You forgot this damaging trainwreck: one of the biggest, most powerful, most influential law firms in the country (Paul, Weiss) cravenly and inexcusably (well, greed, but still...) capitulating to Trump and turning their backs on their profession, the firm's proud history and their country.
This is exactly what trump wants to happen. He wants every entity he goes after to realize the only way they can survive is to crawl back to him with forgiveness. This is exactly what happened in the 30's in Nazi Germany. I believe Steven Miller is quietly behind all of this. We hear little mention of his name and see little of him but he is happily bringing Hitler back to life so this time he can triumph.
"He wants every entity he goes after to realize the only way they can survive is to crawl back to him with forgiveness."
I would change "realize" to "believe" because it's not a matter of truth, it is a matter of belief (and fear). What they need to realize is that they can resist especially if they band together, in this case w/ other firms, but in general w/ the majority that detests Trump.
Paul, Weiss has obviously felt some heat because they are now defending themselves as per a story in the New York Times today.
The universities are also caving. And corporations in their canceling of DEI policies and much else. No more Ben & Jerry's ice cream for us after Unilever fired that branch’s CEO for adhering to dei strategies
People are starting to censor themselves — which is exactly what the Felon-Extortionist wants. Judges are hiring personal security details, universities are caving, Mayor Bowser agreed to the dismantling of Black Lives Matter. Ukraine’s President is publicly humiliated and vile, ketamine-drunk billionaire bros are being given access to private and top-secret information both.
It’s really, really bad, people. The worst I can remember in my 70 years. And it’s set to get worse. Brace yourselves.
Some maybe censoring themselves but others and en masse are showing courage increasingly. Courage is contagious especially when that’s what is needed and being shown . Hiding in fear does not feel good and does not work. Negativity is unhelpful.
What I wish the person at Paul Weiss had said to cockwomble was, "I'll give that money to the Vets who have lost their jobs," and then make that known to the public.
And yet just this afternoon, I spoke with a neighbor who told me that a lawyer who used to work at Paul Weiss told his son (a lawyer) that the firm didn't really capitulate - they just agreed to do more pro bono work. I did my best to set him straight on what really went down.
In a country of 330 million. I try to talk to co-workers and get the hand: “I don’t like politics and don’t follow that stuff” (back to cat videos on TikTok). That apathy won’t abate until their own lives are devastated as a consequence.
Thanks for supporting our efforts to support our freedoms and social supports and most of all the rule of law at the local level by referring to their effects on Washington. I'd like to observe that here in P'burgh, I've participated, so far, in a Town Hall Meeting, a protest march, an environmental justice meeting at church, and a letter writing campaign supporting an out of state candidate whose election will have important effects nationally and two boycotts. There will be more. Of them all, the two (town meeting and march) where I got the chance for face to face contact with other like minded people were both powerful for me, and apparently for my husband as well. He has never been much of an 'in the street' activist/go-getter type, as I have sometimes been, and he is now committed to further such actions. The energy is powerful and so helpful in buoying you up for the long fight ahead.
Thank you. I like comments about what people are doing. I get tired of all the comments about Trump, his psyche (we all know he’s sick), his behavior and intents, etc. They seem off topic to me. Trump is one actor. Unfortunately he has a lot of power. But still. The question is what are YOU doing? What am I doing? What are WE doing collectively? I believe in the power of the people, and I have been gearing myself up to be part of that power. I’m doing things I’ve never done before. It’s interesting, sometimes nerve wracking. I’m meeting new people, connecting with voters, learning how to play my role in a democracy. I agree it is good energy and it will build. At a personal level, it’s breaking down my isolation and getting me unstuck from a routine that hasn’t been enough for me. So, bring it on!
Not JUST because I am a retired school district administrator (Director of Special Services providing services for MANY individuals who depended on SS and Medicaid), former Special Education teacher, mother of a (female) assistant principal, mother-in-law of an alternative educational programs guidance counselor, grandmother of 9 beautiful, DIVERSE, grandchildren...the performance, staged spectacle of children seated at desks and state flags behind them as POTUS signed his Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education, actually made me physically ill. I've been outraged for months but I guess this one just struck particularly close to my heart. I'm old but I'm going to go out swinging hard!
I, too, was so totally chilled with that spectacle. It definitely reminded me of a room full of German or Chinese children, following commands without question. Communism at its worst. I'm an old fartess, too, and I'll not go out without a huge fight!
Wonderful recap...and as I read thru the list of actions it reinforced the comments made during Jen's interview this week with the expert on authoritarianism. Public protests, court action, winning elections on April 1st, and continued pressure on GOP Senators and Representatives seem like the best tactics at the moment to keep this experiment called the United States of America going ... and reject the treasonous approach of #47's administration and supporting billionaires.
And then what a country! Good luck. I wonder if it will be as much fun at the Kennedy Center with just him and his well selected adoring chumps to cheer him on.
Face it, however Schumer voted is now not the issue. Of far more importance is to recognize that Trump, Musk and DOGE have, are, and will be a clear and present danger to the people, country and democracy. This is not the time for Democrats to "go tribal". We can do that, if we must, at some far distant date. Our focus now must be to unify and gain a majority in both houses of Congress. The midterm elections are roughly 20 months away. We need to be ready for them.
Don't forget Stephen Miller, Russell Voight, J. D. Vance, Peter Thiel (another South African immigrant). Trump is a cancer that could have been surgically removed with impeachment. Now it has metastasized and will require innovative and drastic treatment if democracy is to be healed.
Trump seems to think that no one can think beyond their personal political views to consciously adhere to the rule of law and their oath of office.
If so, then for him, it's only a zero-sum game--EITHER democratic OR republican and neither has the ability or the desire to think beyond their political horizon. Trump can only win or lose--he cannot change his view or even tolerate the idea that others whom he governs might think differently; and he will not lose, if to lose means he is found to be mistaken by some evidence that, indeed, points beyond his or anyone's political views. In his view, that is only cause to "double down" even if it becomes laughably false.
No wonder he hates the Constitution and the rule of law, because both ASSUME an intelligent but also reflective-enough president, at least, who CAN think beyond his own or others' political views to understand a higher truth--as in scientific or commonly understood evidence which, again, he hates. (Enter: the famed sharpie. Psychologically, he must be sitting on a very large and rotting BLOCKING mechanism--"go with my view or die." )
The whole of civilized discourse, however, is based on the higher thinking that takes us to moderate or to move beyond our tribal and totalitarian tendencies. Somewhere along the line, Trump missed that boat.
With that thinking, however, there is no such thing as clear-headed judicial review or bipartisanship. To think so one MUST BE involved in an anti-Trump ruse--as he often is involved with anti-whatever ruse. From that view, there can be no other way.
And then, as a power broker, he makes things worse by projecting his truncated view onto others and closes every door to creative change. Kiss my . . . er . . . ring or "you're fired."
I have cross-posted this from the Ravitch Blog on education. The upshot is this: If there is any truth to this analysis, do not expect humility or empathy unless it's part of a ruse to cover some other nefarious intent.
Everything has always been a zero sum game for Trump. His entire life has been about winners and losers. From his perspective he was born a winner. The worst thing would be to become somehow a loser given the head start he had from birth. In the meantime, winners must pound losers into the dirt, because there is no incentive to cooperate or share--or to recognize the humanity or equality in the dignity of another human being. No--we are divided into winners and losers and Trump cannot win unless you lose.
Why aren't some career people in the military taking action???? Trump, Vance, Mike Johnson (top 3 scum) are traitors / seditionists. WHY WHY WHY ???? My understanding is Generals follow the Constitution, enlisted men/women follow the President's orders. There MUST be PATRIOTS SOMEWHERE!!!!
"Why aren't some career people in the military taking action????"
Why don't you explain exactly why they should? Don't hide behind phrases like "constitutional crisis". Lay out your case as to what Trump has done that would necessitate his forcible removal from office by way of a military coup.
My son asks this each night. For the time being I answer: they have much to lose, and there is a chain of command. Only when things are at there very existential worst--can we hope to see them act on behalf f of the people. And--we do NOT want a military coup.
There was a movie made back in the early 1960s titled "Seven Days in May". Burt Lancaster, Fredric March, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner. Excellent movie. People should see that before suggesting a military coup against ANY President.
American politics have been flooded by billionaires and mafiosi with money to buy politicians, shape Republican Party agenda through Project 2025,and seize control of the U.S. government. The purpose of this state capture is to install rule by Trmp, Musk, and their cronies and accomplices. The war on illegal immigrants is implemented with maximum cruelty to create terror. The suppression of equal rights, freedom of expression, science, and modern medicine and public health is disguised as anti-DEI. Trump's craziness and Musk's mania make them agents of a vast scheme of looting and weakening America consistent with Putin's aims. The DoJ has been subverted to pursue domestic critics. Social media mobs threaten judges and politicians. Foreign policy is decided by Putin, Netanyahu, and bin Salman. The ADL controls public space.
By the time decent people get done debating whether or not we’re now in a constitutional crisis, we’ll be in camps. The level of privilege in leadership, law firms, snails-pace courtrooms, etc., is comical.
Okay, so more than likely such camps cannot and will not be built that quickly, if at all. And there is often too much premature panic; I myself have spoken out against that almost as much as I have criticized and strongly opposed this government.
But how much does it take *before* it becomes a problem? Five more mass roundups like the one to El Salvador? That's 1,000 people - and those two hundred plus are in concentration camps now - or whatever the right word is.
I hope we're both trying to keep a roughly equal amount of perspective, however strongly we may disagree on particular points.
"Okay, so more than likely such camps cannot and will not be built that quickly, if at all."
I'll go with "not at all". It's just more hyperbole from those who just hate Trump. The Dems are mad as hell they lost in November but don't want to take the time or effort to understand the "why" behind their defeat other than blaming everything else but their own policies. It's so much easier to focus the anger on Trump than doing some introspection to make the party more viable in the future.
I say all of that as an independent who only voted for Trump this election cycle out of three times he's been on the ballot. He's not my perfect candidate and at times he's his own worst enemy. But given how bad Biden and the Dems were when they were in charge, I decided to give Trump a chance. He's not up for re-election so I understand the rapid fire aspect of his agenda. He's going to make mistakes and that's fine but he's no authoritarian and he's not out to make himself a king.
When considering the alternative, I think he did the best he could and a Catch 22 situation. I understand that, Bill Jeffers. Neither choice could’ve been a good one.
Schumer was between the rock and the hard place. If he voted no and the rethugs budget didn’t pass the government shutdown would allow the idiots in the current administration to use the shutdown time to force their will in ways they cannot do now. They admitted they were looking forward to a shutdown. He knew voting with the rethugs would be terribly unpopular and rightfully so. But it seemed to be the lesser of two dreadful choices. I support his decision while I definitely get why so many do not. He had to make a very difficult decision. And I’m guessing more difficult decisions will be in ours and Schumer’s future.
Two words: Repression and Resistance. Which side are you on? I am part of the Resistance, and every bone in my aging
, 80-year-old body is focused on fighting as part of that. Illness and disability make it hard to be part of this, but I’m doing what I can. APRIL 5: Huge demo in DC and in every major city in the country. Check your nearest Indivisible website to be part of the Resistance on that day … leading up to it and following up on it. WE ARE THE RESISTANCE.
Go Betsy! I am older too but found it invigorating and stress relieving to join a protest. It’s all we have got if our representatives are caving to this nonsense.
I hear about different groups such as the Women's March protesting individual issues, but is there anyone coordinating a broad coalition of groups that would attract a massive turnout?
Republicans must be pressured. Some voted for Ukraine. Some know that we belong in NATO. Their angry constituents are vital. Those who regret their vote for Nanranga PINO can help. Those of us who knew how dangerous he was/ is, me since 1979, can't turn the tide without them. It probably won't happen until the insanity directly hurts them. That's the way most Americans are. Only if hurt lands on them with both feet.
Since it's early in the thread (as I comment) and top threads tend to get read first, here goes.
First, I recognize that this is 2025, and not 1925, or even 1975, so I get that a comment section is needed in any online media, or whatever it's called this month (tongue in cheek). This, in lieu of the near-impossibility of getting a letter to the editor published in big city papers of old. As such, I welcome it.
Second, with the caveat and admission that I can (and have) gotten on my soapbox with the best of 'em, let's try to remember: Jen is *reporting*, and Norm is *litigating* - apparently to great effect, what with the chump champin' at the bit to plan some uncoordinated, stupid, er, move(?) which, if actually pulled off, is nearly certain to backfire on him to the 50th power. And no, I'm not afraid to bait the dude... but I digress. *And* Norm is also reporting.
Okay, now rant on...er, I mean, continue with these needed discussions and debates, and let's put our heads together.
Thank you for this article, Jen, and to you and Norm for opening this up.
There is a way for commenters to see the newest comments first, or any other order if you click on the box at the top right of the comments that says top first, if you click on that it also will give you a choice of newest first and oldest first
Yes, I knew that (I think). Just trying to keep up with it all, though that's not really possible. Thanks for the reminder, and that small window of clarity. Every bit helps.
You forgot this damaging trainwreck: one of the biggest, most powerful, most influential law firms in the country (Paul, Weiss) cravenly and inexcusably (well, greed, but still...) capitulating to Trump and turning their backs on their profession, the firm's proud history and their country.
It’s truly detestable behavior. These people and those like them must never be forgiven.
This is exactly what trump wants to happen. He wants every entity he goes after to realize the only way they can survive is to crawl back to him with forgiveness. This is exactly what happened in the 30's in Nazi Germany. I believe Steven Miller is quietly behind all of this. We hear little mention of his name and see little of him but he is happily bringing Hitler back to life so this time he can triumph.
"He wants every entity he goes after to realize the only way they can survive is to crawl back to him with forgiveness."
I would change "realize" to "believe" because it's not a matter of truth, it is a matter of belief (and fear). What they need to realize is that they can resist especially if they band together, in this case w/ other firms, but in general w/ the majority that detests Trump.
Paul, Weiss has obviously felt some heat because they are now defending themselves as per a story in the New York Times today.
The universities are also caving. And corporations in their canceling of DEI policies and much else. No more Ben & Jerry's ice cream for us after Unilever fired that branch’s CEO for adhering to dei strategies
So glad you mention his very ordinary-sounding name. Which enables his criminal activity all the more.
It’s not one guy. It’s the first 2 names of the law firm.
Sad and very scary with way too much deja vu.
People are starting to censor themselves — which is exactly what the Felon-Extortionist wants. Judges are hiring personal security details, universities are caving, Mayor Bowser agreed to the dismantling of Black Lives Matter. Ukraine’s President is publicly humiliated and vile, ketamine-drunk billionaire bros are being given access to private and top-secret information both.
It’s really, really bad, people. The worst I can remember in my 70 years. And it’s set to get worse. Brace yourselves.
Some maybe censoring themselves but others and en masse are showing courage increasingly. Courage is contagious especially when that’s what is needed and being shown . Hiding in fear does not feel good and does not work. Negativity is unhelpful.
Shame on them. Shame on Columbia.
What I wish the person at Paul Weiss had said to cockwomble was, "I'll give that money to the Vets who have lost their jobs," and then make that known to the public.
Appalling and very scary.
And yet just this afternoon, I spoke with a neighbor who told me that a lawyer who used to work at Paul Weiss told his son (a lawyer) that the firm didn't really capitulate - they just agreed to do more pro bono work. I did my best to set him straight on what really went down.
Why is everyone afraid to admit that this President does not care about the Constitution which is a prima facie crisis.
What do you mean, 'everyone'? There are plenty of us who can see this clearly.
Really. I think about 70 million people plus this morning can see it.
In a country of 330 million. I try to talk to co-workers and get the hand: “I don’t like politics and don’t follow that stuff” (back to cat videos on TikTok). That apathy won’t abate until their own lives are devastated as a consequence.
Well this is a real problem but I think, unfortunately real pain is coming soon. And everyone will get hurt.
Anyone wondering if we are in a Constitutional crisis should have been disabused of this notion last weekend. Strongly encourage everyone to read journalist Laura Jedeed’s account and commentary. https://open.substack.com/pub/laurajedeed/p/a-little-game-of-catch-me-if-you-cb0
Right.
Thanks for supporting our efforts to support our freedoms and social supports and most of all the rule of law at the local level by referring to their effects on Washington. I'd like to observe that here in P'burgh, I've participated, so far, in a Town Hall Meeting, a protest march, an environmental justice meeting at church, and a letter writing campaign supporting an out of state candidate whose election will have important effects nationally and two boycotts. There will be more. Of them all, the two (town meeting and march) where I got the chance for face to face contact with other like minded people were both powerful for me, and apparently for my husband as well. He has never been much of an 'in the street' activist/go-getter type, as I have sometimes been, and he is now committed to further such actions. The energy is powerful and so helpful in buoying you up for the long fight ahead.
Thank you for posting a positive comment. We need all the support, encouragement and good fellowship available.
Thank you. I like comments about what people are doing. I get tired of all the comments about Trump, his psyche (we all know he’s sick), his behavior and intents, etc. They seem off topic to me. Trump is one actor. Unfortunately he has a lot of power. But still. The question is what are YOU doing? What am I doing? What are WE doing collectively? I believe in the power of the people, and I have been gearing myself up to be part of that power. I’m doing things I’ve never done before. It’s interesting, sometimes nerve wracking. I’m meeting new people, connecting with voters, learning how to play my role in a democracy. I agree it is good energy and it will build. At a personal level, it’s breaking down my isolation and getting me unstuck from a routine that hasn’t been enough for me. So, bring it on!
Has anyone heard even a peep about how many protesting postcards were received at the WH this past week?
Haven't heard anything. Not surprising, though, we're just getting started.
Not JUST because I am a retired school district administrator (Director of Special Services providing services for MANY individuals who depended on SS and Medicaid), former Special Education teacher, mother of a (female) assistant principal, mother-in-law of an alternative educational programs guidance counselor, grandmother of 9 beautiful, DIVERSE, grandchildren...the performance, staged spectacle of children seated at desks and state flags behind them as POTUS signed his Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education, actually made me physically ill. I've been outraged for months but I guess this one just struck particularly close to my heart. I'm old but I'm going to go out swinging hard!
Bravo. Mary Kreeger!
I, too, was so totally chilled with that spectacle. It definitely reminded me of a room full of German or Chinese children, following commands without question. Communism at its worst. I'm an old fartess, too, and I'll not go out without a huge fight!
Yes! I’m a retired teacher. Imagines of Hitler Youth…
RIGHT THERE WITH YOU! See my brief post below. Good for you for going out swinging hard!
"...as POTUS signed his Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education, actually made me physically ill."
There is no constitutional requirement for the federal government to be involved in education.
"Scores decline again for 13-year-old students in reading and mathematics"
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
'No constitutional requirement for the federal government to be involved in education.'
Isn't that the point?
"Isn't that the point?"
Not to be rude, but would you mind expanding on that?
Wonderful recap...and as I read thru the list of actions it reinforced the comments made during Jen's interview this week with the expert on authoritarianism. Public protests, court action, winning elections on April 1st, and continued pressure on GOP Senators and Representatives seem like the best tactics at the moment to keep this experiment called the United States of America going ... and reject the treasonous approach of #47's administration and supporting billionaires.
Trump is banking on that soon everyone will be tired or in jail or deported.
And then what a country! Good luck. I wonder if it will be as much fun at the Kennedy Center with just him and his well selected adoring chumps to cheer him on.
Face it, however Schumer voted is now not the issue. Of far more importance is to recognize that Trump, Musk and DOGE have, are, and will be a clear and present danger to the people, country and democracy. This is not the time for Democrats to "go tribal". We can do that, if we must, at some far distant date. Our focus now must be to unify and gain a majority in both houses of Congress. The midterm elections are roughly 20 months away. We need to be ready for them.
Don't forget Stephen Miller, Russell Voight, J. D. Vance, Peter Thiel (another South African immigrant). Trump is a cancer that could have been surgically removed with impeachment. Now it has metastasized and will require innovative and drastic treatment if democracy is to be healed.
Right you are!
Trump seems to think that no one can think beyond their personal political views to consciously adhere to the rule of law and their oath of office.
If so, then for him, it's only a zero-sum game--EITHER democratic OR republican and neither has the ability or the desire to think beyond their political horizon. Trump can only win or lose--he cannot change his view or even tolerate the idea that others whom he governs might think differently; and he will not lose, if to lose means he is found to be mistaken by some evidence that, indeed, points beyond his or anyone's political views. In his view, that is only cause to "double down" even if it becomes laughably false.
No wonder he hates the Constitution and the rule of law, because both ASSUME an intelligent but also reflective-enough president, at least, who CAN think beyond his own or others' political views to understand a higher truth--as in scientific or commonly understood evidence which, again, he hates. (Enter: the famed sharpie. Psychologically, he must be sitting on a very large and rotting BLOCKING mechanism--"go with my view or die." )
The whole of civilized discourse, however, is based on the higher thinking that takes us to moderate or to move beyond our tribal and totalitarian tendencies. Somewhere along the line, Trump missed that boat.
With that thinking, however, there is no such thing as clear-headed judicial review or bipartisanship. To think so one MUST BE involved in an anti-Trump ruse--as he often is involved with anti-whatever ruse. From that view, there can be no other way.
And then, as a power broker, he makes things worse by projecting his truncated view onto others and closes every door to creative change. Kiss my . . . er . . . ring or "you're fired."
I have cross-posted this from the Ravitch Blog on education. The upshot is this: If there is any truth to this analysis, do not expect humility or empathy unless it's part of a ruse to cover some other nefarious intent.
Everything has always been a zero sum game for Trump. His entire life has been about winners and losers. From his perspective he was born a winner. The worst thing would be to become somehow a loser given the head start he had from birth. In the meantime, winners must pound losers into the dirt, because there is no incentive to cooperate or share--or to recognize the humanity or equality in the dignity of another human being. No--we are divided into winners and losers and Trump cannot win unless you lose.
Wait...you wanted him to do the math?? Don't think he's capable of that, at all!!
Why aren't some career people in the military taking action???? Trump, Vance, Mike Johnson (top 3 scum) are traitors / seditionists. WHY WHY WHY ???? My understanding is Generals follow the Constitution, enlisted men/women follow the President's orders. There MUST be PATRIOTS SOMEWHERE!!!!
"Why aren't some career people in the military taking action????"
Why don't you explain exactly why they should? Don't hide behind phrases like "constitutional crisis". Lay out your case as to what Trump has done that would necessitate his forcible removal from office by way of a military coup.
My son asks this each night. For the time being I answer: they have much to lose, and there is a chain of command. Only when things are at there very existential worst--can we hope to see them act on behalf f of the people. And--we do NOT want a military coup.
There was a movie made back in the early 1960s titled "Seven Days in May". Burt Lancaster, Fredric March, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner. Excellent movie. People should see that before suggesting a military coup against ANY President.
One of the great political movies. In a country capable of great art. Yes. Thanks for the reminder.
You remember what happened to the career people in the military who finally tired to take action against Hilter Right?
American politics have been flooded by billionaires and mafiosi with money to buy politicians, shape Republican Party agenda through Project 2025,and seize control of the U.S. government. The purpose of this state capture is to install rule by Trmp, Musk, and their cronies and accomplices. The war on illegal immigrants is implemented with maximum cruelty to create terror. The suppression of equal rights, freedom of expression, science, and modern medicine and public health is disguised as anti-DEI. Trump's craziness and Musk's mania make them agents of a vast scheme of looting and weakening America consistent with Putin's aims. The DoJ has been subverted to pursue domestic critics. Social media mobs threaten judges and politicians. Foreign policy is decided by Putin, Netanyahu, and bin Salman. The ADL controls public space.
By the time decent people get done debating whether or not we’re now in a constitutional crisis, we’ll be in camps. The level of privilege in leadership, law firms, snails-pace courtrooms, etc., is comical.
"By the time decent people get done debating whether or not we’re now in a constitutional crisis, we’ll be in camps."
What makes you think it will happen now? Rachel Maddow claimed she was worried about being put in a camp and last I saw she's still on MSNBC.
Okay, so more than likely such camps cannot and will not be built that quickly, if at all. And there is often too much premature panic; I myself have spoken out against that almost as much as I have criticized and strongly opposed this government.
But how much does it take *before* it becomes a problem? Five more mass roundups like the one to El Salvador? That's 1,000 people - and those two hundred plus are in concentration camps now - or whatever the right word is.
I hope we're both trying to keep a roughly equal amount of perspective, however strongly we may disagree on particular points.
"Okay, so more than likely such camps cannot and will not be built that quickly, if at all."
I'll go with "not at all". It's just more hyperbole from those who just hate Trump. The Dems are mad as hell they lost in November but don't want to take the time or effort to understand the "why" behind their defeat other than blaming everything else but their own policies. It's so much easier to focus the anger on Trump than doing some introspection to make the party more viable in the future.
I say all of that as an independent who only voted for Trump this election cycle out of three times he's been on the ballot. He's not my perfect candidate and at times he's his own worst enemy. But given how bad Biden and the Dems were when they were in charge, I decided to give Trump a chance. He's not up for re-election so I understand the rapid fire aspect of his agenda. He's going to make mistakes and that's fine but he's no authoritarian and he's not out to make himself a king.
Yep.
I can’t decide on the Schumer piece. I listened to an interview, with him and felt he had valid concerns.
When considering the alternative, I think he did the best he could and a Catch 22 situation. I understand that, Bill Jeffers. Neither choice could’ve been a good one.
Schumer was between the rock and the hard place. If he voted no and the rethugs budget didn’t pass the government shutdown would allow the idiots in the current administration to use the shutdown time to force their will in ways they cannot do now. They admitted they were looking forward to a shutdown. He knew voting with the rethugs would be terribly unpopular and rightfully so. But it seemed to be the lesser of two dreadful choices. I support his decision while I definitely get why so many do not. He had to make a very difficult decision. And I’m guessing more difficult decisions will be in ours and Schumer’s future.
Trump is working America like it's Russia, China and N. Korea. I don't want this as a citizen and I think more than half of America doesn't want this.
Two words: Repression and Resistance. Which side are you on? I am part of the Resistance, and every bone in my aging
, 80-year-old body is focused on fighting as part of that. Illness and disability make it hard to be part of this, but I’m doing what I can. APRIL 5: Huge demo in DC and in every major city in the country. Check your nearest Indivisible website to be part of the Resistance on that day … leading up to it and following up on it. WE ARE THE RESISTANCE.
Go Betsy! I am older too but found it invigorating and stress relieving to join a protest. It’s all we have got if our representatives are caving to this nonsense.
I hear about different groups such as the Women's March protesting individual issues, but is there anyone coordinating a broad coalition of groups that would attract a massive turnout?
Indivisible is one.
Yes, and Indivisible is part of organizing a HUGE demo in DC for April 5. Turnouts in other big cities, too. And not just big cities.
You can start here, Public Citizen.
There is a nationwide online town hall Thursday March 27, 2025 7-8pm ET
RSVP
Republicans must be pressured. Some voted for Ukraine. Some know that we belong in NATO. Their angry constituents are vital. Those who regret their vote for Nanranga PINO can help. Those of us who knew how dangerous he was/ is, me since 1979, can't turn the tide without them. It probably won't happen until the insanity directly hurts them. That's the way most Americans are. Only if hurt lands on them with both feet.
Since it's early in the thread (as I comment) and top threads tend to get read first, here goes.
First, I recognize that this is 2025, and not 1925, or even 1975, so I get that a comment section is needed in any online media, or whatever it's called this month (tongue in cheek). This, in lieu of the near-impossibility of getting a letter to the editor published in big city papers of old. As such, I welcome it.
Second, with the caveat and admission that I can (and have) gotten on my soapbox with the best of 'em, let's try to remember: Jen is *reporting*, and Norm is *litigating* - apparently to great effect, what with the chump champin' at the bit to plan some uncoordinated, stupid, er, move(?) which, if actually pulled off, is nearly certain to backfire on him to the 50th power. And no, I'm not afraid to bait the dude... but I digress. *And* Norm is also reporting.
Okay, now rant on...er, I mean, continue with these needed discussions and debates, and let's put our heads together.
Thank you for this article, Jen, and to you and Norm for opening this up.
There is a way for commenters to see the newest comments first, or any other order if you click on the box at the top right of the comments that says top first, if you click on that it also will give you a choice of newest first and oldest first
Yes, I knew that (I think). Just trying to keep up with it all, though that's not really possible. Thanks for the reminder, and that small window of clarity. Every bit helps.