THEY are culpable and they have to live in the remake of what America will BECOME because of them....THEY ALONE have the power to impeach Trump with the Democrats or face the American peoples pain and rage...coming soon - this will not end well with the rest of the World defending themselves against the USA and Russia now .... every day gets worse not better....SENATORS....ACT!
On another site I reminded Mainers that Susan Colins worked for Bill Cohen who switched parties from Maine's Republcan Senator to become a Clinton cabinet member.
Too late. She voted for RJK Jr. The dye has been cast for the ruination of the American public's investment in health and research and innovation over the last 60 years. Quite literally, a pox will fall on all of our houses.
Please tell everybody you know in DC area today Wed, Feb 19, noon, to go to HHS headquarters bldg, to protest National Institute of Health staffing + funding cuts!
Her whole schtick is to pretend to be "concerned," like a grandmotherly type of figure, and then knife you in the back when you bend down to pick up the tissue she dropped on the floor. She's a vicious political animal. Make no mistake about it.
Anyone living in Maine, at least advocate that Collins join King as an independent. Progressives, moderate Democrats/Republicans, and independents have much more power joining together in a New Big Tent at this time as one against MAGA. And constitutional conservatives have a big choice to make.
Democrats, I don't blame you for your anger at Collins. As a former moderate Republican turned independent, I feel the same. But I've grown to believe that Democrats picking up a few mid-term seats just perpetuates our horrible national yo-yo. Politicians like Collins can be welcomed into a New Big Tent. Politics is an alignment cradle before it is effective governance. Right now Collins' alignment with MAGA outweighs her alignment with a scattergun constitutional government movement. She and others need a place to land and lead, this isn't Hunger Games. My bet is there should be significant influence brought on her to turn independent along with Angus King.
I think I can define what "more" I want Congressional Democrats to do.
NO COOPERATION ON ANYTHING!!!!
I am a federal employee who, thankfully, still has a job. I would be sent home during a government shutdown.
Democratic Senators and Representatives need to immediately STOP cooperating on Republican attempts to fund the federal government after March 14. Republicans have been the "Party of No" since 2008. It's time for Schumer and the other elderly Democrats to find their spines and say "No!" on everything the Republicans and President Musk try to do. They want Trump/Musk to be able to act like dictators, fine, let them try to fund and run *any* part of the federal government themselves. The fact is, they can't do it.
The federal budget, and the fact Johnson can't do *anything* if he loses 1-2 votes from his own clown car, and the fact the Senate can't get past a filbuster without Democratic votes is one of the remaining checks we still have on Trump/Musk.
Exactly!! Make every confirmation vote 53-47! Every vote on every piece of legislation or business that comes before them-same vote. No cooperation AT ALL! And when the Repubsheep start complaining in the media, state firmly and unequivocally that there will be no cooperation until they begin to fulfill their oath to the Constitution and serve as a check on the wild overreach of the executive branch.
I agree with everything you wrote. The real problem, as I see it, is that Schumer and the other "old school Democrats" don't have spines. In my opinion, Hakeem Jeffries is just as bad. He just met with Tech donors to promise them that if we win three new House seats, we will move toward the center, so they can fully participate in our government like Musk and Zuckerberg.
Jeffries evidently learned nothing from the last presidential election. I don't want him to work with Congressional Republicans, who have proven over and over again that they are just fine with Trump pardoning his domestic terrorists, pushing his White Nationalist agenda, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants who pay taxes and contribute to our economy, continue destroying our relationships with our allies, and cementing his relationship with Putin and other dictators, while allowing Musk to personally profit as he works from within to ravage every governmental department, fire masses of governmental workers, steal our private information, destroy Social Security, and Medicaid, and completely destroy our reputation worldwide.
I want leaders who will fight back on every level! I'm sorry to say that I no longer have any hope that the Democratic party will protect our democracy. The only people who are making a difference are those like Jen Rubin, Norm Eisen, and others like them, as well as a handful of Democratic fighters in Congress.
I didn't hear that from Jeffries, so I don't know what his thinking is. I just heard him say yesterday or day before that the Democrats would stand firm and not cave on any issues that Democrats are there to protect. I pray he will hold tight and hold the minority Democratic Party together.
Yes, he did say that as well. But, at a secret meeting with Silicon Valley tech donors on February 7th, Jeffries was trying to "mend fences," and he said it then. Unfortunately, I didn't save the article, and can only find the responses in reddit. The problem seems to be that Jeffries wants corporate money, and yet the Democratic base wants justice (I certainly do), and is tired of our so-called leader's passivity.
I also heard Jeffries say that since there is a Republican president, and they have majorities in the House and Senate, there is nothing we can do. Yet, Republicans were in the same position during the first two years of Biden's presidency, and they continued spreading lies about the election results, and fighting against our democracy. They brought 63 lawsuits against different states (all of which they lost), forced numerous states to recount the votes (which changed nothing, were costly and inconsequential), fomented violence against election workers and everyone with whom they disagreed, and effectively convinced a large number of Americans that the election was fraudulent.
I find everything they did to be reprehensible, but Biden's strategy of ignoring Trump, made Biden seem weak, and suggested he was not willing to fight for what he believed in, which emboldened Trump, his enablers, followers, and donors.
The fact that Trump won the 2024 election suggests that we need to prove to the American people that their perceptions of us are wrong. We are not "all talk and no action," and we will do everything imaginable (and legal) to fight for their rights, and our democracy!
Agreed! For the first two years of Biden's presidency, we had a Democratic president, and majorities in the House and the Senate (albeit a small one). And, Biden did the bipartisan shuffle, allowed Sinema and Manchin to work with Republicans on important legislation, draw out the process, and then vote against it.
And, how did that work out? Republicans neither respected Biden nor were they fearful of him. They could behave as badly as they wanted to, and there were no consequences.
Yes, Democrats, give them nothing that isn't in the best interest of Americans. Keep getting outside and speaking to people. Keep holding your town hall meetings.
My husband and I, no spring chickens, braved @ 10 degree weather and icy sidewalks to join with hundreds of others here in Pittsburgh to protest Musk and Trump's monarchical actions on President's Day, taking public transportation to get there. What a blast.
Thank you! My husband and I marched and chanted with 100+ folks in Holland, MI in blowing snow and 11 degrees. What's a little snow when my grandchildren's future is threatened?
Glad you folks in MI along with everyone else in the Northern States who showed up and braved the cold....Moved from Paw Paw, MI to Southern AZ several years ago. I remember how cold it is this time of year and thankful for all of you folks who were out there...We had a couple hundred folks show up to protest in our small town about thirty miles from border....Very liberating! Keep up the good work up!!!!👍👍👍
My aunt and uncle farmed in Paw Paw as did my grandparents. Did you know Jack and Gretchen Gilbert? Their farm was on the Red Arrow. Hooray for your protest!
Thank you! I think this will be only the start, especially as things get warmer. For all the partisan hacks on the right bemoaning the "radical left", the reality is that they haven't seen what a left wing version of the base radicalizing a la the Tea Party actually looks like. That may be about to change!
I was at the Capitol on Monday and frankly disappointed that there weren't a lot more people there with me.
I just wrote my Senators and Representatives (again) demanding they do something. What is that something? I don't know, that's what we elected THEM to figure out! THEY are supposed to LEAD, come up with a STRATEGY, MOBILIZE the tens or hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans who are ready to ACT if leaders would step forward.
If they won't do it, I will follow whoever can and does, and it I ever get to vote in a free election again I will vote for them.
I think we need to start looking at replacing Jeffries. His statements have reflected a sense of helplessness, while AOC is giving guidance and educating people about the coming midterms, about things they can do today, and even how to deal with ICE. We need strong leadership NOW, and neither Jeffries nor Schumer seem able to deliver.
I think the movement will likely pick up real steam as weather gets warmer, more people get fired, and more people start paying attention. Big protest movements start as small protest movements until they're no longer small.
Thanks, Thomas. However, multiple sources sat that phone calls are the most effective way to get the attention of our members of congress. 5calls.org is a big help about who to call, what their number is, and sample messages.
When the MAGAs feel the impact of the election, they will run scared. Bird flu does not discriminate, food prices will soar for them, as well as the rest of us. Medical care and drugs will be unaffordable, especially if you are out of a job. What did they gain by thinking they owned the libs?
This is quite true. The problem is that Trump has perfected a little psychological dance with his base wherein whenever reality begins to puncture the MAGA fantasy bubble, he commences the old razzle-dazzle. He pettifogs, he flatters, and mostly he scapegoats. He takes credit for things Biden did and blames everything he did on Democrats. Because MAGA is conditioned to look at Trump and Fox News to keep the bubble around their fantasy intact, it will work.
So, our goal is to make it impossible for MAGA to blame bird flu, food prices, medical care, unemployment and a messed-up social security office on us. It is our job to protest, to talk, to act and to witness to the MAGA in our community a very simple truth: "Trump did that".
As long as people prefer to be distracted by the mythical transgender squirrel at their birdfeeder rather thsn focus on the reality of Muskrat's chaos we will continue on this path.
When I watch news on YouTube, I always read the comments. I am shocked by the sheer number of people saying that it's "about time the lying Democrats who have gotten rich off our taxes get payback" or "it's great seeing how scared all the grifters are hahaha" so I'm not sure there is any way to reach these people with mere facts. They seem to have their own worldview where reality has no foothold.
The people to whom you refer on YouTube live on Earth 2 as Rachel Maddow calls it. These MAGAts are truly lost causes to sanity, reason, the rule of law and decency. I've heard similar comments about them gleefully owning the Dems as well. However, the day will surely come when even these deplorables will be harmed by the actions of the illegal and illegitimate Musk/Trump regime/junta. Americans of all parties (or no party) benefit bountifully from government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and are also served by the departments that work to provide safe water, food, air, airplanes, work safety. I can anticipate great wailing and gnashing of teeth once these draconinan measures start impacting MAGAts. They will only have themselves to blame. A plague on all their houses.
But many aren't. We have to come to grips with the fact that a goodly number of Americans are just absolutely brainwashed. How do we change that? I have no idea.
I don't know anymore. People don't really seem to give a shit about what happens to the country as long as they can stare at their phones and watch reality TV.
That's also too true. And there are still many, many small communities where there is limited access to outside news, especially independent news. Maybe they would be helped by small town meetings hosted by known and trusted people in the community and led by democrats or independents who know how to speak to the culture of that community and can enlist their help.
I have said that too. I even proposed to family that maybe the republicans have been brainwashed. Truly it's been done in other cult centers and it's not that hard to do if you get several of them or small groups of them together for periods of time and convince them that you have wonderful news for them.
Will there even be any food--undocumented workers that aren't being deported or self-deporting are staying home in fear of detainment camps. Farmers are panicking. This will affect all of us. My hope is that dems take the House and Senate in the midterms and impeach that sorry state of a human the next day....
We have to start campaigning today. So far two republicans have thrown in their hats for the governorship of Oklahoma. Where are the democrats? I'll ask The Oklahoman.
"Many Americans have expressed frustration with congressional Democrats for not doing more (although it is hard to pinpoint what “more” would look like)."
I was hoping the Contrarian would be a little less milquetoast than the NYT, which I cancelled so I could send you my subscription money. "What 'more' would look like" should take the form of direct action at the agencies being taken over by DOGE: Show up, demand admittance. If the door is locked, smash it with an axe. Go in there and TALK TO EMPLOYEES WHO RUN THE MAINFRAMES and tell them that their bogus DOGE orders are unconstitutional and that they should stand there and refuse to let the Musk kiddie mob log in. Stuff like that. Filing lawsuits? Sure, but those take time - and there is no more time. Enough of this playing by the rules when Trusk (or is it Mump?) are taking over, and enough bringing speeches to a gun fight.
I totally agree! I keep wondering what would have happened if Congressional Democrats had swarmed the agencies and created human chains or denied entry to the buildings DOGE guys were trying to enter. SOMETHING…ANYTHING…
As activist Shannon Watts wrote “The Democrats showed up to a knife fight with a cheese stick.”
If they are going to be in DC, I have suggested that they go set upon their desks and offices in the lobbies of these federal buildings. Make a stink about it.
Getting the cops called is the whole point. For 8 years, we've been playing by the rules while they f*ck us over. We're almost out of time to do "more," which does not mean playing by the rules. Showing up (and I mean actual Members of Congress, not randos with slogans) with an axe and getting arrested, with cameras rolling, would be a start. Lawsuits, sure -- but given the clear signs that judges will be ignored, the briefcases are not going to save us.
They need to set up a shadow cabinet and have one (or more) public-facing cabinet members holding daily press briefings re latest DOGE and congressional activities and what they’re doing in response. Crockett, Buttigieg, maybe Warren/Bernie from the Senate?
Nobody much is talking about the fact that many of these Republican senators and congressmen who might vote differently are towing the line because they are receiving threats to their family. I have a feeling that this is a big reason that we're seeing total capitulation. They are in total fear for their families and will give up the country before taking on any risk. Thoughts?
Yep. That's what it comes down to. They would rather save their jobs than take care of the country. The Democrats, sadly, aren't much different in that regard.
Because, in this regard, they are the same. Democrats are too afraid of their own shadows to do anything, at this point. They are worried what people might think of them if they go "too far" or say "too much." They are as spineless as spineless can be.
They might be being black mailed makes more SENSE than them watching "Rome Burn" and just sitting "in the House" mouthing...I dont' smell smoke...that's not smoke !! ??? BUT if yes or no or whatever their why is....Europe is preparing to exit NATO...Trump is aliened with PUTIN and that can not end well no matter what way you look at it for a Democracy no more and danger. But Trumps DISGUSTING demanding reparations of oil and minerals and and and for support to Ukraine when Senators have admitted that supporting meant 1) jobs for Americans building new weapons as we sent old and outdated to Ukraine 2) that our contribution was much much less than Europe. 3) that we were supporting Democracy itself AGAINST Putin...then...now Trump is WITH PUTIN. Trump is de facto opposing Europe to Putin's friend. Now what Senators ? Are you more afraid of Trump ? or are you more afraid of allowing and abetting a new probable ? WAR with Americans put at risk ? or are you more afraid of 350 million patriotic citizens who now KNOW YOU can stop this and YOU SENATORS...YOU CHOSE TO NOT END ..... this very very dangerous nightmare.
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence knew that they were risking their livelihood and their lives, and yet they did it. Some paid a high price. Those who choose to run for office have a grave responsibility. If fear prevents their fulfilling it, they should resign.
I offer as "leaders like that" AOC, Lisa Murkowski, Bernie Sanders, Dick Blumenthal, among others. As Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together." Let's get to work.
I have no doubt you are correct BUT (there is always a but), I highly doubt those threats are not DEATH, we havent gone that far down the oligarch path YET…. they would be monetary and fear of losing their career political jobs, give me a break. These people took an oath and it wasnt to line their own pockets and have beach houses or send their kids to $10K summer camps and buy them horses. Even they have to sleep at night and eventually look in the eyes of their children and tell them they sold their souls for what? shame on every last one of them. No sympathy here.
Would 24/7 protection for themselves and their families be a deal changer? Paid for by a wealthy concerned person or persons who want to save our country?
As for those they voted against, it was only because enough Republican senators would vote for those unfit nominees, even if J. D. Vance had to break a tie. It was performative, not an act of conscience.
I'm proud to have participated in the DC protest on Monday. I had hoped more people would have come too but when we have a cowered media that won't even advertise these protests, it's hard to get those numbers we want. I was happy to see they at least overed it on the news that night.
I want to know what is wrong with the Democrats. With a few exceptions, most are too quiet. We need inspired leadership -- where is it??? As for the Republicans, they are traitors, all of them. I hope we get a chance one day we get the opportunity to fire them all. I'm not sure we will
I still think we need professional help getting a coherent message to as many people as possible. Nothing much has changed since Will Rogers said “I belong to no organized political party - I’m a Democrat.” We need some serious PR people as well as an eloquent lead spokesman. I nominate Pete Buttigieg. Andy Borowitz addressed this same issue on The Borowitz Report this morning.
I support the formation of a “shadow cabinet”, placing knowledgeable members of Congress in spokesperson roles to regularly present alternatives to what the knuckleheads are doing. “If we were in charge, this is what we would do.” That way we would give several people a platform, which would help us recognize and reward talent for leadership, and would get us into Red States and Blue States at all levels. We have talented people, but no structure. So now it is “spokespeople du jour”, randomly selected by media types. I get 20-30 fundraising requests per day…and it is disgustingly rude often. A coherent plan with good management would get my support.
I just wonder where all our supposed leaders are nowadays? They have all gone absolutely silent as Trump destroys the country. The only two I ever hear from are Pete and Walz. Harris has completely disappeared. Even Newsom is quiet.
As for Newsom newsflash, the state of California will be dealing with the aftermath of the January fires for the foreseeable future. In short he is doing his job.
What would you have them say and do? I believe they are either doing their jobs or contemplating what the next step for them should be. Harris May run for Governor of California as Newsom is term limited. Others are very active. Being completely in the minority is completely powerless. Save what we can and win the next elections!
This is great, but why are only hundreds of people protesting? Why not tens or hundreds of thousands of people? I personally would protest if I knew where. Who is organizing these marches, and how can the rest of us find out about them?
I was planning to attend an ACLU event in my area on Monday, only to find out that registrations had closed because they were at capacity. There should not be maximum capacity for protests!
Big protest movements start with small protests. Trump has only been in office one month and it's very cold. If momentum is sustained, things will start to snowball as it gets warmer & as Trump angers more and more people.
Thank you, John, that’s very reassuring. I’ll be hitting the streets as soon as I know where protests are happening. Any idea how I can find out? I don’t use social media.
I share your concern. At a recent protest in Boston, I looked around and thought, “Where is everybody?”. Not good, though it is early yet and a lot of us are brand new to political activism! I think 5050.one is helping get the word out about protests. Also check out indivisible.org and moveon.org. 💙
Apathy, ignorance, disinformation. And the people holding all the power now don't care about our outrage. If we get too troublesome, do you really doubt that Trump would call out the military against us? We are facing pure evil and it has won.
I’m sure it was tens of thousands across the country on Monday, most in very cold weather (“polar vortex”). The NYT had a headline saying “Thousands Protested” but with the numbers they cited in the article (1500 in Sacramento, for example, and you know the MSM always underestimates) and the number of protests we know there were, it easily adds up to TENS of thousands. But they don’t draw attention to that fact.
Thank you, Melissa — that’s reassuring. I try not to read the news much at hte moment, so I missed the thousands. I look forward to joining them once I can figure out what’s going on when & where — any suggestions?
Please go to indivisible.org, sign up for their emails, and look for the chapter nearest you. You will get lots of ideas for how to plug into the resistance!
What this administration is doing adversely impacts constituents in every congressional district in the county one way or another. It is imperative that the sharpest minds go to work identifying every district on the bubble, Democrat or Republican, in the 2026 election cycle and make damn sure we have the strongest possible candidates, back by major money from the Democratic Party, campaigning beginning NOW to take over the House of Representatives. By campaigning NOW, based on an analysis of just how Trump/Musk/MAGA is negatively impacting local constituents, Dems will either retain or win those districts or apply so much pressure on Republican incumbents that they'll have to stand up to the worst of this administration's actions.
Asking all concerned citizens to please commit some $ to the cause. Until it changes, our system is controlled by $! It is time to target the do-nothing Republicans in Congress - who have been threatened by Musk - with equal and opposite Financial pressure from voters. We can contribute to campaigns against these cowards, even if we don’t live in their districts! 75 million people voted for Harris. Imagine if we all made $10 donations to whomever is running against, say, Susan Collins. Even if Musk can outspend us, we can help get our side’s message out. It’s so important…please consider this & spread the word 💙
There are 2 special elections on 4/1 for open house seats in FL. Josh Weil and Gay Valimont are the democratic candidates. Please consider donating to either or both 💙
Races need to be run outside of the R and D parties. Both are trying to tell candidates what to think and do. We need another approach. I can be a D and have my own ideas. My own values and commitments to the American ideal. I don't need anyone to tell me what they are. I live them every day.
If anyone is waiting for susan collins to do the right thing, I've got a bridge to sell you
Dear Mainers: Collins is up for reelection in 2026. Please vote her out. She has waffled and wavered enough.
She only pretends to waffle and waver. Or if she does, it doesn't matter because she always caves.
THEY are culpable and they have to live in the remake of what America will BECOME because of them....THEY ALONE have the power to impeach Trump with the Democrats or face the American peoples pain and rage...coming soon - this will not end well with the rest of the World defending themselves against the USA and Russia now .... every day gets worse not better....SENATORS....ACT!
On another site I reminded Mainers that Susan Colins worked for Bill Cohen who switched parties from Maine's Republcan Senator to become a Clinton cabinet member.
This may be a window of oppotunity.... I keep sayin' we need Republicans to object -- pressure the Senate Republicans who voted for the Ukraine package https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4464791-here-are-the-senate-republicans-who-voted-for-the-ukraine-package/
Duty, honor, country.
Too late. She voted for RJK Jr. The dye has been cast for the ruination of the American public's investment in health and research and innovation over the last 60 years. Quite literally, a pox will fall on all of our houses.
Please tell everybody you know in DC area today Wed, Feb 19, noon, to go to HHS headquarters bldg, to protest National Institute of Health staffing + funding cuts!
Secondary to treason.
Gotta be persistent....
Contact Bill Cohen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Cohen
Collins worked as a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative and later U.S. Senator William Cohen from 1975 to 1987.
Collins is married to Thomas Daffron, a lobbyist.
It's a wonder people like her can walk without a respirator. The inner rot they carry must be overpowering.
Agree! There is no way Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) will do anything but waffle back and forth and eventually bow to Trump’s every demand.
But, but, but she's concerned, Roger.
Her whole schtick is to pretend to be "concerned," like a grandmotherly type of figure, and then knife you in the back when you bend down to pick up the tissue she dropped on the floor. She's a vicious political animal. Make no mistake about it.
Exactly what I was going to say! I wouldn't hold my breath when it comes to any of these mo**erfu**ers to take a principled stance.
Well said and the same goes for Tillis who talks big but always knuckles under. He is such a two faced liar. Cooper in 2026!!
Thankfully she'll very possibly get wiped out, as she's up in a midterm year this time and the Dem coalition is much stronger in midterms.
John, if mid terms are held...
Ha! Beat me to it. A hard-core, right-wing extremist lurks behind that mild-mannered facade.
Anyone living in Maine, at least advocate that Collins join King as an independent. Progressives, moderate Democrats/Republicans, and independents have much more power joining together in a New Big Tent at this time as one against MAGA. And constitutional conservatives have a big choice to make.
Democrats, I don't blame you for your anger at Collins. As a former moderate Republican turned independent, I feel the same. But I've grown to believe that Democrats picking up a few mid-term seats just perpetuates our horrible national yo-yo. Politicians like Collins can be welcomed into a New Big Tent. Politics is an alignment cradle before it is effective governance. Right now Collins' alignment with MAGA outweighs her alignment with a scattergun constitutional government movement. She and others need a place to land and lead, this isn't Hunger Games. My bet is there should be significant influence brought on her to turn independent along with Angus King.
This time she knowingly ALLOWED herself to be Kavanaughed.
well, I and a lot of other people are alive because she voted for ACA. I know she is not as strong now, but I do owe her that.
But she IS concerned.
She has one foot in the grave. She McConnell should have quit 20 yrs ago. These senators have turned our congressional body into a nursing home.
I think I can define what "more" I want Congressional Democrats to do.
NO COOPERATION ON ANYTHING!!!!
I am a federal employee who, thankfully, still has a job. I would be sent home during a government shutdown.
Democratic Senators and Representatives need to immediately STOP cooperating on Republican attempts to fund the federal government after March 14. Republicans have been the "Party of No" since 2008. It's time for Schumer and the other elderly Democrats to find their spines and say "No!" on everything the Republicans and President Musk try to do. They want Trump/Musk to be able to act like dictators, fine, let them try to fund and run *any* part of the federal government themselves. The fact is, they can't do it.
The federal budget, and the fact Johnson can't do *anything* if he loses 1-2 votes from his own clown car, and the fact the Senate can't get past a filbuster without Democratic votes is one of the remaining checks we still have on Trump/Musk.
Exactly!! Make every confirmation vote 53-47! Every vote on every piece of legislation or business that comes before them-same vote. No cooperation AT ALL! And when the Repubsheep start complaining in the media, state firmly and unequivocally that there will be no cooperation until they begin to fulfill their oath to the Constitution and serve as a check on the wild overreach of the executive branch.
I agree with everything you wrote. The real problem, as I see it, is that Schumer and the other "old school Democrats" don't have spines. In my opinion, Hakeem Jeffries is just as bad. He just met with Tech donors to promise them that if we win three new House seats, we will move toward the center, so they can fully participate in our government like Musk and Zuckerberg.
Jeffries evidently learned nothing from the last presidential election. I don't want him to work with Congressional Republicans, who have proven over and over again that they are just fine with Trump pardoning his domestic terrorists, pushing his White Nationalist agenda, deporting millions of undocumented immigrants who pay taxes and contribute to our economy, continue destroying our relationships with our allies, and cementing his relationship with Putin and other dictators, while allowing Musk to personally profit as he works from within to ravage every governmental department, fire masses of governmental workers, steal our private information, destroy Social Security, and Medicaid, and completely destroy our reputation worldwide.
I want leaders who will fight back on every level! I'm sorry to say that I no longer have any hope that the Democratic party will protect our democracy. The only people who are making a difference are those like Jen Rubin, Norm Eisen, and others like them, as well as a handful of Democratic fighters in Congress.
I didn't hear that from Jeffries, so I don't know what his thinking is. I just heard him say yesterday or day before that the Democrats would stand firm and not cave on any issues that Democrats are there to protect. I pray he will hold tight and hold the minority Democratic Party together.
Yes, he did say that as well. But, at a secret meeting with Silicon Valley tech donors on February 7th, Jeffries was trying to "mend fences," and he said it then. Unfortunately, I didn't save the article, and can only find the responses in reddit. The problem seems to be that Jeffries wants corporate money, and yet the Democratic base wants justice (I certainly do), and is tired of our so-called leader's passivity.
I also heard Jeffries say that since there is a Republican president, and they have majorities in the House and Senate, there is nothing we can do. Yet, Republicans were in the same position during the first two years of Biden's presidency, and they continued spreading lies about the election results, and fighting against our democracy. They brought 63 lawsuits against different states (all of which they lost), forced numerous states to recount the votes (which changed nothing, were costly and inconsequential), fomented violence against election workers and everyone with whom they disagreed, and effectively convinced a large number of Americans that the election was fraudulent.
I find everything they did to be reprehensible, but Biden's strategy of ignoring Trump, made Biden seem weak, and suggested he was not willing to fight for what he believed in, which emboldened Trump, his enablers, followers, and donors.
The fact that Trump won the 2024 election suggests that we need to prove to the American people that their perceptions of us are wrong. We are not "all talk and no action," and we will do everything imaginable (and legal) to fight for their rights, and our democracy!
Thanks Susan. I think we are beginning to see Democrats stand up, speak out, and fight back. It will grow, I hope.
Thank you Bette! I sure hope so!
Agree completely. Even when the Dems have power, they are too afraid to use it.
Agreed! For the first two years of Biden's presidency, we had a Democratic president, and majorities in the House and the Senate (albeit a small one). And, Biden did the bipartisan shuffle, allowed Sinema and Manchin to work with Republicans on important legislation, draw out the process, and then vote against it.
And, how did that work out? Republicans neither respected Biden nor were they fearful of him. They could behave as badly as they wanted to, and there were no consequences.
Spot on!! Thanks...
Yes, Democrats, give them nothing that isn't in the best interest of Americans. Keep getting outside and speaking to people. Keep holding your town hall meetings.
Stonewall. Resist. Do not comply in advance. Be extremely wary of any "deals" they want to make.
Thank you for your service to our nation!
Thank You Chris for writing the simple & singular response necessary to stop the cowardly clowns in their tracks. No funding.
My husband and I, no spring chickens, braved @ 10 degree weather and icy sidewalks to join with hundreds of others here in Pittsburgh to protest Musk and Trump's monarchical actions on President's Day, taking public transportation to get there. What a blast.
Thank you! My husband and I marched and chanted with 100+ folks in Holland, MI in blowing snow and 11 degrees. What's a little snow when my grandchildren's future is threatened?
Glad you folks in MI along with everyone else in the Northern States who showed up and braved the cold....Moved from Paw Paw, MI to Southern AZ several years ago. I remember how cold it is this time of year and thankful for all of you folks who were out there...We had a couple hundred folks show up to protest in our small town about thirty miles from border....Very liberating! Keep up the good work up!!!!👍👍👍
My aunt and uncle farmed in Paw Paw as did my grandparents. Did you know Jack and Gretchen Gilbert? Their farm was on the Red Arrow. Hooray for your protest!
Well that's cool! No, I didn't know them. However, I do remember several farms on Red Arrow...
I am 76 and I joined 40-50 others in red rural Mercer County Pa in single digit weather to protest on Presidents Day as part of the #50501 movement
Thank you! I think this will be only the start, especially as things get warmer. For all the partisan hacks on the right bemoaning the "radical left", the reality is that they haven't seen what a left wing version of the base radicalizing a la the Tea Party actually looks like. That may be about to change!
Thank you Leigh and husband for showing up and protesting.
I wish I had. I can't figure out how to get on the site that will let me know when such a protest is going to happen. Can you tell me how to do that?
I was at the Capitol on Monday and frankly disappointed that there weren't a lot more people there with me.
I just wrote my Senators and Representatives (again) demanding they do something. What is that something? I don't know, that's what we elected THEM to figure out! THEY are supposed to LEAD, come up with a STRATEGY, MOBILIZE the tens or hundreds of thousands of patriotic Americans who are ready to ACT if leaders would step forward.
If they won't do it, I will follow whoever can and does, and it I ever get to vote in a free election again I will vote for them.
I think we need to start looking at replacing Jeffries. His statements have reflected a sense of helplessness, while AOC is giving guidance and educating people about the coming midterms, about things they can do today, and even how to deal with ICE. We need strong leadership NOW, and neither Jeffries nor Schumer seem able to deliver.
Jeffries is a decent enough guy, but he's too long-winded and to pedantic for the times. We need a street brawler, not a professor.
Yes! Dump and Weaselmusk are bullies and must be confronted and fought as such. Fight fire with fire. It’s the only thing they understand.
Anne, I like " we need a street brawler". Had high hopes for Jeffries, but no more; too placid.
Delete
I like Jeffries too and think he has moral courage, but he doesn't present himself as a brawler! I am really happy to watch AOC.
YES, I've been watching AOC's videos. They are very good!
Jasmine Crockett was marvelous in her interview yesterday evening with Ali Velshi (sitting in for Chris Hayes).
Jasmine Crockett is one to watch for reasoned responses and challenges.
Hope she continues getting under "their" skin.
thanks..
Keep up the good work . We need your insight and warnings.
You are so right. They are not helping so they need to get out of the way and let progressives take control.
Thanks. Sit in every day. Picket olffices, homes.
Republicans are losing their livlihoods. Identify them. Get them on video.
I think the movement will likely pick up real steam as weather gets warmer, more people get fired, and more people start paying attention. Big protest movements start as small protest movements until they're no longer small.
Thanks, Thomas. However, multiple sources sat that phone calls are the most effective way to get the attention of our members of congress. 5calls.org is a big help about who to call, what their number is, and sample messages.
I've been using 5 calls as a good way to distill my bullet points during my daily phone calls
Thanks, I'll look into that. I've gotten feedback from two representatives, both republican who whitewash everything.
When the MAGAs feel the impact of the election, they will run scared. Bird flu does not discriminate, food prices will soar for them, as well as the rest of us. Medical care and drugs will be unaffordable, especially if you are out of a job. What did they gain by thinking they owned the libs?
This is quite true. The problem is that Trump has perfected a little psychological dance with his base wherein whenever reality begins to puncture the MAGA fantasy bubble, he commences the old razzle-dazzle. He pettifogs, he flatters, and mostly he scapegoats. He takes credit for things Biden did and blames everything he did on Democrats. Because MAGA is conditioned to look at Trump and Fox News to keep the bubble around their fantasy intact, it will work.
So, our goal is to make it impossible for MAGA to blame bird flu, food prices, medical care, unemployment and a messed-up social security office on us. It is our job to protest, to talk, to act and to witness to the MAGA in our community a very simple truth: "Trump did that".
As long as people prefer to be distracted by the mythical transgender squirrel at their birdfeeder rather thsn focus on the reality of Muskrat's chaos we will continue on this path.
When I watch news on YouTube, I always read the comments. I am shocked by the sheer number of people saying that it's "about time the lying Democrats who have gotten rich off our taxes get payback" or "it's great seeing how scared all the grifters are hahaha" so I'm not sure there is any way to reach these people with mere facts. They seem to have their own worldview where reality has no foothold.
The people to whom you refer on YouTube live on Earth 2 as Rachel Maddow calls it. These MAGAts are truly lost causes to sanity, reason, the rule of law and decency. I've heard similar comments about them gleefully owning the Dems as well. However, the day will surely come when even these deplorables will be harmed by the actions of the illegal and illegitimate Musk/Trump regime/junta. Americans of all parties (or no party) benefit bountifully from government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and are also served by the departments that work to provide safe water, food, air, airplanes, work safety. I can anticipate great wailing and gnashing of teeth once these draconinan measures start impacting MAGAts. They will only have themselves to blame. A plague on all their houses.
That day may come, but it's already too late to save this country. We need to stop thinking within the old box.
Many of those are bots. Don't read the comments
But many aren't. We have to come to grips with the fact that a goodly number of Americans are just absolutely brainwashed. How do we change that? I have no idea.
The most devout Trumpers won't change. It's independent voters, and those who didn't votein 2024 who need to be reached.
I don't know anymore. People don't really seem to give a shit about what happens to the country as long as they can stare at their phones and watch reality TV.
That's also too true. And there are still many, many small communities where there is limited access to outside news, especially independent news. Maybe they would be helped by small town meetings hosted by known and trusted people in the community and led by democrats or independents who know how to speak to the culture of that community and can enlist their help.
True. The good news is that due to our garbage system we don't have to change that many minds
I have said that too. I even proposed to family that maybe the republicans have been brainwashed. Truly it's been done in other cult centers and it's not that hard to do if you get several of them or small groups of them together for periods of time and convince them that you have wonderful news for them.
I hope you are right.
Sad but true. Until they lose their Obama care, Medicaid, Medicare and SS. And the price of food and clothing becomes prohibitive
Will there even be any food--undocumented workers that aren't being deported or self-deporting are staying home in fear of detainment camps. Farmers are panicking. This will affect all of us. My hope is that dems take the House and Senate in the midterms and impeach that sorry state of a human the next day....
We have to start campaigning today. So far two republicans have thrown in their hats for the governorship of Oklahoma. Where are the democrats? I'll ask The Oklahoman.
I wouldn't count on Susan Collins for anything. At best she'll stand on the sidelines wringing her hands and expressing fake concern.
Exactly, and then fall in line.
"Many Americans have expressed frustration with congressional Democrats for not doing more (although it is hard to pinpoint what “more” would look like)."
I was hoping the Contrarian would be a little less milquetoast than the NYT, which I cancelled so I could send you my subscription money. "What 'more' would look like" should take the form of direct action at the agencies being taken over by DOGE: Show up, demand admittance. If the door is locked, smash it with an axe. Go in there and TALK TO EMPLOYEES WHO RUN THE MAINFRAMES and tell them that their bogus DOGE orders are unconstitutional and that they should stand there and refuse to let the Musk kiddie mob log in. Stuff like that. Filing lawsuits? Sure, but those take time - and there is no more time. Enough of this playing by the rules when Trusk (or is it Mump?) are taking over, and enough bringing speeches to a gun fight.
I totally agree! I keep wondering what would have happened if Congressional Democrats had swarmed the agencies and created human chains or denied entry to the buildings DOGE guys were trying to enter. SOMETHING…ANYTHING…
As activist Shannon Watts wrote “The Democrats showed up to a knife fight with a cheese stick.”
If they are going to be in DC, I have suggested that they go set upon their desks and offices in the lobbies of these federal buildings. Make a stink about it.
Call the cops b/c the offices have been illegally locked. Breaking glass gets the cops called on you; don't do it. Call the cops on them.
Getting the cops called is the whole point. For 8 years, we've been playing by the rules while they f*ck us over. We're almost out of time to do "more," which does not mean playing by the rules. Showing up (and I mean actual Members of Congress, not randos with slogans) with an axe and getting arrested, with cameras rolling, would be a start. Lawsuits, sure -- but given the clear signs that judges will be ignored, the briefcases are not going to save us.
EXACTLY. Control the fricken' narrative for once.
They need to set up a shadow cabinet and have one (or more) public-facing cabinet members holding daily press briefings re latest DOGE and congressional activities and what they’re doing in response. Crockett, Buttigieg, maybe Warren/Bernie from the Senate?
Some have beat me to punch. Expecting or even suggesting that Susan Collins would do anything other than be concerned is pixie dust.
Bill Cohen.
Nobody much is talking about the fact that many of these Republican senators and congressmen who might vote differently are towing the line because they are receiving threats to their family. I have a feeling that this is a big reason that we're seeing total capitulation. They are in total fear for their families and will give up the country before taking on any risk. Thoughts?
Musk is threatening to primary them if they don’t toe the line. They would rather save their political careers than stand up for what is right.
Yep. That's what it comes down to. They would rather save their jobs than take care of the country. The Democrats, sadly, aren't much different in that regard.
Why play the "both sides are the same" coin when right now the GOP are completely spineless and offering NOTHING?
Because, in this regard, they are the same. Democrats are too afraid of their own shadows to do anything, at this point. They are worried what people might think of them if they go "too far" or say "too much." They are as spineless as spineless can be.
They might be being black mailed makes more SENSE than them watching "Rome Burn" and just sitting "in the House" mouthing...I dont' smell smoke...that's not smoke !! ??? BUT if yes or no or whatever their why is....Europe is preparing to exit NATO...Trump is aliened with PUTIN and that can not end well no matter what way you look at it for a Democracy no more and danger. But Trumps DISGUSTING demanding reparations of oil and minerals and and and for support to Ukraine when Senators have admitted that supporting meant 1) jobs for Americans building new weapons as we sent old and outdated to Ukraine 2) that our contribution was much much less than Europe. 3) that we were supporting Democracy itself AGAINST Putin...then...now Trump is WITH PUTIN. Trump is de facto opposing Europe to Putin's friend. Now what Senators ? Are you more afraid of Trump ? or are you more afraid of allowing and abetting a new probable ? WAR with Americans put at risk ? or are you more afraid of 350 million patriotic citizens who now KNOW YOU can stop this and YOU SENATORS...YOU CHOSE TO NOT END ..... this very very dangerous nightmare.
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence knew that they were risking their livelihood and their lives, and yet they did it. Some paid a high price. Those who choose to run for office have a grave responsibility. If fear prevents their fulfilling it, they should resign.
Yep. I’m a direct decedent of a Signer. He would have been hanged if we had lost.
We don't have leaders like that anymore.
If they exist, they aren't in DC.
I offer as "leaders like that" AOC, Lisa Murkowski, Bernie Sanders, Dick Blumenthal, among others. As Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together." Let's get to work.
I really don't see any of these people doing much anymore. AOC is the only person I see lifting a finger. The rest are just talking.
We need brave leaders.
I have no doubt you are correct BUT (there is always a but), I highly doubt those threats are not DEATH, we havent gone that far down the oligarch path YET…. they would be monetary and fear of losing their career political jobs, give me a break. These people took an oath and it wasnt to line their own pockets and have beach houses or send their kids to $10K summer camps and buy them horses. Even they have to sleep at night and eventually look in the eyes of their children and tell them they sold their souls for what? shame on every last one of them. No sympathy here.
According to Mitt Romney, the threats definitely suggested violence.
Then resign!!!!
I agree. I heard that when Romney stood up to his fellow Republicans, the Magas sent him and his family death threats, and he had to hire protection.
Too bad. Each one took an oath to defend our constitution. Too afraid of Musk?
Resign and move home. Act with honor.
Yes, we don't know how much pressure is being used to threaten family members.
Toeing!
Would 24/7 protection for themselves and their families be a deal changer? Paid for by a wealthy concerned person or persons who want to save our country?
Yes, maybe unrealistic, but possible.
“Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) could start voting against unfit nominees.” 😂😂😂😂😂, never gonna happen.
So true. And most of the Cabinet has been confirmed already-with their votes of course.
As for those they voted against, it was only because enough Republican senators would vote for those unfit nominees, even if J. D. Vance had to break a tie. It was performative, not an act of conscience.
I'm proud to have participated in the DC protest on Monday. I had hoped more people would have come too but when we have a cowered media that won't even advertise these protests, it's hard to get those numbers we want. I was happy to see they at least overed it on the news that night.
I want to know what is wrong with the Democrats. With a few exceptions, most are too quiet. We need inspired leadership -- where is it??? As for the Republicans, they are traitors, all of them. I hope we get a chance one day we get the opportunity to fire them all. I'm not sure we will
I still think we need professional help getting a coherent message to as many people as possible. Nothing much has changed since Will Rogers said “I belong to no organized political party - I’m a Democrat.” We need some serious PR people as well as an eloquent lead spokesman. I nominate Pete Buttigieg. Andy Borowitz addressed this same issue on The Borowitz Report this morning.
I support the formation of a “shadow cabinet”, placing knowledgeable members of Congress in spokesperson roles to regularly present alternatives to what the knuckleheads are doing. “If we were in charge, this is what we would do.” That way we would give several people a platform, which would help us recognize and reward talent for leadership, and would get us into Red States and Blue States at all levels. We have talented people, but no structure. So now it is “spokespeople du jour”, randomly selected by media types. I get 20-30 fundraising requests per day…and it is disgustingly rude often. A coherent plan with good management would get my support.
I just wonder where all our supposed leaders are nowadays? They have all gone absolutely silent as Trump destroys the country. The only two I ever hear from are Pete and Walz. Harris has completely disappeared. Even Newsom is quiet.
Harris deserves timt off and out of office.
As for Newsom newsflash, the state of California will be dealing with the aftermath of the January fires for the foreseeable future. In short he is doing his job.
What would you have them say and do? I believe they are either doing their jobs or contemplating what the next step for them should be. Harris May run for Governor of California as Newsom is term limited. Others are very active. Being completely in the minority is completely powerless. Save what we can and win the next elections!
This is a burning question.
This is great, but why are only hundreds of people protesting? Why not tens or hundreds of thousands of people? I personally would protest if I knew where. Who is organizing these marches, and how can the rest of us find out about them?
I was planning to attend an ACLU event in my area on Monday, only to find out that registrations had closed because they were at capacity. There should not be maximum capacity for protests!
Big protest movements start with small protests. Trump has only been in office one month and it's very cold. If momentum is sustained, things will start to snowball as it gets warmer & as Trump angers more and more people.
Thank you, John, that’s very reassuring. I’ll be hitting the streets as soon as I know where protests are happening. Any idea how I can find out? I don’t use social media.
I share your concern. At a recent protest in Boston, I looked around and thought, “Where is everybody?”. Not good, though it is early yet and a lot of us are brand new to political activism! I think 5050.one is helping get the word out about protests. Also check out indivisible.org and moveon.org. 💙
Apathy, ignorance, disinformation. And the people holding all the power now don't care about our outrage. If we get too troublesome, do you really doubt that Trump would call out the military against us? We are facing pure evil and it has won.
I’m sure it was tens of thousands across the country on Monday, most in very cold weather (“polar vortex”). The NYT had a headline saying “Thousands Protested” but with the numbers they cited in the article (1500 in Sacramento, for example, and you know the MSM always underestimates) and the number of protests we know there were, it easily adds up to TENS of thousands. But they don’t draw attention to that fact.
Thank you, Melissa — that’s reassuring. I try not to read the news much at hte moment, so I missed the thousands. I look forward to joining them once I can figure out what’s going on when & where — any suggestions?
Please go to indivisible.org, sign up for their emails, and look for the chapter nearest you. You will get lots of ideas for how to plug into the resistance!
What this administration is doing adversely impacts constituents in every congressional district in the county one way or another. It is imperative that the sharpest minds go to work identifying every district on the bubble, Democrat or Republican, in the 2026 election cycle and make damn sure we have the strongest possible candidates, back by major money from the Democratic Party, campaigning beginning NOW to take over the House of Representatives. By campaigning NOW, based on an analysis of just how Trump/Musk/MAGA is negatively impacting local constituents, Dems will either retain or win those districts or apply so much pressure on Republican incumbents that they'll have to stand up to the worst of this administration's actions.
Asking all concerned citizens to please commit some $ to the cause. Until it changes, our system is controlled by $! It is time to target the do-nothing Republicans in Congress - who have been threatened by Musk - with equal and opposite Financial pressure from voters. We can contribute to campaigns against these cowards, even if we don’t live in their districts! 75 million people voted for Harris. Imagine if we all made $10 donations to whomever is running against, say, Susan Collins. Even if Musk can outspend us, we can help get our side’s message out. It’s so important…please consider this & spread the word 💙
There are 2 special elections on 4/1 for open house seats in FL. Josh Weil and Gay Valimont are the democratic candidates. Please consider donating to either or both 💙
Races need to be run outside of the R and D parties. Both are trying to tell candidates what to think and do. We need another approach. I can be a D and have my own ideas. My own values and commitments to the American ideal. I don't need anyone to tell me what they are. I live them every day.
Alas, Susan Collins finds it concerning but she's sure he has learned his lesson.