to defend it.
I apologize for the length and thanks for reading. I’ll be there on April 5.
Tom Locke, Golden, Colorado
Indivisible does coordinate with other groups such as 50501
Excellent information here. I’m checking out your links.
In our state, we are gathering in our capital city of Montpelier!
I love Ezra, love Indivisible, but hanging a Telecaster on the wall like an ornament is a crime.
You made me smile! Thanks!
"They're coming for everything," as though anything the Two Fuhrers don't personally use, do, or like is "waste." Whereas civic-minded people acknowledge that OTHERS benefit from using, doing, or liking some things that we may not, and so we agree to fund them. If you will only support that which falls within the perimeters of your own life ... YOU SHOULD NOT BE PART OF THE CIVIC CONVERSATION. (Translation for Trump: This means you don't get to be president.)
Thank you!! For the tools and inspiration!
Ezra Levin is so right ... dems all need to be calling out the #47 administration and pointing to oath of office to preserve, protect, defend the constitution as well as make sure laws are executed as intended. Many, many examples with the power grab, ignoring court orders, coming after veterans, social security, medicaid, etc... and just flat out lying ... match campaign promises to actions since taking office. It can get people's attention. Most everyone knows or is someone that benefits from social security, medicaid, is a veteran, or been impacted by disaster.
In every letter to my R representative, R Senators I have included the question: will you abide by your oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States?
No response, of course.
I’m on my way with 2 friends to get on a bus for DC! So excited to get off my couch and actually do something productive about this INSANITY!!!!
Indivisible is fantastic!
I'm not sure that I understand your comment. In what way has Indivisible been unwelcoming and/or unorganized in "your area"? In what ways were you stonewalled?
My sister started her own unaffiliated neighborhood group. That way, you get to pick who joins!