Thank you for the Democracy Index and giving us this thoughtful post about it. We desperately need a tool to keep focused on what matters most right now, and the DI is that tool.
I've been wondering when the Democracy Index would make an appearance ever since Joyce said she was working on the project. I'm so glad it's almost up and running! Once it's available, I will let my friends and family know. It's a great idea and will be a GREAT RESOURCE. Thank you Joyce Vance!!!
I have said this before, and it is only more apparent by the day. tRump is pushing to end America. Why? Because that will make him a singular person in history. One and only. THAT is HIS end goal and the rest of us can suck eggs.
It has already started with the blatant disregard for court orders. Next is martial law and suspending the midterms.
Yes, Trump wants America to become Putin's Russia where Trump is the lifetime leader and the American oligarchs are his power. Along with the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court, Trump is making America an authoritarian theocracy.
It’s much, much worse than that. Trump is a psychopath who only lives to hurt as many people as possible: inflicting cruelty is the while point of everything he does. We need to come to grips with the terrifying realization that the cruelty and destruction are intentional and will get much, much worse before we finally stop him. In his warped brain, his entire reason for being is to destroy everything and everyone he can. He’s like a vampire feeding on the blood of Americans until they die, with the sole aim of staying alive so he can drink more blood, leaving a trail of purposeful destruction in his wake. He will never stop on his own. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. The rest of it is just mechanisms toward this end. There are going to be a lot of bodies, both figurative and literal, before he’s done.
Except, the Project 2025 inception was long before PINO came into the picture. The forces behind it are the many, many billionaires that formed foundations and made long range plans for just this time. All they needed was a charismatic figurehead to put the plan in place. There are many, many others holding the reins here and they have a well trained steed.
This is the absolute truth! His psychopathy leads him to destroy human beings and usurp their needs to satisfy his own lack of self and empathy. That’s what makes him feel powerful. Taking the government down is icing on the cake!
We can only imagine the damage he is doing to his grandchildren...at least 1 of them was at the super(?)bowl yesterday. His children are pathetic already
Aesop, I have tried to communicate to family and friends what you have stated above, and I get back that look like maybe you are a little over the top. I used the exact phrase, "mark my words". Don't forget about internment camps popping up.
I agree. I am tired of the doomsayers. Yeah, Trump (and Elon) are sociopaths, but that does not mean that any particular outcome is inevitable. Aesop's tales are ego talking. I am here to figure out what we need to focus our energies on, and what we can do to get in the way. Not interested in spending time wringing hands.
This is what I'm doing. Where I live we are focussing our energies in our group. Seniors are motivated...They remember. We don't wring our hands anymore.
I don't doubt for one second that that is the MAGAites' and their Dear Leader's intention. I just won't concede it as inevitable. I'm convinced more and more by the day that, just as obeying in advance isn't an option, resigning to it in advance also benefits no one.
WaPo's buried article...re: Trump is having each candidate for jobs in his administration's FBI field stations away from DC answer 'Who's your boss?" "Who were the real patriots on January 6th?"
Questions posed to leadership positions WITHIN his national security apparatus in Washington were told to answer yes or no: 1. Was January 6th and inside job? 2. Was the 2020 presidential election stolen? 2 applicants told their interviews 'no'. They weren't hired.
The past 21 days have been shit storm. WTF. Why hell aren't democrats going on Fox Sunday Shows and talking about that? About Muck the SS numbers?
I'm resisting but with that report from WaPo scares me more than anything. What's to stop them from checking every single voter registrations across the country and jailing anyone with a D next to their name?
I used the "contact us" link to request WaPo enable posting of articles on Bluesky. WaPo indicated a reply forthcoming but nothing. It posts some on Bluesky but not timely articles. I lost X account when I had to clear cache and didn't reconnect correctly.
Thank you for this Democracy Index project! It is exactly what we need as the abyss's between our democracy and Trump's intended Totalitarian rule. Too many neither read Project 2025 or Agenda 47, so they were caught by surprise. I, too, am watching how rapidly PINO and Musk are causing chaos daily.
"Until then, remember that staying informed and having a community are powerful acts in support of democracy."
With whatever regard the Washington Post may be due, to be clear, democracy dies in silence.
And when it comes to making noise, the true power of the pen is not in opinions or essays or indices. The power is the clarion call to action.
I suscribed to the Contrarian in anticipation that there would soon be a banner calling for the necessary action which, to my limited 1960's way of thinking, would at least be a strike of federal workers that shuts down the Trump/Musk government.
I also subscribe to Hopium Chronicles where Simon Rosenberg, former DNC strategist, gives daily action items. We can't just read what's happening, we have to respond in a constructive, strategic way. Hopium provides that.
I keep thinking the same. With all the discussion about and criticism of democrats and how they will win back the working class, I keep thinking, what about all those republicans in the senate and congress that actually do have the power to stop this? They are truly the guilty ones. They could have voted to convict after Trump was impeached. And they can still stop him now starting with blocking his cabinet picks. I'm not sure I buy the the excuse that they are being threatened and are afraid to go against Trump. I think they are mostly, if not all, lockstep with him.
Ms. Vance: Thank you for all the work you put into your posts, and for this recent Substack submission. We always enjoyed your professional commentary on MSNBC and now (that we no longer watch it) are faithful readers. As my Aunt Elizabeth would say, “Ever forward!”
I'm at the "Everything They Do Is Awful and Dangerous" stage. Are there any consequences when Trusk ignores decisions by judges? If not, what do us mere mortals do? I suggest stories about actual consequences being experienced by folks in red states would be a good idea. Media needs to go personal. People who voted for this WH need to see how they're going to get screwed.
In normal times, the consequences of not complying with court orders could be arrest by federal marshals. But guess who is now in charge of the federal marshals?
So wish I had skills that I could contribute to your work, but the Democracy Index will help me stay sane! I am encouraged that my most significant concerns are reflected in your summary. Thank you.
Who will be America's enforcers? Federal Marshalls? CIA/FBI on internal "domestic terrorism"? We must call this what it is ---citizens of Hungary, citizens of Nicaragua, citizens of Venezuela --have seen this playbook. Dems/Ind. ---been outplayed again & again. DJT will not obey court orders --be aware!
Can't remember where I read it or I would link, but the question of enforcement starts with fines, I read, applied in doubling, meaning a thousand dollars the first day, 2 thousand the second 4 thousand the third, etc. Pocket change for Musk but not for those kids. Will he pay his fines and all of theirs and continue to thumb his nose? Well, then there is the possibility of "contempt" enforcement but that's when we run into Trump owning law enforcement now or soon in the future. Impossible to say what happens or at what point the Republicans via their constituents might wake up.
The 2024 election saw the American voter turn his country over to an Autocratic Fascist. Worse, these same voters gave him majorities in both the House and Senate.
We are now getting what we asked for. I do not believe democracy will make it for two more years. I believe it will be dismantled.
Our courts, I feel, is the only thing that stands against a successful Project 2025.
This is my life already! Mostly out of necessity now, but it is actually a choice I made a long time ago. Local is hard where I live, and we have to use online order, but we pick small businesses or traditional businesses as much as possible (our needs are simple). So the 28th will be easy to work in!
It took Hitler 53 days to destroy Democracy. The Trump/Musk Project 2025 appear on pace to break this time frame. As a senior relying on Social Security and Medicare, Jewish grandparents who fled the USSR to move to the US for Democracy, I am very concerned about how much can be done to stop them as I don’t feel they give a poop about the courts. Looking forward to reading what Joyce says and comments from readers.
Thank you for the Democracy Index and giving us this thoughtful post about it. We desperately need a tool to keep focused on what matters most right now, and the DI is that tool.
I've been wondering when the Democracy Index would make an appearance ever since Joyce said she was working on the project. I'm so glad it's almost up and running! Once it's available, I will let my friends and family know. It's a great idea and will be a GREAT RESOURCE. Thank you Joyce Vance!!!
Thank you, just what we need.
I have said this before, and it is only more apparent by the day. tRump is pushing to end America. Why? Because that will make him a singular person in history. One and only. THAT is HIS end goal and the rest of us can suck eggs.
It has already started with the blatant disregard for court orders. Next is martial law and suspending the midterms.
Mark my words.
Yes, Trump wants America to become Putin's Russia where Trump is the lifetime leader and the American oligarchs are his power. Along with the six Christian Nationalists on the Supreme Court, Trump is making America an authoritarian theocracy.
It’s much, much worse than that. Trump is a psychopath who only lives to hurt as many people as possible: inflicting cruelty is the while point of everything he does. We need to come to grips with the terrifying realization that the cruelty and destruction are intentional and will get much, much worse before we finally stop him. In his warped brain, his entire reason for being is to destroy everything and everyone he can. He’s like a vampire feeding on the blood of Americans until they die, with the sole aim of staying alive so he can drink more blood, leaving a trail of purposeful destruction in his wake. He will never stop on his own. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. The rest of it is just mechanisms toward this end. There are going to be a lot of bodies, both figurative and literal, before he’s done.
Except, the Project 2025 inception was long before PINO came into the picture. The forces behind it are the many, many billionaires that formed foundations and made long range plans for just this time. All they needed was a charismatic figurehead to put the plan in place. There are many, many others holding the reins here and they have a well trained steed.
one other note. The Devos mercenaries are guarding our government's departments while they are being shredded. Rich people's private army.
The courts need to send in Federal Marshals to get our congress members past them and begin to see what is being done.
Yes, they have been festering for years waiting for the perfect foil to ooze out their poison!
This is true, and why it will outlast Trump the Tool
This is the absolute truth! His psychopathy leads him to destroy human beings and usurp their needs to satisfy his own lack of self and empathy. That’s what makes him feel powerful. Taking the government down is icing on the cake!
We can only imagine the damage he is doing to his grandchildren...at least 1 of them was at the super(?)bowl yesterday. His children are pathetic already
Aesop, I have tried to communicate to family and friends what you have stated above, and I get back that look like maybe you are a little over the top. I used the exact phrase, "mark my words". Don't forget about internment camps popping up.
I agree. I am tired of the doomsayers. Yeah, Trump (and Elon) are sociopaths, but that does not mean that any particular outcome is inevitable. Aesop's tales are ego talking. I am here to figure out what we need to focus our energies on, and what we can do to get in the way. Not interested in spending time wringing hands.
This is what I'm doing. Where I live we are focussing our energies in our group. Seniors are motivated...They remember. We don't wring our hands anymore.
I don't doubt for one second that that is the MAGAites' and their Dear Leader's intention. I just won't concede it as inevitable. I'm convinced more and more by the day that, just as obeying in advance isn't an option, resigning to it in advance also benefits no one.
My thinking as well.
Thanks, Joyce! You're a rockstar!!
WaPo's buried article...re: Trump is having each candidate for jobs in his administration's FBI field stations away from DC answer 'Who's your boss?" "Who were the real patriots on January 6th?"
Questions posed to leadership positions WITHIN his national security apparatus in Washington were told to answer yes or no: 1. Was January 6th and inside job? 2. Was the 2020 presidential election stolen? 2 applicants told their interviews 'no'. They weren't hired.
The past 21 days have been shit storm. WTF. Why hell aren't democrats going on Fox Sunday Shows and talking about that? About Muck the SS numbers?
I'm resisting but with that report from WaPo scares me more than anything. What's to stop them from checking every single voter registrations across the country and jailing anyone with a D next to their name?
I wrote WaPo requesting a Bluesky link. No reply!!
Who at WaPo? Link to what?
I used the "contact us" link to request WaPo enable posting of articles on Bluesky. WaPo indicated a reply forthcoming but nothing. It posts some on Bluesky but not timely articles. I lost X account when I had to clear cache and didn't reconnect correctly.
I just sent another request that we subscription holders be permitted to post on Bluesky.
Thank you for this Democracy Index project! It is exactly what we need as the abyss's between our democracy and Trump's intended Totalitarian rule. Too many neither read Project 2025 or Agenda 47, so they were caught by surprise. I, too, am watching how rapidly PINO and Musk are causing chaos daily.
"Until then, remember that staying informed and having a community are powerful acts in support of democracy."
With whatever regard the Washington Post may be due, to be clear, democracy dies in silence.
And when it comes to making noise, the true power of the pen is not in opinions or essays or indices. The power is the clarion call to action.
I suscribed to the Contrarian in anticipation that there would soon be a banner calling for the necessary action which, to my limited 1960's way of thinking, would at least be a strike of federal workers that shuts down the Trump/Musk government.
Make noise.
Thank you. Citizen action is required. If we remain victims, we fail.
I also subscribe to Hopium Chronicles where Simon Rosenberg, former DNC strategist, gives daily action items. We can't just read what's happening, we have to respond in a constructive, strategic way. Hopium provides that.
Republicans......led by Trump.......are an enemy of America, and.....we are under Attack!
I keep thinking the same. With all the discussion about and criticism of democrats and how they will win back the working class, I keep thinking, what about all those republicans in the senate and congress that actually do have the power to stop this? They are truly the guilty ones. They could have voted to convict after Trump was impeached. And they can still stop him now starting with blocking his cabinet picks. I'm not sure I buy the the excuse that they are being threatened and are afraid to go against Trump. I think they are mostly, if not all, lockstep with him.
Exactly! What are they so afraid of? Having to get a REAL job?
Ms. Vance: Thank you for all the work you put into your posts, and for this recent Substack submission. We always enjoyed your professional commentary on MSNBC and now (that we no longer watch it) are faithful readers. As my Aunt Elizabeth would say, “Ever forward!”
I'm at the "Everything They Do Is Awful and Dangerous" stage. Are there any consequences when Trusk ignores decisions by judges? If not, what do us mere mortals do? I suggest stories about actual consequences being experienced by folks in red states would be a good idea. Media needs to go personal. People who voted for this WH need to see how they're going to get screwed.
In normal times, the consequences of not complying with court orders could be arrest by federal marshals. But guess who is now in charge of the federal marshals?
Absolutely.
"Trusk." Good moniker.
So wish I had skills that I could contribute to your work, but the Democracy Index will help me stay sane! I am encouraged that my most significant concerns are reflected in your summary. Thank you.
Yet another positive for being part of The Contrarian community. Thank you.
Who will be America's enforcers? Federal Marshalls? CIA/FBI on internal "domestic terrorism"? We must call this what it is ---citizens of Hungary, citizens of Nicaragua, citizens of Venezuela --have seen this playbook. Dems/Ind. ---been outplayed again & again. DJT will not obey court orders --be aware!
Can't remember where I read it or I would link, but the question of enforcement starts with fines, I read, applied in doubling, meaning a thousand dollars the first day, 2 thousand the second 4 thousand the third, etc. Pocket change for Musk but not for those kids. Will he pay his fines and all of theirs and continue to thumb his nose? Well, then there is the possibility of "contempt" enforcement but that's when we run into Trump owning law enforcement now or soon in the future. Impossible to say what happens or at what point the Republicans via their constituents might wake up.
The 2024 election saw the American voter turn his country over to an Autocratic Fascist. Worse, these same voters gave him majorities in both the House and Senate.
We are now getting what we asked for. I do not believe democracy will make it for two more years. I believe it will be dismantled.
Our courts, I feel, is the only thing that stands against a successful Project 2025.
Remember, this is happening:
The 24 HOUR ECONOMIC BLACKOUT!
As our first initial act, we turn it off.
For just one day we show them who really holds the power.
WHEN:
Friday. February 28th from 12:00 AM to 11:59
PM, the last day of this month.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not make any purchases unless urgent.
Do not shop online, or in-store, or via delivery.
No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy, Nowhere!
Do not spend money on:
Fast Food
Gas
Major Retailers
Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for nonessential spending.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary:
(Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies)
ONLY support small, local businesses
This is my life already! Mostly out of necessity now, but it is actually a choice I made a long time ago. Local is hard where I live, and we have to use online order, but we pick small businesses or traditional businesses as much as possible (our needs are simple). So the 28th will be easy to work in!
Hope it catches on. Sounds like the warm up to large scale pressure on GOP to not “go along to get along”
Spread the word!
It took Hitler 53 days to destroy Democracy. The Trump/Musk Project 2025 appear on pace to break this time frame. As a senior relying on Social Security and Medicare, Jewish grandparents who fled the USSR to move to the US for Democracy, I am very concerned about how much can be done to stop them as I don’t feel they give a poop about the courts. Looking forward to reading what Joyce says and comments from readers.