HCR Letter was especially helpful this morning. And this quote:
"Historian Johann Neem, a specialist in the American Revolution, turned to political theorist John Locke to explore the larger meaning of Trump’s destructive course. The founders who threw off monarchy and constructed our constitutional government looked to Locke for their guiding principles. In his 1690 Second Treatise on Government, Locke noted that when a leader disregards constitutional order, he gives up legitimacy and the people are justified in treating him as a “thief and a robber.” “[W]hosoever in authority exceeds the power given him by the law and makes use of the force he has under his command…ceases in that to be a magistrate; and, acting without authority, may be opposed, as any other man, who by force invades the right of another,” Locke wrote."
Maybe it's time for a good old-fashioned military takeover. Or if the town halls keep descending into chaos, maybe Republicans will develop some guts and invoke the 25th Amendment.
A successful enactment of the 25th Amendment would give us Vance. Substantively, that wouldn't be any better. But Vance is much less effective as a symbol and doesn't command the cultish loyalty Trump has. So it might help.
Also need to recognize Senator Sanders going to red districts all over the country raging against the Oligarchs who are golng after working class saftey net inorder to give big tax cuts to the rich and corporations!!!
It's time for the Supreme Court to nullify the 2024 election because President Trump, VP Vance and others lied under oath this last January when they took their oaths of office; the same nullification, of course, also applying to subsequent appointments.
(The conduct and scheduling of the new election can also be part of the Court's ruling; as can the disposition of recent Cabinet appointments.)
The same way they did with "Presidential Immunity."
With one caveat, that is, they are ultimately responsible for enforcing the intent of our guiding lights, the Constitution and the Rule of Law. In our Country; we have three branches of government, the design being that no one has more power than another, with balance coming from one or both of the other two when there is an imbalance.
Surgeon... almost went to law school, until I got a job as a Senate page in a very corrupt legislature. I ended up teaching oral surgery in an Army mobile surgical command, surrounded by utterly awesome people. Not going to law school was a good decision for me... although I sometimes think I would have been an effective prosecutor.
Please clarify. I'm not conflicted, if that's what you're thinking... I do have many interests... couldn't sit still in kindergarten either. 🙄 OCD, maybe.
Say what you will about Andrew Cuomo- but during covid he held a daily briefing every day at the same time- and millions upon millions watched his informational and instructional Daily Briefing- Right now the Dems are scattered on their individual social media etc- trying to speak out- but it is scattershot- and I am suggesting that the Dems have a Daily Briefing with a statement of the latest things that T and M are doing - what the Dems - or anyone working against T are doing about it- and what we can do as citizens- Same time and same Place Daily -With the press invited each day- right now T is sucking all the air out of the room with the press fixated on the administration- I suggest that we have a place that is a counter balance-
A place where Congress and Senators can report in- as well as those who are being affected by the new policies and layoffs- Governors, mayors, and every day people- and people who voted for T who are now disenfranchised- I am trying to talk about this idea to as may people who will listen- Need a good producer to produce this daily briefing!!!!
One issue many are not talking much about is the cruelty being displayed in all of these executive orders, firings, and funding cuts. These are people who have spent their careers working in support of our country, our freedom, our lives as citizens. They have families and livelihoods to support. They do not have oligarchs that can donate money to help them. Being cast out of their jobs at a moments notice, or having a program or project defunded without notice affects everyone else they work with and everyone whose lives and livelihoods also depended on them and the roles they performed for the USG. We need to be doing a much better job at articulating the consequences of every one of these actions, not just the short term consequences, but the real life consequences, the impact on lives and communities, and the long term consequences. We need to stop talking just about the impact on our constitutional democracy, which is, of course, critical, but also is a more abstract term that many people have trouble defining for themselves. I've not seen much discussion yet about how Democrats and Independents are working on changing the messaging, changing the way we talk about what is important to us, or realigning ourselves as a more unified effort to fight back against these actions. Our party is known for its diversity but also for its own devisiveness, often messy, arguing among ourselves about points of view that are generally part of the same spectrum of caring about what happens to people and wanting to make life better for them. We need better messaging and avenues of communication that help to unify our main messages and counter the far right wing disinformation campaigns that have become so much a part of our lives, and begin to tell the real story of the people and their families being destroyed by what we are witnessing.
The firings are Trump's revenge on the miltary, which stood in his way in his first term. They also help Putin by weakening America and creating chaos. If everyone just sees DT neither as (fake) president nor as simply crazy and a cheat, but as Agent Krasnov, recruited by the KGB in 1988 and loyal to his master in the Kremin it all falls into place.
How do dictators stay in power? They are supported by the military. That would seem to be the reason for the Pentagon purge and it should cause even greater alarm than has so far been evident.
Mike, what you just posted is an historical truth but the weakening of his support didn't prevent the mass murder of millions and millions of German casualties before he took his own "life".
I hate having to "like" your comment, but it's the only way to acknowledge your pain and losses. I once met a concentration camp survivor. He showed me his tattooed number. It was bone chilling. Now, we're facing it. Don't think we aren't.
Right now, the best places to donate are to the Democratic House candidates for the April special elections. NY-21, FL-1, FL-6. Those are all red districts, but The Grifters' destruction of agencies and mass firings are affecting people in those districts, too. The Republicans are vulnerable. They lead just 217-215 in the House. We win all three special elections, and the hammer goes to Hakeem. That would be a huge check on The Grifter and block any of his stupid agendas. Got to ActBlue for a secure donation. I've donated to all three candidates and will do so again.
Joan, I donate monthly to Democracy Forward. It provides legal representation to organizations, communities and individuals. Democracy Forward has filed several of the lawsuits against this “administration.”
I'm afraid you have it wrong again. The military firings are not about diversity.
The firings of the top lawyers (JAP) prove that Trump plans to neuter military integrity to the point that when Trump orders illegal actions against civilians, there will be no one in a position of military authority to say "NO!" to him.
Let's keep harping on Trump's corruption. It may seem that his voter expect corruption, but he will give us plenty of opportunity to show that what he is doing is for him and his cronies and not for his voters. Trump is corrupt is our message at every opportunity. Corruption his voter understand and resent. Calling out Trump corruption does not attack his voters, just constantly reminds them of what they are already seeing on their own. And Trump can't help it: he is in this for himself, and corruption is the inevitable result. Attacking his corruption does not sound elitist. It is just calling a crook a crook.
Elite explanation; his style is patrimonialism. Ruling based on favoritism and cronyism. Elevating loyalty to Trump over competence. The incompetence will fail, but we must help by focus on the crook. Support Sen. Lisa Murkowski as she challenges other Republicans to speak out and call Trump what he is; an extortionist, a mobster, a New York slumlord, et al. Love, Doc www.dykers.com
I'm afraid you have it wrong again. The military firings are not about diversity.
The firings of the top lawyers (JAP) prove that Trump plans to neuter military integrity to the point that when Trump orders illegal actions against civilians, there will be no one in a position of military authority to say "NO!" to him.
A black day for America in the world, today, the third anniversary of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, when the USA stood with Russia and its allies North Korea and Belarus. Trump is the 21st century American Quisling. See the links:
I just witnessed making America great again (not). There's an employment office next to my grandsons' school. I've NEVER seen a line there. This morning, as I dropped the boys off, there were 20 people in line. Makes you wonder if they're formal federal employees. Let's win back the House April 1!
HCR Letter was especially helpful this morning. And this quote:
"Historian Johann Neem, a specialist in the American Revolution, turned to political theorist John Locke to explore the larger meaning of Trump’s destructive course. The founders who threw off monarchy and constructed our constitutional government looked to Locke for their guiding principles. In his 1690 Second Treatise on Government, Locke noted that when a leader disregards constitutional order, he gives up legitimacy and the people are justified in treating him as a “thief and a robber.” “[W]hosoever in authority exceeds the power given him by the law and makes use of the force he has under his command…ceases in that to be a magistrate; and, acting without authority, may be opposed, as any other man, who by force invades the right of another,” Locke wrote."
Where would we be if we didn't have HCR?
We need HCR and the entire Contrarian staff, contributors and readers to fix this mess.
I loved your comment Larry but we have Jennifer already. Relax 😌
Maybe it's time for a good old-fashioned military takeover. Or if the town halls keep descending into chaos, maybe Republicans will develop some guts and invoke the 25th Amendment.
A successful enactment of the 25th Amendment would give us Vance. Substantively, that wouldn't be any better. But Vance is much less effective as a symbol and doesn't command the cultish loyalty Trump has. So it might help.
No violence. Non-violent resistance only will win the day
Also need to recognize Senator Sanders going to red districts all over the country raging against the Oligarchs who are golng after working class saftey net inorder to give big tax cuts to the rich and corporations!!!
Yes. More people need to follow Sen. Sanders' lead.
It's time for the Supreme Court to nullify the 2024 election because President Trump, VP Vance and others lied under oath this last January when they took their oaths of office; the same nullification, of course, also applying to subsequent appointments.
(The conduct and scheduling of the new election can also be part of the Court's ruling; as can the disposition of recent Cabinet appointments.)
How do they take jurisdiction?
The same way they did with "Presidential Immunity."
With one caveat, that is, they are ultimately responsible for enforcing the intent of our guiding lights, the Constitution and the Rule of Law. In our Country; we have three branches of government, the design being that no one has more power than another, with balance coming from one or both of the other two when there is an imbalance.
A new election can restore that balance.
I hope I've answered your question.
Hope you aren't a lawyer.
Surgeon... almost went to law school, until I got a job as a Senate page in a very corrupt legislature. I ended up teaching oral surgery in an Army mobile surgical command, surrounded by utterly awesome people. Not going to law school was a good decision for me... although I sometimes think I would have been an effective prosecutor.
Have have a "case in controversy." So far, none.
Please clarify. I'm not conflicted, if that's what you're thinking... I do have many interests... couldn't sit still in kindergarten either. 🙄 OCD, maybe.
Say what you will about Andrew Cuomo- but during covid he held a daily briefing every day at the same time- and millions upon millions watched his informational and instructional Daily Briefing- Right now the Dems are scattered on their individual social media etc- trying to speak out- but it is scattershot- and I am suggesting that the Dems have a Daily Briefing with a statement of the latest things that T and M are doing - what the Dems - or anyone working against T are doing about it- and what we can do as citizens- Same time and same Place Daily -With the press invited each day- right now T is sucking all the air out of the room with the press fixated on the administration- I suggest that we have a place that is a counter balance-
A place where Congress and Senators can report in- as well as those who are being affected by the new policies and layoffs- Governors, mayors, and every day people- and people who voted for T who are now disenfranchised- I am trying to talk about this idea to as may people who will listen- Need a good producer to produce this daily briefing!!!!
Love this idea
One issue many are not talking much about is the cruelty being displayed in all of these executive orders, firings, and funding cuts. These are people who have spent their careers working in support of our country, our freedom, our lives as citizens. They have families and livelihoods to support. They do not have oligarchs that can donate money to help them. Being cast out of their jobs at a moments notice, or having a program or project defunded without notice affects everyone else they work with and everyone whose lives and livelihoods also depended on them and the roles they performed for the USG. We need to be doing a much better job at articulating the consequences of every one of these actions, not just the short term consequences, but the real life consequences, the impact on lives and communities, and the long term consequences. We need to stop talking just about the impact on our constitutional democracy, which is, of course, critical, but also is a more abstract term that many people have trouble defining for themselves. I've not seen much discussion yet about how Democrats and Independents are working on changing the messaging, changing the way we talk about what is important to us, or realigning ourselves as a more unified effort to fight back against these actions. Our party is known for its diversity but also for its own devisiveness, often messy, arguing among ourselves about points of view that are generally part of the same spectrum of caring about what happens to people and wanting to make life better for them. We need better messaging and avenues of communication that help to unify our main messages and counter the far right wing disinformation campaigns that have become so much a part of our lives, and begin to tell the real story of the people and their families being destroyed by what we are witnessing.
The firings are Trump's revenge on the miltary, which stood in his way in his first term. They also help Putin by weakening America and creating chaos. If everyone just sees DT neither as (fake) president nor as simply crazy and a cheat, but as Agent Krasnov, recruited by the KGB in 1988 and loyal to his master in the Kremin it all falls into place.
How do dictators stay in power? They are supported by the military. That would seem to be the reason for the Pentagon purge and it should cause even greater alarm than has so far been evident.
Seems like he’s following Hitlers playbook. They were loyal to him at the beginning but their support weakened over time.
Mike, what you just posted is an historical truth but the weakening of his support didn't prevent the mass murder of millions and millions of German casualties before he took his own "life".
Hope history doesn't repeat itself .
Unfortunately including many of my relatives.
I hate having to "like" your comment, but it's the only way to acknowledge your pain and losses. I once met a concentration camp survivor. He showed me his tattooed number. It was bone chilling. Now, we're facing it. Don't think we aren't.
Absolutely
Where are the best places to donate to further litigation?
Right now, the best places to donate are to the Democratic House candidates for the April special elections. NY-21, FL-1, FL-6. Those are all red districts, but The Grifters' destruction of agencies and mass firings are affecting people in those districts, too. The Republicans are vulnerable. They lead just 217-215 in the House. We win all three special elections, and the hammer goes to Hakeem. That would be a huge check on The Grifter and block any of his stupid agendas. Got to ActBlue for a secure donation. I've donated to all three candidates and will do so again.
I am a journalist and cannot donate to specific candidates.
Joan, I donate monthly to Democracy Forward. It provides legal representation to organizations, communities and individuals. Democracy Forward has filed several of the lawsuits against this “administration.”
Thank you. I am going to donate to that and Public Citizen.
Good choices.
I am a journalist and cannot donate to specific candidates.
IMG_1567.PNG
Info on the economic boycott this Friday… people’s union!
I'm afraid you have it wrong again. The military firings are not about diversity.
The firings of the top lawyers (JAP) prove that Trump plans to neuter military integrity to the point that when Trump orders illegal actions against civilians, there will be no one in a position of military authority to say "NO!" to him.
That's my thought, too.
I sent this to our Senators and my Representative.
I think it is time for a press conference held by:
Joe Biden
Barak Obama
Bill Clinton
George Bush
Kamala Harris
Al Gore
Mike Pence
Dick Cheney
With the Democratic Senate and Representatives behind them.
Together!!! Against the weakening and dismantling of our government and throwing away our allies. We can’t wait for two years.
Let's keep harping on Trump's corruption. It may seem that his voter expect corruption, but he will give us plenty of opportunity to show that what he is doing is for him and his cronies and not for his voters. Trump is corrupt is our message at every opportunity. Corruption his voter understand and resent. Calling out Trump corruption does not attack his voters, just constantly reminds them of what they are already seeing on their own. And Trump can't help it: he is in this for himself, and corruption is the inevitable result. Attacking his corruption does not sound elitist. It is just calling a crook a crook.
Elite explanation; his style is patrimonialism. Ruling based on favoritism and cronyism. Elevating loyalty to Trump over competence. The incompetence will fail, but we must help by focus on the crook. Support Sen. Lisa Murkowski as she challenges other Republicans to speak out and call Trump what he is; an extortionist, a mobster, a New York slumlord, et al. Love, Doc www.dykers.com
I'm afraid you have it wrong again. The military firings are not about diversity.
The firings of the top lawyers (JAP) prove that Trump plans to neuter military integrity to the point that when Trump orders illegal actions against civilians, there will be no one in a position of military authority to say "NO!" to him.
A black day for America in the world, today, the third anniversary of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, when the USA stood with Russia and its allies North Korea and Belarus. Trump is the 21st century American Quisling. See the links:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/02/24/united-nations-ukraine-russia-trump/
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/film/war-crimes-trial-of-vidkun-quisling
I just witnessed making America great again (not). There's an employment office next to my grandsons' school. I've NEVER seen a line there. This morning, as I dropped the boys off, there were 20 people in line. Makes you wonder if they're formal federal employees. Let's win back the House April 1!