Thank you Jennifer, and everyone at The Contrarian. You are doing a vital service by reporting the TRUTH, and working through the courts to hold Trump accountable.
"We can begin to restore constitutional order with sustained, robust, and peaceful protest to educate the public and hold Republicans responsible for serial outrages. Democrats should be encouraged to use every device to stop the slide into fascism and focus on Trump’s multiple outrages and broken promises."
As usual, Ms. Rubin's forceful but inarguable truth-telling makes me cry. And strengthens my resolve that we won't go down without a fight.
One addition to the plan for revival must be some restrictions on campaign finance. Citizens United is yet another root of the evil that is destroying our great country.
Yes!! You nailed a point that Jen implicitly understood. John Roberts' political court courted disaster with the Citizens' United decision, opening the floodgates of corruption with the unlimited flow of money, transforming us from a government of, for, and by "the People" to one owned by rich industry, and oligarchs. If we lose free and fair elections, I shudder to consider our options. Our solace is in the patriotic "greats," like Norm, Marc Elias, the ACLU, and other true democracy defenders, along with brave judges, who continue to know and respect the Rule of Law, wielding it like a weapon of justice in fighting for our rights. There is a battle taking place in this country, requiring our courage, protest, and vote!
I agree 100%! Jen and everyone involved with the Contrarian is making a huge difference, and giving us all an anchor to actual reality. We'll need that as we work to rebuild our constitutional democracy. It's vital as well that we are all involved--in protests, in speaking with our Congressional representatives, and in voting and making our collective voices heard.
U.S. citizens living, serving, or studying abroad—you can vote from wherever you are! 🌍 Visit https://votefromabroad.org to register and request your overseas ballot.
It’s quick, free, and valid for all elections in 2026. Need help? Write to help@votefromabroad.org.
Vote from Abroad volunteers are ready to assist you with any questions about requesting or returning your ballot. Don’t wait! Request your ballot today and make your voice heard! 🗳️
Thank you, Linda for posting this. We need more grassroots engagement in educating our voters,in states and local communities, about their voting rights and how to register to vote.
This is why it is important to check off that you want your ballot emailed to you, if that is an option. That is what we did, and we emailed in our registrations and already heard today that they received them.
The Democrats should at least try to do that, right? There's ample evidence of their bias and being bought off. I'm angry that Merrick Garland's DOJ didn't pounce all over that when it had the chance.
I've heard of that book. Like you, I'm almost afraid to go back and relive that period of time. I think the reason I'm so upset about the state of things is that Democrats have always thought tradition and decorum would carry the day. But that's not how the other side plays. At first the corruption was a barely noticed, slow build, to include state houses (where many Republicans ran opposed across the country including in my home state of Tennessee), Congress (gerrymandering) and SCOTUS (illegally stacked by Mitch McConnell). Now the corruption is blatant, out in the open for all to see, and pretty much sanctioned by a non-elected, lifetime-post group of six judges who, clearly, are bought and paid for. Why didn't the Democrats, or more particularly, Garland, do more about that? It's taken me a while, and clearly I still haven't come to terms with it. I will say the Nov. 4 elections put a pep back in my step. A new breed of Democrats, people who know how to talk to normal Americans instead of (unintentionally) talking down to them in their old professorial way, are taking over the party. I'm here for it!
I've read several books on thr first Trump administration and thr aftermath: all of Bob Woidward's books, as well.as A Very Stable Genius, This Will Not Pass, The Divider. All worthwhile books.
I was a career federal employee, spending 34 years at DOJ. What Trump has to DOJ sickens me.
Invading Venezuela, as 'we' have done, aligns us with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and gives a greenlight to Xi for China to invade Taiwan. 'We' are no better than those two nations operating under the tyranny of those two individuals as lawless as the orange narcissist-felon.
Unless and until the Congress and the 'supreme' court rein in the lawlessness of the current cult-regime, this nation will remain in grave danger, as clearly identified in Rubin's piece.
'But for want of a Constitution, an illegal war was not stopped.'
Let's get to the heart of the ugly matter, shall we? But for want of law-abiding Republican flat worms in the House and Senate -- all terrified of his rotten base and speaking about how "concerned" they are --- we WOULD have both a functioning Constitution, and Articles of Impeachment would have been approved the FIRST time around way back when....
There's a limit to what documents can do if the hearts of the men cynically referring to it are as black as coal tar...
Seems to me there’s nothing wrong with the Constitution per se. The problem is the people who are sworn to uphold and abide by the Constiution. The MAGA/Republican Party have followed Trump like sheep because they believed he would deliver to them their longheld goal: Total dominance over the American people. They’ve been willing to accept atrocities small and great to achieve their goal. I remain convinced the single most harmful choice of the many that have harmed our demoracy was to allow Donald Trump to run again for president despite the Constitution’s prohibition of insurrectionists from holding federal office. All the rest is detail.
The failure to impeach #2 was a disgrace, handed to him by McConnell and Graham. Have you noticed the most recent photos of Trump on AirForce One with Lindsey Graham next to him gazing up adoringly? I think Graham's old friend John McCain would be aghast and ashamed.
I once thought the Constitution was a brilliant document. In fact it's very flawed. Unlimited tenure for Congress and the Supreme Court. No standards of eligibility for presidents. Almost impossible to amend. I'm sure there are other flaws.
We have an occupant in the Oval who really can't read and clearly isn't smart enough to understand what the Constitution says and intends. And he is surrounded by people who may or may not be able to read but find glory, fame and power in destruction and cruelty. Why so many people hate this country and what it stands for (and has even given each of them freedom to live their lives) is beyond me.
Jen is on point as per usual. A this juncture I do not sense the general level of felt urgency necessary to turn things around. Several reasons for this. Fatigue is a big one. Sans a real push to organize nationally I see only a further slide into that moment of irreversible fascism. My New Year resolution is to get more deeply involved, active in peaceful resistance organizations.
We need a revolution but people would prefer not talking about it and watching football. Believe me, I see this apathy with friends and family and it is quite discouraging. How can we save our country when so many people don't seem to give a damn?
It's painful to see the lack of concern. If they're white, straight, and financially secure, they likely haven't been touched personally other than by higher grocery prices, which they can easily tolerate. Wait. Another pandemic, a draft, the closing of a local hospital, a natural disaster. When those inevitably come, where will they turn?
Paulette, I also deeply struggle with the fact that some of my friends and family refuse to go to a protest, refuse to make one call to Congress, refuse to stay informed about what’s happening.
Thank you for deciding to become more involved. We truly need all hands on deck. It’s up to us now, the citizens of this country. Every act, no matter how small, MATTERS.
The actor Patricia Arquette said, “This is sociopathy on a mass scale. You cannot be a good person and stand witness to so much corruption and
inhumanity. You cannot be a good person and have no regard for your fellow man.”
The way so many people are simply looking away is disheartening and disgraceful. (That almost feels more painful to me than the potential end of our democracy.) Until they are personally affected, they may continue to be complicit and therefore part of the problem.
- www.5Calls.org is an excellent resource. Or download their app….they make it so easy to make calls to our spineless Congress. In addition to calling, use their scripts to send letters and emails.
- Ask people to attend protests with you.
- Start a group of like-minded people and brainstorm actions you can take.
- Make colorful flyers with positive messages like, “Everyone is welcome here” and go around to local businesses asking them to hang it in their windows.
- Subscribe to Indivisible’s emails.
- Don’t stop talking about what’s happening.
Thank you, Paulette, and to everyone who is taking action and doing their part in helping.
Write your congress critters - I do it weekly. It may not seem like much, but I can tell you that someone in their offices is reading my submissions - here is the one today:
So, our Mob Boss prez sent special forces into Caracas on Saturday and snatched their Mob Boss prez… There is no reason to do this. Our Oil Companies don’t want that oil - it is dirty and expensive to process, not to mention that it is a politically unstable country to work in. It provided only a brief distraction from tRumps continued blocking of the release of the tRump-Epstein Files. Most Dems didn’t say much of anything including Chuck Schumer who released some bland blather. Cory Booker was the only Senator to make a strong statement against tRump’s illegal actions. Look, we need to win big in November. That means y’all have to start making some useful attempts to stand together and challenge his illegalities and his rethuglican enablers. We need a concise statement telling voters what we stand for. We need a few of our more eloquent leaders out there hammering away at rethug’s malfeasance and how we would go about fixing tRump’s depredations. It is time for action.
I am supporting fewer individual campaigns this time and giving the money to the DCCC and the DSCC. They should have a better idea of which campaigns to fund.
I don’t want to speak for Steven Brady, but I believe his point was that Trump’s (unjustified and illegal) act of war against Venezuela was intended to further distract most Americans (who I would add have attention spans akin to that of gnats) from Bondi’s contempt of Congress and her continuing failure to release the balance of the Epstein files - despite the fact that the deadline has already passed.
Paulette. “Apathy” is my central concern (too). Will things have to get much worse for more people before they wake up? And when they finally do will it be too late? … Doom scrolling no longer cuts it. I’ll take positive cues from Jen and up my resistance activity. I see no other way out,
Rachel … I fear the Republicans in Congress do accurately reflect their voting constituency. That a small but energetic, organized, selfish minority, 30% or even less, can neutralize, defy, overwhelm a majority that lacks energy, organization, and yet is equally selfish in its own way. Sadly, history bears this out.
Lyndon Johnson, who passed the most significant, liberal social legislation of the past 60 years was run out of office by the Democratic party and a burgeoning, liberal anti-war movement by the People of the US.
Johnson's approval ratings were in the +70% range until he escalated the Vietnam War. Then his approval plummeted and he declined to run for reelection.
Why Trump and his clown circus think the American people will support a purposeless adventure in Venezuela is beyond the imagination.
Congressman Hines is exactly correct. In a few days when the chest thumping ends, Trump and his witless cronies will be standing around in disgrace, bemoaning what's happened to the loyalty of the American People.
Really Congress. Do your job. Get these guys out of office now!
“ Why Trump and his clown circus think the American people will support a purposeless adventure in Venezuela is beyond the imagination. “
They’re counting on no American body bags coming home, as they did in the Vietnam war. If the Venezuelans fight as hard and as long against us as the Vietnamese did, the tide will quickly turn, and Trump‘s gambit will fail.
I don't think there are going to be any body bags. Nobody is going to support boots on the ground in Venezuela to help the oligarchs rebuild the oil infrastructure so they can exploit a resource of diminishing value. Trump is an entertainer/showman/con man. There is no truth or wisdom in him. We haven't a clue how to run Venezuela, even if that were desirable. There is no plan. And the people, even the MAGAts, aren't going to put up with an open-ended commitment to a dubious mission.
Americans, please remember you are not fighting for yourselves alone. As an expat living in Canada, I'm worried that we're next on the list, after Greenland. Please don't assume that things will be okay if we make it to the mid-terms: by then, the Grifter-in-Chief may have found a way to cancel US elections. We need a general strike, and demonstrations at every congressperson's office. And, of course, for Republicans to wake up and realize what they've created.
Thank you for summarizing the capitulation to tyranny, corruption and lawlessness by Republicans. And thank you too, for outlining the need for democracy lovers and defenders to keep up the good fight for accountability, justice and compassion. Standing for what is good, moral and right can seem weak in the face of bullying and corruption, but it is actual strength. Anyone can light a match. Building and tending are where strength actually resides.
What on earth was the Roberts court thinking?? That the president is immune from criminal charge when he commits crime? I think we need smarter people on the court to consider the possibilities, which have now become realities. The Roberts court majority is craven, bought, and oblivious to what the 1787 delegates knew all too well about the abuse of power.
The article does cover the complexities and apparent contradictions of both Roberts, ever the staunch conservative and institutionalist, and his voting record on the Court. It also lays out how Roberts completely failed to meet the moment, failed (or refused) to anticipate how key rulings would enable and protect a rogue president, and, paradoxically, ended up creating outcomes opposite to what he said he wanted to accomplish.
Roberts's recent report would seem to run to type, again showing him to be blithe about or even willfully blind to how badly he and his Court have failed in their key, core responsibilities and abetted profound damage to our way of government.
This is quite a piece, and it deserves a thorough and careful reading. Thanks for the link, pts!
I hope this Venezuela mess gets into the courts again. Could it be that Roberts would see the light? One hopes, for the sake of the Constitution and democracy..
Well, we have our work defined. Let's get busy. Today is Phone-Your-Congresspersons! Senate and House. Prepare your points before dialing, esp. for Senators who only accept recorded comments (both of mine).
Bacon Issues Statement on Venezuela Strikes and Capture of Nicolás Maduro
Omaha, Neb. – Rep. Don Bacon (R, NE-02) issued the following statement regarding the recent strikes in Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro:
“Maduro and his predecessor took Venezuela from the richest to the poorest country in South America, and destroyed its democracy. The operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region. My main concern now is that Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.”
Bacon, Fitzpatrick, Meeks, & Bipartisan Colleagues Advance New ‘Peace Through Strength’ Sanctions on Russia Toward January Floor Action
Washington, December 19, 2025
Bacon, Fitzpatrick, Meeks, & Bipartisan Colleagues Advance New ‘Peace Through Strength’ Sanctions on Russia Toward January Floor Action
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Representatives Don Bacon (R, NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and Gregory Meeks (D, NY-5) led a broad bipartisan coalition of House Members to introduce the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025, comprehensive legislation that translates ongoing negotiations into decisive congressional action and advances the bill toward House Floor consideration in January.
Co-leads on the bill include Representatives Mike Turner (OH-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Steny Hoyer (MD-5), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), reflecting broad, bipartisan agreement that Congress must lead with resolve as diplomatic efforts continue.
“Putin’s regime only responds to resolve and takes advantage of weakness and vacillation. During these failed negotiations, Russia has continued bombing Ukrainian cities with increasing intensity. We must play hardball by sending Ukraine the weapons it needs and imposing tough sanctions on Russia that cripple his war economy, an approach Americans overwhelmingly agree with,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to join Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in co-leading the bipartisan Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act to impose sanctions and other measures if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine.”
“Negotiations do not relieve Congress of its responsibility to act,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “That responsibility has been clear for some time, and waiting is no longer an option. Peace through strength is the discipline of negotiating from strength—of standing with Ukraine, making unmistakably clear that Russia’s campaign of aggression will not be normalized or rewarded, and affirming that America still enforces the rules that keep peace possible. This is not just about ending one war. It is about setting the rules for a world that is watching whether America still enforces them. I am grateful to be working hand in hand with Ranking Member Meeks to push any and all solutions forward to the House Floor, including the Ukraine Support Act. We can end this war. We can end Putin’s tyranny. And we must lead the American way—through peace, through strength.”
“Russia won't negotiate an end to its war unless real pressure is applied on the Kremlin to stop its brutality. I'm proud to have worked with Rep. Fitzpatrick on a compromise Russia sanctions bill that would impose real costs on Russia and those fueling its war effort, while avoiding further harmful global tariffs. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for also signing my discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act, helping work towards both measures reaching the House floor for a vote. There is strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the House, and this agreement makes clear that Russia cannot wait it out or continue its war of aggression without facing significant consequences,” said Rep. Meeks.
“The only viable path to peace in Ukraine is putting pressure on the Kremlin. It is beyond important that both sides of the aisle have come together on compromise legislation to impose strong sanctions on Russia for its illegal war of aggression as well as to take additional steps to move the bipartisan discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act forward in the House,” said HFAC Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Keating. “As Ukraine continues to defend itself from Russian aggression, the Ukrainian people must know that Ukraine has strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. The Kremlin must also know that we will not rest until a durable Ukraine-supported peace deal is achieved.”
“We must take firm action against the Russian Federation. This bill sends a clear message: any refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations for peace or any violation of agreements will not go unpunished. We stand with Ukraine and affirm our commitment to ensuring that they are protected from further aggression. It's time for diplomacy,” said Rep. Turner.
“Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is a direct assault on sovereignty, democracy, and the international rules-based order. The United States will not reward aggression or allow Vladimir Putin to stall, violate agreements, or prepare for another invasion without serious consequences. Peace will only come when Russia understands that continued violence carries real costs. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to strengthen sanctions, hold bad actors accountable, and stand firmly with the Ukrainian people,” said Rep. Lawler.
“Peace through strength means standing up to dictators through actions, not just words," said Rep. Suozzi. "The Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act does exactly that by cracking down on those responsible for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, increasing sanction pressure on Russia, and expanding sanctions to Russian partners in North Korea. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to say that the United States will not tolerate Putin's murderous war in Ukraine, and will defend our democratic allies across the world."
Apparently the kremlin mass murderer is ok with the white house. different strokes...Does Venezuelan oil cutoff affect russia at all? Who is going to rescue Ukraine?
PRIMARY TAKEAWAYS ON TRUMP'S OVERTHROW OF THE VENEZUELA GOVERNMENT AND ABDUCTION OF ITS LEADER
A cursory review of the case law on the forcible capture in another country of a citizen of that country on a U.S. indictment to bring that defendant to trial in the United States reveals that such action has been ruled by our courts to be a "political question", which is therefore beyond the jurisdiction of our courts. This case law appears to be uniform in ruling that our courts are precluded from inquiring into how defendants are brought before them on U.S. indictments.
Nevertheless, unlike other captures in a foreign land of an indicted defendant to bring him or her to the U.S. to stand trial, it is clear that all of this was merely a smoke screen to militarily overthrow the Venezuela government and to force and dominate a regime change there. While Marco Rubio has tried to cover up for Trump's true stated intention to "run" the country, this operation was tantamount to an invasion, with obvious collaborators on the inside, to intervene in its government and to force the installation of new leadership sympathetic, if not subservient, to Donald J. Trump, not unlike the creation of Vichy France's subservience to Adolph Hitler.
The fact that military force was used to abduct Maduro and that regime change, with our direct and apparently ongoing participation, appears to be the predominant motive elevates this action to a clear use of military intervention in a foreign government's domestic and foreign affairs to induce that country to adhere to the expectations of our leadership. Trump has reenforced this takeaway by his comments that the U.S. will "run Venezuela" and that he is "in charge of Venezuela". In short, Trump's intervention was not merely the extraction of an indicted defendant to stand trial in the U.S. but an act of war to overthrow Venezuela's government to install a new government compliant with Donald J. Trump's expectations.
As such, Congress was patently excluded from this ruse, which deprived it of its right to decide whether or not to issue a Declaration of War to legalize Trump's invasion.
I fear the Democrats are not up to the task of what Jennifer wisely recommends here. All I get from Democrats are demands for money. They need to do MORE. They need stronger leadership, Schumer is lame and ineffectual and Jeffries is not much better. Yet no one in the House and Senate are making any moves to change this. Also, while I totally support and have participated in peaceful protests like No Kings, I think their effects only go so far. If this moment does not indicate revolution is now needed to save our country, I don't know and dare not ask what moment that would be.
Thank you Jennifer, and everyone at The Contrarian. You are doing a vital service by reporting the TRUTH, and working through the courts to hold Trump accountable.
God help us.
"We can begin to restore constitutional order with sustained, robust, and peaceful protest to educate the public and hold Republicans responsible for serial outrages. Democrats should be encouraged to use every device to stop the slide into fascism and focus on Trump’s multiple outrages and broken promises."
As usual, Ms. Rubin's forceful but inarguable truth-telling makes me cry. And strengthens my resolve that we won't go down without a fight.
One addition to the plan for revival must be some restrictions on campaign finance. Citizens United is yet another root of the evil that is destroying our great country.
Yes!! You nailed a point that Jen implicitly understood. John Roberts' political court courted disaster with the Citizens' United decision, opening the floodgates of corruption with the unlimited flow of money, transforming us from a government of, for, and by "the People" to one owned by rich industry, and oligarchs. If we lose free and fair elections, I shudder to consider our options. Our solace is in the patriotic "greats," like Norm, Marc Elias, the ACLU, and other true democracy defenders, along with brave judges, who continue to know and respect the Rule of Law, wielding it like a weapon of justice in fighting for our rights. There is a battle taking place in this country, requiring our courage, protest, and vote!
I agree 100%! Jen and everyone involved with the Contrarian is making a huge difference, and giving us all an anchor to actual reality. We'll need that as we work to rebuild our constitutional democracy. It's vital as well that we are all involved--in protests, in speaking with our Congressional representatives, and in voting and making our collective voices heard.
U.S. citizens living, serving, or studying abroad—you can vote from wherever you are! 🌍 Visit https://votefromabroad.org to register and request your overseas ballot.
It’s quick, free, and valid for all elections in 2026. Need help? Write to help@votefromabroad.org.
Vote from Abroad volunteers are ready to assist you with any questions about requesting or returning your ballot. Don’t wait! Request your ballot today and make your voice heard! 🗳️
Thank you, Linda for posting this. We need more grassroots engagement in educating our voters,in states and local communities, about their voting rights and how to register to vote.
We’re going to need them all in November.
They now need to vote EARLY given changes to how the USPS postmarks mail...
This is why it is important to check off that you want your ballot emailed to you, if that is an option. That is what we did, and we emailed in our registrations and already heard today that they received them.
Not a religious person , but maybe Mother Nature will step up. Heaven knows the Dems are not taking the situation seriously enough.
Same here. If there were a god, she would not let any horrible things happen in the first place.
Let's hope Karma will do her thing.
Still waiting for a party to file motions for Alito and Thomas to recuse on bias.
The Democrats should at least try to do that, right? There's ample evidence of their bias and being bought off. I'm angry that Merrick Garland's DOJ didn't pounce all over that when it had the chance.
Please, let's give the Garland arguments a rest.
Personally I just can't waste energy on reiterating Garland 's failures.
Yes, but we better make sure that something like that does not happen again.
I agree.
If we don’t recognize our failures, we’re doomed to repeat them. But I understand your point of view.
I recently read the book "Injustice", about Trump's assault on DOJ during his first term, and Biden's DOJ. It's a,worthwhile read, it covers Garland.
I've heard of that book. Like you, I'm almost afraid to go back and relive that period of time. I think the reason I'm so upset about the state of things is that Democrats have always thought tradition and decorum would carry the day. But that's not how the other side plays. At first the corruption was a barely noticed, slow build, to include state houses (where many Republicans ran opposed across the country including in my home state of Tennessee), Congress (gerrymandering) and SCOTUS (illegally stacked by Mitch McConnell). Now the corruption is blatant, out in the open for all to see, and pretty much sanctioned by a non-elected, lifetime-post group of six judges who, clearly, are bought and paid for. Why didn't the Democrats, or more particularly, Garland, do more about that? It's taken me a while, and clearly I still haven't come to terms with it. I will say the Nov. 4 elections put a pep back in my step. A new breed of Democrats, people who know how to talk to normal Americans instead of (unintentionally) talking down to them in their old professorial way, are taking over the party. I'm here for it!
I've read several books on thr first Trump administration and thr aftermath: all of Bob Woidward's books, as well.as A Very Stable Genius, This Will Not Pass, The Divider. All worthwhile books.
I was a career federal employee, spending 34 years at DOJ. What Trump has to DOJ sickens me.
I so often agree with your comments on Bulwark and on here. We need more of you
As if...
I love how you think! You are totally right!!
Invading Venezuela, as 'we' have done, aligns us with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and gives a greenlight to Xi for China to invade Taiwan. 'We' are no better than those two nations operating under the tyranny of those two individuals as lawless as the orange narcissist-felon.
Unless and until the Congress and the 'supreme' court rein in the lawlessness of the current cult-regime, this nation will remain in grave danger, as clearly identified in Rubin's piece.
'But for want of a Constitution, an illegal war was not stopped.'
Let's get to the heart of the ugly matter, shall we? But for want of law-abiding Republican flat worms in the House and Senate -- all terrified of his rotten base and speaking about how "concerned" they are --- we WOULD have both a functioning Constitution, and Articles of Impeachment would have been approved the FIRST time around way back when....
There's a limit to what documents can do if the hearts of the men cynically referring to it are as black as coal tar...
You flatter the 'flat worms.' There must be a lower form of existence, cells without brains or bones of any kind. History will remember them.
Seems to me there’s nothing wrong with the Constitution per se. The problem is the people who are sworn to uphold and abide by the Constiution. The MAGA/Republican Party have followed Trump like sheep because they believed he would deliver to them their longheld goal: Total dominance over the American people. They’ve been willing to accept atrocities small and great to achieve their goal. I remain convinced the single most harmful choice of the many that have harmed our demoracy was to allow Donald Trump to run again for president despite the Constitution’s prohibition of insurrectionists from holding federal office. All the rest is detail.
The failure to impeach #2 was a disgrace, handed to him by McConnell and Graham. Have you noticed the most recent photos of Trump on AirForce One with Lindsey Graham next to him gazing up adoringly? I think Graham's old friend John McCain would be aghast and ashamed.
I once thought the Constitution was a brilliant document. In fact it's very flawed. Unlimited tenure for Congress and the Supreme Court. No standards of eligibility for presidents. Almost impossible to amend. I'm sure there are other flaws.
That can and will change.
We have an occupant in the Oval who really can't read and clearly isn't smart enough to understand what the Constitution says and intends. And he is surrounded by people who may or may not be able to read but find glory, fame and power in destruction and cruelty. Why so many people hate this country and what it stands for (and has even given each of them freedom to live their lives) is beyond me.
Jen is on point as per usual. A this juncture I do not sense the general level of felt urgency necessary to turn things around. Several reasons for this. Fatigue is a big one. Sans a real push to organize nationally I see only a further slide into that moment of irreversible fascism. My New Year resolution is to get more deeply involved, active in peaceful resistance organizations.
We need a revolution but people would prefer not talking about it and watching football. Believe me, I see this apathy with friends and family and it is quite discouraging. How can we save our country when so many people don't seem to give a damn?
It's painful to see the lack of concern. If they're white, straight, and financially secure, they likely haven't been touched personally other than by higher grocery prices, which they can easily tolerate. Wait. Another pandemic, a draft, the closing of a local hospital, a natural disaster. When those inevitably come, where will they turn?
Paulette, I also deeply struggle with the fact that some of my friends and family refuse to go to a protest, refuse to make one call to Congress, refuse to stay informed about what’s happening.
Thank you for deciding to become more involved. We truly need all hands on deck. It’s up to us now, the citizens of this country. Every act, no matter how small, MATTERS.
The actor Patricia Arquette said, “This is sociopathy on a mass scale. You cannot be a good person and stand witness to so much corruption and
inhumanity. You cannot be a good person and have no regard for your fellow man.”
The way so many people are simply looking away is disheartening and disgraceful. (That almost feels more painful to me than the potential end of our democracy.) Until they are personally affected, they may continue to be complicit and therefore part of the problem.
- www.5Calls.org is an excellent resource. Or download their app….they make it so easy to make calls to our spineless Congress. In addition to calling, use their scripts to send letters and emails.
- Ask people to attend protests with you.
- Start a group of like-minded people and brainstorm actions you can take.
- Make colorful flyers with positive messages like, “Everyone is welcome here” and go around to local businesses asking them to hang it in their windows.
- Subscribe to Indivisible’s emails.
- Don’t stop talking about what’s happening.
Thank you, Paulette, and to everyone who is taking action and doing their part in helping.
Football will be over in a month.
Write your congress critters - I do it weekly. It may not seem like much, but I can tell you that someone in their offices is reading my submissions - here is the one today:
So, our Mob Boss prez sent special forces into Caracas on Saturday and snatched their Mob Boss prez… There is no reason to do this. Our Oil Companies don’t want that oil - it is dirty and expensive to process, not to mention that it is a politically unstable country to work in. It provided only a brief distraction from tRumps continued blocking of the release of the tRump-Epstein Files. Most Dems didn’t say much of anything including Chuck Schumer who released some bland blather. Cory Booker was the only Senator to make a strong statement against tRump’s illegal actions. Look, we need to win big in November. That means y’all have to start making some useful attempts to stand together and challenge his illegalities and his rethuglican enablers. We need a concise statement telling voters what we stand for. We need a few of our more eloquent leaders out there hammering away at rethug’s malfeasance and how we would go about fixing tRump’s depredations. It is time for action.
Thanks Stephen. I’ll follow suit.
And they reply with a request for $25.00, can you make that a monthly donation? Phooey.
I am supporting fewer individual campaigns this time and giving the money to the DCCC and the DSCC. They should have a better idea of which campaigns to fund.
If "there is no reason to do this" what is the reason you think this happened for?
Self-aggrandizement, self-enrichment, and distraction... and because he can.
Definitely describes his way in life.
I don’t want to speak for Steven Brady, but I believe his point was that Trump’s (unjustified and illegal) act of war against Venezuela was intended to further distract most Americans (who I would add have attention spans akin to that of gnats) from Bondi’s contempt of Congress and her continuing failure to release the balance of the Epstein files - despite the fact that the deadline has already passed.
Paulette. “Apathy” is my central concern (too). Will things have to get much worse for more people before they wake up? And when they finally do will it be too late? … Doom scrolling no longer cuts it. I’ll take positive cues from Jen and up my resistance activity. I see no other way out,
Too many won't act until they're personally affected, which will be far too late.
Americans have been marching non-stop. Making wonderful signs, standing tall peacefully with dedication, talent and humor.
We need our congress to be as strong as the people they are paid to represent. Throw this tyrant and his bullies out, now!
Rachel … I fear the Republicans in Congress do accurately reflect their voting constituency. That a small but energetic, organized, selfish minority, 30% or even less, can neutralize, defy, overwhelm a majority that lacks energy, organization, and yet is equally selfish in its own way. Sadly, history bears this out.
Check out Hopium Chronicles (Simon Rosenberg) on Substack. We the People are the heroes of this story.
Ann … Thanks. Already a paid Hopium Chronicles subscriber. Will be contacting this local group later today … https://indivisiblesf.org/events
Lyndon Johnson, who passed the most significant, liberal social legislation of the past 60 years was run out of office by the Democratic party and a burgeoning, liberal anti-war movement by the People of the US.
Johnson's approval ratings were in the +70% range until he escalated the Vietnam War. Then his approval plummeted and he declined to run for reelection.
Why Trump and his clown circus think the American people will support a purposeless adventure in Venezuela is beyond the imagination.
Congressman Hines is exactly correct. In a few days when the chest thumping ends, Trump and his witless cronies will be standing around in disgrace, bemoaning what's happened to the loyalty of the American People.
Really Congress. Do your job. Get these guys out of office now!
“ Why Trump and his clown circus think the American people will support a purposeless adventure in Venezuela is beyond the imagination. “
They’re counting on no American body bags coming home, as they did in the Vietnam war. If the Venezuelans fight as hard and as long against us as the Vietnamese did, the tide will quickly turn, and Trump‘s gambit will fail.
I don't think there are going to be any body bags. Nobody is going to support boots on the ground in Venezuela to help the oligarchs rebuild the oil infrastructure so they can exploit a resource of diminishing value. Trump is an entertainer/showman/con man. There is no truth or wisdom in him. We haven't a clue how to run Venezuela, even if that were desirable. There is no plan. And the people, even the MAGAts, aren't going to put up with an open-ended commitment to a dubious mission.
Americans, please remember you are not fighting for yourselves alone. As an expat living in Canada, I'm worried that we're next on the list, after Greenland. Please don't assume that things will be okay if we make it to the mid-terms: by then, the Grifter-in-Chief may have found a way to cancel US elections. We need a general strike, and demonstrations at every congressperson's office. And, of course, for Republicans to wake up and realize what they've created.
Thank you for summarizing the capitulation to tyranny, corruption and lawlessness by Republicans. And thank you too, for outlining the need for democracy lovers and defenders to keep up the good fight for accountability, justice and compassion. Standing for what is good, moral and right can seem weak in the face of bullying and corruption, but it is actual strength. Anyone can light a match. Building and tending are where strength actually resides.
Republicans ARE the problem!
Shout it from the rooftops!
Buy billboards!
Say it everywhere.
Republicans ARE the problem!
What on earth was the Roberts court thinking?? That the president is immune from criminal charge when he commits crime? I think we need smarter people on the court to consider the possibilities, which have now become realities. The Roberts court majority is craven, bought, and oblivious to what the 1787 delegates knew all too well about the abuse of power.
With apologies to those who also read Robert Hubbell's and Joyce Vance's Substacks, I'll again recommend this article in Harvard Magazine as a good supplementary piece on Roberts: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/legal/supreme-court-chief-justice-john-roberts-trump-united-states.
The article does cover the complexities and apparent contradictions of both Roberts, ever the staunch conservative and institutionalist, and his voting record on the Court. It also lays out how Roberts completely failed to meet the moment, failed (or refused) to anticipate how key rulings would enable and protect a rogue president, and, paradoxically, ended up creating outcomes opposite to what he said he wanted to accomplish.
Roberts's recent report would seem to run to type, again showing him to be blithe about or even willfully blind to how badly he and his Court have failed in their key, core responsibilities and abetted profound damage to our way of government.
This is quite a piece, and it deserves a thorough and careful reading. Thanks for the link, pts!
I hope this Venezuela mess gets into the courts again. Could it be that Roberts would see the light? One hopes, for the sake of the Constitution and democracy..
Well, we have our work defined. Let's get busy. Today is Phone-Your-Congresspersons! Senate and House. Prepare your points before dialing, esp. for Senators who only accept recorded comments (both of mine).
Bacon Issues Statement on Venezuela Strikes and Capture of Nicolás Maduro
Omaha, Neb. – Rep. Don Bacon (R, NE-02) issued the following statement regarding the recent strikes in Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro:
“Maduro and his predecessor took Venezuela from the richest to the poorest country in South America, and destroyed its democracy. The operations last night are great for the future of Venezuelans and the region. My main concern now is that Russia will use this to justify their illegal and barbaric military actions against Ukraine, or China to justify an invasion of Taiwan. Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.”
Bacon, Fitzpatrick, Meeks, & Bipartisan Colleagues Advance New ‘Peace Through Strength’ Sanctions on Russia Toward January Floor Action
Washington, December 19, 2025
Bacon, Fitzpatrick, Meeks, & Bipartisan Colleagues Advance New ‘Peace Through Strength’ Sanctions on Russia Toward January Floor Action
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Representatives Don Bacon (R, NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and Gregory Meeks (D, NY-5) led a broad bipartisan coalition of House Members to introduce the Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025, comprehensive legislation that translates ongoing negotiations into decisive congressional action and advances the bill toward House Floor consideration in January.
Co-leads on the bill include Representatives Mike Turner (OH-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Steny Hoyer (MD-5), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), reflecting broad, bipartisan agreement that Congress must lead with resolve as diplomatic efforts continue.
“Putin’s regime only responds to resolve and takes advantage of weakness and vacillation. During these failed negotiations, Russia has continued bombing Ukrainian cities with increasing intensity. We must play hardball by sending Ukraine the weapons it needs and imposing tough sanctions on Russia that cripple his war economy, an approach Americans overwhelmingly agree with,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to join Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in co-leading the bipartisan Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act to impose sanctions and other measures if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine.”
“Negotiations do not relieve Congress of its responsibility to act,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “That responsibility has been clear for some time, and waiting is no longer an option. Peace through strength is the discipline of negotiating from strength—of standing with Ukraine, making unmistakably clear that Russia’s campaign of aggression will not be normalized or rewarded, and affirming that America still enforces the rules that keep peace possible. This is not just about ending one war. It is about setting the rules for a world that is watching whether America still enforces them. I am grateful to be working hand in hand with Ranking Member Meeks to push any and all solutions forward to the House Floor, including the Ukraine Support Act. We can end this war. We can end Putin’s tyranny. And we must lead the American way—through peace, through strength.”
“Russia won't negotiate an end to its war unless real pressure is applied on the Kremlin to stop its brutality. I'm proud to have worked with Rep. Fitzpatrick on a compromise Russia sanctions bill that would impose real costs on Russia and those fueling its war effort, while avoiding further harmful global tariffs. I thank Rep. Fitzpatrick for also signing my discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act, helping work towards both measures reaching the House floor for a vote. There is strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the House, and this agreement makes clear that Russia cannot wait it out or continue its war of aggression without facing significant consequences,” said Rep. Meeks.
“The only viable path to peace in Ukraine is putting pressure on the Kremlin. It is beyond important that both sides of the aisle have come together on compromise legislation to impose strong sanctions on Russia for its illegal war of aggression as well as to take additional steps to move the bipartisan discharge petition for the Ukraine Support Act forward in the House,” said HFAC Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Keating. “As Ukraine continues to defend itself from Russian aggression, the Ukrainian people must know that Ukraine has strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. The Kremlin must also know that we will not rest until a durable Ukraine-supported peace deal is achieved.”
“We must take firm action against the Russian Federation. This bill sends a clear message: any refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations for peace or any violation of agreements will not go unpunished. We stand with Ukraine and affirm our commitment to ensuring that they are protected from further aggression. It's time for diplomacy,” said Rep. Turner.
“Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is a direct assault on sovereignty, democracy, and the international rules-based order. The United States will not reward aggression or allow Vladimir Putin to stall, violate agreements, or prepare for another invasion without serious consequences. Peace will only come when Russia understands that continued violence carries real costs. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to strengthen sanctions, hold bad actors accountable, and stand firmly with the Ukrainian people,” said Rep. Lawler.
“Peace through strength means standing up to dictators through actions, not just words," said Rep. Suozzi. "The Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act does exactly that by cracking down on those responsible for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, increasing sanction pressure on Russia, and expanding sanctions to Russian partners in North Korea. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to say that the United States will not tolerate Putin's murderous war in Ukraine, and will defend our democratic allies across the world."
Apparently the kremlin mass murderer is ok with the white house. different strokes...Does Venezuelan oil cutoff affect russia at all? Who is going to rescue Ukraine?
When it comes to being a reckless cowboy, Don the Con managed to do what I thought was impossible: He made George W. Bush look like Abraham Lincoln!
There was a time (not too long ago) that I was convinced I would go to my grave believing 'W' to have been the worst president in American history.
I did also, but he's not even close! And the misery has another 3 years to go!
Surprise!
And to listen to him he's just getting started.
Thank you for referencing the Federalist Papers.
PRIMARY TAKEAWAYS ON TRUMP'S OVERTHROW OF THE VENEZUELA GOVERNMENT AND ABDUCTION OF ITS LEADER
A cursory review of the case law on the forcible capture in another country of a citizen of that country on a U.S. indictment to bring that defendant to trial in the United States reveals that such action has been ruled by our courts to be a "political question", which is therefore beyond the jurisdiction of our courts. This case law appears to be uniform in ruling that our courts are precluded from inquiring into how defendants are brought before them on U.S. indictments.
Nevertheless, unlike other captures in a foreign land of an indicted defendant to bring him or her to the U.S. to stand trial, it is clear that all of this was merely a smoke screen to militarily overthrow the Venezuela government and to force and dominate a regime change there. While Marco Rubio has tried to cover up for Trump's true stated intention to "run" the country, this operation was tantamount to an invasion, with obvious collaborators on the inside, to intervene in its government and to force the installation of new leadership sympathetic, if not subservient, to Donald J. Trump, not unlike the creation of Vichy France's subservience to Adolph Hitler.
The fact that military force was used to abduct Maduro and that regime change, with our direct and apparently ongoing participation, appears to be the predominant motive elevates this action to a clear use of military intervention in a foreign government's domestic and foreign affairs to induce that country to adhere to the expectations of our leadership. Trump has reenforced this takeaway by his comments that the U.S. will "run Venezuela" and that he is "in charge of Venezuela". In short, Trump's intervention was not merely the extraction of an indicted defendant to stand trial in the U.S. but an act of war to overthrow Venezuela's government to install a new government compliant with Donald J. Trump's expectations.
As such, Congress was patently excluded from this ruse, which deprived it of its right to decide whether or not to issue a Declaration of War to legalize Trump's invasion.
The Republicans in Congress don’t care that Trump is bulldozing them into irrelevance: they are too scared to take a stand.
Apparently, tragically....🤬
Congress abdicated its role as 'the deciders'.
'Leaking', is the logic behind secrecy.
The fewer 'deciders' in the loop the more effective the action.
That's why there is a 'gang of eight'.
When it comes right down to it 'who needs 'em'.
I fear the Democrats are not up to the task of what Jennifer wisely recommends here. All I get from Democrats are demands for money. They need to do MORE. They need stronger leadership, Schumer is lame and ineffectual and Jeffries is not much better. Yet no one in the House and Senate are making any moves to change this. Also, while I totally support and have participated in peaceful protests like No Kings, I think their effects only go so far. If this moment does not indicate revolution is now needed to save our country, I don't know and dare not ask what moment that would be.
We need new party leadership. Schumer and the old guard need to go.
Well done, Ms. Rubin!