A multi-pronged approach to combat illegal actions by the Trump/DOGE team could be made by instituting a British-styled "shadow cabinet" Democratic team. Upcoming Democratic leaders, not well known yet by the American populace. would deluge the media and the US nationwide with responses directly assaulting DOGE/Trump team actions of the day/week. One upcoming leader for each infringement...or cabinet position. This approach would not only introduce Democratic names and expertise, but also combat the presently one-sided chaos that we live with daily.
Timothy Snyder describes this very well (see https://snyder.substack.com/p/shadow-cabinet). He also clarified that the "loyal opposition" is loyal to American democracy and the Constitution. I used to think it meant to be loyal to the allegedly elected administration. This administration deserves no deference.
They (Trump-Musk-Vance) are an illegitimate authority that was put in power by voter suppression and ballot nullification.
Great idea! Post this on social media. Suggest it to all the democrats in Congress. Send it to the DNC. Send it to Dem Governors who might have sway at the DNC.
It's not so much shadow any nominee or secretary...simply a way to rebut, put forth Democratic values instead of the Rep. disenchantment. Get Democratic ideas out there every day putting some sense into government. What Dems would do in this situation. Also a way to bring up younger Democract leaders in state as well as Federal government so that their names become known now and not only when running for higher office.
I think its a great idea..exposing Trump's malfeasance..it has to be loud so it reaches the people n direct so that its very obvious what's going on...the question is how to get it on national broadcasts..maybe partnering with MSNBC ..
We would do well to remember Pastor Niemoeller's chilling reminder of the Nazi purges. "First, they came for the Communists, but because I was not a Communist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the trade unionists, but because I was not a trade unionist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the Jews, and because I was not a Jew I did not speak out. Finally, they came for me, and there was no-one left to speak out. HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF, AMERICA !!!
Richard, we are not there yet but we might be. We have to resist every step of the way. Lawyers and decent judges are doing their job, Congress is waking up and people are showing up. That's a good start after being shocked for three weeks. Keep the faith 👍
Way overly optimistic. Trump will no more care about demonstrations than Assad did in Syrian. Trump will ignore actions by Congress and the courts and his cult will believe his justifications. If his nominees aren't confirmed, big deal. Neither was Musk. What difference does it make if the debt ceiling isn't raised? Musk will spend the money anyway. You grossly underestimate how lawless this Administration is and how indoctrinated or gutless Republicans in Congress.
it's not Trump we're trying to reach..it's the American people..give a simple explanation of what's going on ..clarify what devious trump n his cohorts are doing..hopefully piss him off...
Thank you both very much for this discussion and explanation of the Rhode Island ruling today. I’m not sure if this was already covered earlier, but I’m interested in finding out when attorney’s arguing these cases for the government can be brought up with sanctions, with the potential to lose their law licenses? I’m thinking about the first TRO on the birthright question. The judge on that case stated that he could not believe that any attorney should have let the Executive Order out since in his view it was unconstitutional. Any thoughts on this or direct me to present discussion on this subject.
Cassie, I'm a Physical Therapist and hardly qualified to tell you what's going to happen but I read today that the judge presiding, threatened the lawyer representing the felon administration with sanctions including debarresment.
I appreciate this, but these people do not care about the rules, courts, judges’ rulings. If a court says “Do not do (X),” and they do it anyway, who will stop them? The Judiciary does not have a police force, correct? Who could be called to STOP them?? For all that I appreciate your comments and the courts and the people standing up, frankly, none of it seems to matter if Trump and Musk continue to break the law. We need someone (law enforcement) to arrest and remove them from federal offices they're taking over. But who would that be? I want to call a 911 – but who is the 911 for these kinds of happenings??
Normally it would be the US Marshals. And we have none that aren’t MAGA loyalists. I’m certainly no expert, but IMHO it’s time for the Pentagon top brass to step in.
Part of the "controversy" is in "indirect costs" associated with government grants. These have been negotiated over the years and 40-50% rates are typical. This in large part is what keeps the lights on and what provides for support staff, people to manage the financials, etc. Cutting the overhead is going to make it impossible to do the research that was funded. People will get laid off.
The percentage of ignorant, unprotected and at risk people in this country is going to keep growing. There's no cure for stupidity but without funding it won't be a cure of many other problems that can and should be resolved.
I follow this crucial resistance to the fascist threat shaking the very core of this great country. But in order to succeed in defending democracy you must believe in democracy, in the rule, in solidarity with the victims of fascism and you must feel empathy.
And yet, I have not seen - correct me please if I am wrong - Ms. Rubin move a finger to defend Gaza from the onslaught and almost total destruction. She surely knows that Israel is run by a nazi-like government led by a Trump-like criminal, who without the support of Joe Biden, his lifelong friend, would have ended up in prison long ago. For almost 80 years the US has been actively supporting a state of apartheid in Gaza, ever since the biblical tragedy of 750000 Palestinians expelled from their land, never to be allowed to return.
As we have been watching by our own eyes, this culminated by what should be considered a genocide, with almost 50000 innocent people killed, so many of them children and women, together with almost total destruction of hospitals, schools, universities, museums, monuments, you name it. And yet, even here nobody talks about it, in spite of the US president openly calling for ethnic cleansing.
There is a comment below by Richard France, which I cite: 'We would do well to remember Pastor Niemoeller's chilling reminder of the Nazi purges. "First, they came for the Communists, but because I was not a Communist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the trade unionists, but because I was not a trade unionist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the Jews, and because I was not a Jew I did not speak out. Finally, they came for me, and there was no-one left to speak out. HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF, AMERICA !!!'
I wonder how one can imagine democracy and the rule of law in the US, with the support for one of the greatest destructions in modern history. This almost total lack of solidarity and empathy will come back to haunt the US like a boomerang.
I thank the Lord every day for The Contrarian and those who stand tall for our democracy. But we need to apply more tools against this take over, quickly. We must start thinking outside the box. We must fight fire with FIRE!
In research areas where animals are involved additional veterinarians are sometimes employed in addition to the staff vets for the purpose of animal care. A huge difference in salary requirements for a vet and a lab assistant who has an associates or a bachelors degree. This is an example of a highly skilled professional who has to be brought in to ensure that research animals are properly cared for. Those animals must be treated very well and are treated well. All of these factors contribute to overhead costs.
Your comment D.M. shows that there's a profound difference between a country and a business. Go and try to explain the difference to the morons dictating policies and the horde of supporters. Good luck with that.
That’s why you don’t confirm RFK Jr. He is grossly unqualified for HHS secretary. If you cannot communicate with the departments of the government that funds public and private institutions and makes it known what is necessary or required for their clients to do their jobs then you don’t need to be heading that department. We had a U.S. senator Bill Cassidy to vote to confirm when he went against his better judgment. This is about the spineless MAGA’s kissing the ring rather than doing what is ethical.
I’m much less optimistic that we’ll have 3-4 senators or house members on the Republican side who will stop Trump. They have proven thus far that they will not defy him, no matter how insane. I’d like to know what remedy there is after they fail to uphold their oaths to the constitution.
I like the things you are doing and I am grateful. However, Trumps favorability and approval have increased since he took office. What about letting him make his mistakes so that his voters feel the pain and he doesn’t have the luxury of blaming democrats for his failure? Is that what we are doing with tariffs?
Thank you again Jen and Norm! I think we just fight them tooth and nail, obstruct, make a lot of noise, litigate, write everyone, we’re going to be busy. That’s how “WE THE PEOPLE” are going to get by, here on the ground in real time. Yes, we will help each other protect our democracy. The founders had a lot of troubles and many made poor choices but they knew their shit! Oligarchs, revolution and what to watch out for. There’s going to be hidden gems under everything but we have to stand up and say NO, this buffoonery will not stand. Or we’ll not have an amazing experiment to propel along into the future, it really is up to us, our voices, our power, our strength building.
A multi-pronged approach to combat illegal actions by the Trump/DOGE team could be made by instituting a British-styled "shadow cabinet" Democratic team. Upcoming Democratic leaders, not well known yet by the American populace. would deluge the media and the US nationwide with responses directly assaulting DOGE/Trump team actions of the day/week. One upcoming leader for each infringement...or cabinet position. This approach would not only introduce Democratic names and expertise, but also combat the presently one-sided chaos that we live with daily.
Timothy Snyder describes this very well (see https://snyder.substack.com/p/shadow-cabinet). He also clarified that the "loyal opposition" is loyal to American democracy and the Constitution. I used to think it meant to be loyal to the allegedly elected administration. This administration deserves no deference.
They (Trump-Musk-Vance) are an illegitimate authority that was put in power by voter suppression and ballot nullification.
Great idea! Post this on social media. Suggest it to all the democrats in Congress. Send it to the DNC. Send it to Dem Governors who might have sway at the DNC.
We need to take the megaphone off their hands and get a simple message ready.
Great idea
Who in their right mind would want to shadow Tulsi Gabbard or any of the other misfits?
It's not so much shadow any nominee or secretary...simply a way to rebut, put forth Democratic values instead of the Rep. disenchantment. Get Democratic ideas out there every day putting some sense into government. What Dems would do in this situation. Also a way to bring up younger Democract leaders in state as well as Federal government so that their names become known now and not only when running for higher office.
Of course those are great objectives. It’s just that saddling them with the name of a Trump appointment is a bit like tying a can to their tail.
I think its a great idea..exposing Trump's malfeasance..it has to be loud so it reaches the people n direct so that its very obvious what's going on...the question is how to get it on national broadcasts..maybe partnering with MSNBC ..
Love this idea!
We would do well to remember Pastor Niemoeller's chilling reminder of the Nazi purges. "First, they came for the Communists, but because I was not a Communist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the trade unionists, but because I was not a trade unionist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the Jews, and because I was not a Jew I did not speak out. Finally, they came for me, and there was no-one left to speak out. HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF, AMERICA !!!
I see how a country is chopped at the knees how how the Nazi party became powerful I hope we all care and fight to save this not so perfect America.
Richard, we are not there yet but we might be. We have to resist every step of the way. Lawyers and decent judges are doing their job, Congress is waking up and people are showing up. That's a good start after being shocked for three weeks. Keep the faith 👍
Right you are Rich! This country is in a fight for its very existence!
The time to act is NOW!
Way overly optimistic. Trump will no more care about demonstrations than Assad did in Syrian. Trump will ignore actions by Congress and the courts and his cult will believe his justifications. If his nominees aren't confirmed, big deal. Neither was Musk. What difference does it make if the debt ceiling isn't raised? Musk will spend the money anyway. You grossly underestimate how lawless this Administration is and how indoctrinated or gutless Republicans in Congress.
Quite right on target Michael.👍
it's not Trump we're trying to reach..it's the American people..give a simple explanation of what's going on ..clarify what devious trump n his cohorts are doing..hopefully piss him off...
Thank you both very much for this discussion and explanation of the Rhode Island ruling today. I’m not sure if this was already covered earlier, but I’m interested in finding out when attorney’s arguing these cases for the government can be brought up with sanctions, with the potential to lose their law licenses? I’m thinking about the first TRO on the birthright question. The judge on that case stated that he could not believe that any attorney should have let the Executive Order out since in his view it was unconstitutional. Any thoughts on this or direct me to present discussion on this subject.
Cassie, I'm a Physical Therapist and hardly qualified to tell you what's going to happen but I read today that the judge presiding, threatened the lawyer representing the felon administration with sanctions including debarresment.
That I read before my first cup of coffee. 😄
I've been thinking about that too,
I appreciate this, but these people do not care about the rules, courts, judges’ rulings. If a court says “Do not do (X),” and they do it anyway, who will stop them? The Judiciary does not have a police force, correct? Who could be called to STOP them?? For all that I appreciate your comments and the courts and the people standing up, frankly, none of it seems to matter if Trump and Musk continue to break the law. We need someone (law enforcement) to arrest and remove them from federal offices they're taking over. But who would that be? I want to call a 911 – but who is the 911 for these kinds of happenings??
Normally it would be the US Marshals. And we have none that aren’t MAGA loyalists. I’m certainly no expert, but IMHO it’s time for the Pentagon top brass to step in.
Are you suggesting a military coup?
We don't have that Cindy because nobody thought this would happen in this country.
Part of the "controversy" is in "indirect costs" associated with government grants. These have been negotiated over the years and 40-50% rates are typical. This in large part is what keeps the lights on and what provides for support staff, people to manage the financials, etc. Cutting the overhead is going to make it impossible to do the research that was funded. People will get laid off.
The percentage of ignorant, unprotected and at risk people in this country is going to keep growing. There's no cure for stupidity but without funding it won't be a cure of many other problems that can and should be resolved.
Call congress, call congress! All of us have to make our voices heard 202-224-3121.
I am lucky Conn has good people in Washington.
Jen’s interview with Norm gives me hope.
I follow this crucial resistance to the fascist threat shaking the very core of this great country. But in order to succeed in defending democracy you must believe in democracy, in the rule, in solidarity with the victims of fascism and you must feel empathy.
And yet, I have not seen - correct me please if I am wrong - Ms. Rubin move a finger to defend Gaza from the onslaught and almost total destruction. She surely knows that Israel is run by a nazi-like government led by a Trump-like criminal, who without the support of Joe Biden, his lifelong friend, would have ended up in prison long ago. For almost 80 years the US has been actively supporting a state of apartheid in Gaza, ever since the biblical tragedy of 750000 Palestinians expelled from their land, never to be allowed to return.
As we have been watching by our own eyes, this culminated by what should be considered a genocide, with almost 50000 innocent people killed, so many of them children and women, together with almost total destruction of hospitals, schools, universities, museums, monuments, you name it. And yet, even here nobody talks about it, in spite of the US president openly calling for ethnic cleansing.
There is a comment below by Richard France, which I cite: 'We would do well to remember Pastor Niemoeller's chilling reminder of the Nazi purges. "First, they came for the Communists, but because I was not a Communist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the trade unionists, but because I was not a trade unionist I did not speak out. Then, they came for the Jews, and because I was not a Jew I did not speak out. Finally, they came for me, and there was no-one left to speak out. HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF, AMERICA !!!'
I wonder how one can imagine democracy and the rule of law in the US, with the support for one of the greatest destructions in modern history. This almost total lack of solidarity and empathy will come back to haunt the US like a boomerang.
I thank the Lord every day for The Contrarian and those who stand tall for our democracy. But we need to apply more tools against this take over, quickly. We must start thinking outside the box. We must fight fire with FIRE!
Amen.
As a young man studying our government and civics, I was told that we have "A goverment of laws, not of men".
With tRump at the helm, I am beginning to doubt that.
You can bet instead of beginning to doubt . No risk there, you'll be the winner!!!.😀
In research areas where animals are involved additional veterinarians are sometimes employed in addition to the staff vets for the purpose of animal care. A huge difference in salary requirements for a vet and a lab assistant who has an associates or a bachelors degree. This is an example of a highly skilled professional who has to be brought in to ensure that research animals are properly cared for. Those animals must be treated very well and are treated well. All of these factors contribute to overhead costs.
Your comment D.M. shows that there's a profound difference between a country and a business. Go and try to explain the difference to the morons dictating policies and the horde of supporters. Good luck with that.
That’s why you don’t confirm RFK Jr. He is grossly unqualified for HHS secretary. If you cannot communicate with the departments of the government that funds public and private institutions and makes it known what is necessary or required for their clients to do their jobs then you don’t need to be heading that department. We had a U.S. senator Bill Cassidy to vote to confirm when he went against his better judgment. This is about the spineless MAGA’s kissing the ring rather than doing what is ethical.
I’m much less optimistic that we’ll have 3-4 senators or house members on the Republican side who will stop Trump. They have proven thus far that they will not defy him, no matter how insane. I’d like to know what remedy there is after they fail to uphold their oaths to the constitution.
Angie ,in a normal country, they'll be impeached or voted out. Since I don't recognize this country anymore I don't know what to answer you 😕
I like the things you are doing and I am grateful. However, Trumps favorability and approval have increased since he took office. What about letting him make his mistakes so that his voters feel the pain and he doesn’t have the luxury of blaming democrats for his failure? Is that what we are doing with tariffs?
Thank you!
This was reassuring.
I am so glad we have these well informed and educated experts protecting us and informing us.
That is the true definition of strength.
You guys are awesome!
Thank you again Jen and Norm! I think we just fight them tooth and nail, obstruct, make a lot of noise, litigate, write everyone, we’re going to be busy. That’s how “WE THE PEOPLE” are going to get by, here on the ground in real time. Yes, we will help each other protect our democracy. The founders had a lot of troubles and many made poor choices but they knew their shit! Oligarchs, revolution and what to watch out for. There’s going to be hidden gems under everything but we have to stand up and say NO, this buffoonery will not stand. Or we’ll not have an amazing experiment to propel along into the future, it really is up to us, our voices, our power, our strength building.