There was a time, not too long ago, when America stood as the beacon of freedom, the defender of democracy, and the steadfast ally of those who resisted oppression.
You nailed it, Adam. I could use one of your emergency videos right about now. They help me to thrive in this pretty negative atmosphere. Thank you for all the time you take to share with us ~ with me.
Adam, I pray our history of being a leader in this world is not forgotten. Right now we are a disgrace. The leaders like you are few. There are no courageous members of Congress stepping forward with definitive answers to what is now a Constitutional crisis. Sad.
Thank you for your leadership and courage Congressman Kinzinger -- we need it. And, we are fortunate to have a strong bench of other leaders who are standing up to the disinformation and tyranny we see running rampant. Kudos to IL Governor Pritzker, Congressman Jamie Raskin, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Chris Murphy, Pete Buttigieg, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Liz Cheney and many others. We all need to support and stand behind and with these leaders. We are not alone -- 75M+ Americans are with us.
Does anyone else remember seeing videos of Trump supporters at MAGA rallies years ago wearing tee shirts saying “ I’d rather be with Russia than with liberals”?
It just proves the Idiocy from these people. They would be the first to screech about their SNAP and Medicaid being taken away. If they think they can do better in Russia, then MOVE there! Just don't bring with you your First Amendment right, expect due process, or I innocent till proven guilty. That's not how it works in Russia.
We hope here in Warsaw, Poland in all Europe that you will wake up, organize yourselves and do the right thing. In Poland , we had 8 years of populists, pro Putin government. I can't even tell you how many rallies, talks to other citizens we did and finally, people woke up on 15th of October 2023 and record-breaking 75% Polish voters ousted this nationalistic, pro Putin government. We think you are under Russian attack, it's obvious for us that Putin is already in theWhite House... what his puppets Trump and Musk are doing it's just a coup. We experienced similar actions here in Poland, we were in despair as well, so we know how you feel now. Yet, no more complaining just act! We are keeping fingers crossed for you as we are so close to Russian border and help Ukrainians here in Warsaw and in Ukraine! Greetings from Warsaw, Poland.
Thanks for the perspective from someone who's been there! We've been SOOOO guilty of "It could never happen here" syndrome, and now we're going to learn. The hard way. Appreciate knowing that you guys were able to finally right the ship! Virtual hug to everyone in Poland!
You are absolutely right. Poland suffered for so many years under the Soviet Union, and many Poles were quick to understand the risk and push back hard against the pro Putin government. I fear that too many Americans are naive and do not realize the great threat that Putin-Trump-Vance-Musk pose to our democracy.
Thank you Poland! I remember when Lech Walesa fought for Polish democracy and was so sad in recent years when it succumbed to the autocrats again. But was very happy and surprised to learn recently they are back to freedom! It gives American's hope but the reality that it may take years and hard work.
Talk to your neighbours, especially the ones who voted undecided or didn't vote at all. You have to break the wall of polarization. Put pressure on all senators , doesn't matter which party.
if you're on here you can use the computer- call and email your senators and representatives. they usually have a page on their website to write a comment or ask a question directly. Join Country1st or Indivisible, they have events- many are virtual and send emails to tell you exactly what to say to your Senators and Representatives.
Go to 5calls.org. They have a list of topics that you can select and they give you the script for the call. You tell them where you live and they give you the phone numbers for your representatives in Washington and in your state. If calling seems intimidating at first, call outside of office hours and leave a message. Keep the pressure on them. Keep up with the news, make your calls, and then go on with life for the rest of the day. We need action but also need to take care of our physical and mental health.
In a word, yes. We are the bad guys. As first gen American, I can say unequivocally from feedback across the free world and our former most powerful allies, we are the bad guys. Trump just tweeted: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Our self anointed King. And our fellow countrymen remain non-responsive.
Lynette, I live in NYC and hadn't seen this tweet from Trump about congestion pricing is dead. I would hope that he really cannot sweep into the city and overturn something that is amazingly working for the average New Yorker (something you don't see in the news). The additional congestion fee tacked onto a taxi ride here is more than made up for by time in the taxi decreasing by at least a 1/3.
Even worse is "Long Live the King." Praying for a wake up call and soon for our fellow Americans. Ty for alerting us to this last bit of crazy.
Hey Lourine, I’m sure by now you have seen it. The *Official White House account* posted an image (I am not making this up) of a smirking Trump with a crown on his head, tagged with “Long Live the King”. I cannot share here but I uploaded to my own page.
Thanks Lynette, I did see it. Totally out there for sure. We can hope enough people who support him might question this and if they really did vote for a king/dictator. Whew
If Americans accept Trump's rash comments about Ukraine and Zelensky, then we are no longer the world leader of freedom. I, for one,am ashamed that he wasn't laughed off the podium for his comments. Maybe THIS will knock some sense into the populous. Nothing has seemed to work yet!
I think that the big problem is that we don't know what freedom ISN'T!!!!!! Our parents literally saved the world and we have let it be forgotten! FREEDOM IS WORTH THE FIGHT!
Those are the results of almost 30 years of constant brainwashing by the Fascistfox Not News channel, Rush Limbaugh, MaximumNewsTrash, Joe "Dimwit" Rogan, Tucker with an F Carlson, and of course Twittler with that South African NAZI!
Liberal/Progressive voices like Keith Olbermann have been warning about this for over a decade!
And FAUX was never banned on military installations! Monumental mistakes. The new fascist regime is the result of inaction for a very long time! Swiss Cheese hole theory at work here.
Whoa! I never even considered that we've not experienced what freedom isn't. That really threw me for a loop. But, there is so much truth in that. The perfect example are the Germans themselves. For years, as Hitler was moving up in his role in the build up of the Third Reich, more and more were losing their freedom to the point of suffocation. The Germans since then do not allow anything with swastikas to be demonstrated. The Heil Hitler salute is absolutely forbidden. Many German citizens refuse to acknowledge groups who foment Nazi propaganda. Those who survived passed these lessons on to the next generation. Maybe it's our turn? Whatever happened to an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We cannot become jaded to what's happening to us. As a veteran this is extremely important. No bloodshed and violence in America's streets.
I agree that we are spoiled. We have freedom, the rule of law, elections, etc. All the people who support Musk and his "cutting of waste, fraud, and abuse" are going to have a reality check when they no longer receive their Social Security checks.
JVL's piece today is pretty damning of the American people. I'm having a hard time saying he's wrong. It's pretty clear there is a large portion of the country that's ready to give up citizenship in the United States of America and become subjects of the regime. I'm not.
It is heartbreaking to see what's happening to our country. I will always stand with Ukraine. I will always stand on the side of our Constitution. I will always keep my independent mind from listening to conspiracy theories and promote truth and integrity.
SPOT...ON! This is exactly how I feel as well. It sickens me to the very depth of my soul how so many made the ultimate sacrifice so something like this would never happen. Their sacrifice will have been for nothing should we ever give up. It's exactly what the enemy - Trump - wants. Why are there those who do not believe in democracy? That's just plain evil. Egregious. We have to keep our head in the game. DO...NOT...GIVE...UP!
One of the very first steps our allies should take is to remove themselves from any intelligence sharing alliances like Five Eyes (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ).
And it's time for a new Seven Eyes alliance to be formed with Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, France, Germany, and Poland. ASAP! You are now the free leaders of the World.
Today's post makes me think of one of Shakespeare's darker plays, in which the bad guy who deliberately engineered all the mayhem and death is the only main character left alive at the end of the play and says something like "I committed all that evil, I did evil for its own sake, and though I now die, I would do it all again." If Trump has a choice between doing good and doing evil, he will choose evil every time. It confounds me but we cannot pretend it isn't true. What scares me is that I saw a poll this morning in which 43% of people strongly approve of him. How can this be?
Boggles the mind, doesn't it? I've found myself asking, "what is he getting out of all of this?" Tiny Hands doesn't REALLY have a single actual moral, ethical, political or philosophical conviction of his own. So none of his chaos is REALLY being done to accomplish any end that a sane person would understand. I really think you're right. He wants to be the last man standing, to look around at the smoke and ashes he's wrought, and to be able to go, "Yep, I destroyed civilization, the human race and the entire planet just to watch it burn, and I'd do it all again." This IS what we're dealing with. We can't continue to be surprised.
I think he just wants power and money and the Heritage Foundation nutcases saw him as the con man who could get people to vote for him and then they could implement their white Christian nationalist world.
I am a retired Navy and also Army officer who served nearly 40 years, an Iraq, Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Joint Endeavor veteran. I am also a historian who served on the Faculty of the Joint Forces Staff College. I respect your military service and willingness to risk your political career and life as a House Member standing up for the law and Constitution in the face of Trump.
I wrote about the betrayal last night, and what Winston Churchill said in the House of Commons after Munich about Neville Chamberlain the leader of his party and Prime Minister. I am sure that if you were a member of the House today that you would stand in it and speak the truth as he did. He said that Britain “had been weighed in the balance and found wanting” and added that the appeasement deal would not be the end but only the beginning. My article with his full speech can be found here. https://dundas.substack.com/p/trumps-betrayal-of-ukraine-and-europe
Adam, it is so frustrating. I keep writing and calling as I hit wall after wall. The USA's standing in the world is now in grave jeopardy. This is not the country I want or grew up in. We are dealing with an unhinged man who is out for himself. It astounds me that other elected officials and citizens do not see or understand this fact. I am open to the next steps which I can take as an individual and with others. thank you, keep writing and speaking out.
You nailed it, Adam. I could use one of your emergency videos right about now. They help me to thrive in this pretty negative atmosphere. Thank you for all the time you take to share with us ~ with me.
Adam, I pray our history of being a leader in this world is not forgotten. Right now we are a disgrace. The leaders like you are few. There are no courageous members of Congress stepping forward with definitive answers to what is now a Constitutional crisis. Sad.
The 118th Congress was chaos, the 119th is a doormat..
Thank you for your leadership and courage Congressman Kinzinger -- we need it. And, we are fortunate to have a strong bench of other leaders who are standing up to the disinformation and tyranny we see running rampant. Kudos to IL Governor Pritzker, Congressman Jamie Raskin, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senator Chris Murphy, Pete Buttigieg, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Liz Cheney and many others. We all need to support and stand behind and with these leaders. We are not alone -- 75M+ Americans are with us.
Does anyone else remember seeing videos of Trump supporters at MAGA rallies years ago wearing tee shirts saying “ I’d rather be with Russia than with liberals”?
It just proves the Idiocy from these people. They would be the first to screech about their SNAP and Medicaid being taken away. If they think they can do better in Russia, then MOVE there! Just don't bring with you your First Amendment right, expect due process, or I innocent till proven guilty. That's not how it works in Russia.
they think trump will spare them
Such a great idea Joelle - yeah - let THEM move to Russia!!! Right on!
Wait until they find out there's no 2nd amendment.
We hope here in Warsaw, Poland in all Europe that you will wake up, organize yourselves and do the right thing. In Poland , we had 8 years of populists, pro Putin government. I can't even tell you how many rallies, talks to other citizens we did and finally, people woke up on 15th of October 2023 and record-breaking 75% Polish voters ousted this nationalistic, pro Putin government. We think you are under Russian attack, it's obvious for us that Putin is already in theWhite House... what his puppets Trump and Musk are doing it's just a coup. We experienced similar actions here in Poland, we were in despair as well, so we know how you feel now. Yet, no more complaining just act! We are keeping fingers crossed for you as we are so close to Russian border and help Ukrainians here in Warsaw and in Ukraine! Greetings from Warsaw, Poland.
Thanks for the perspective from someone who's been there! We've been SOOOO guilty of "It could never happen here" syndrome, and now we're going to learn. The hard way. Appreciate knowing that you guys were able to finally right the ship! Virtual hug to everyone in Poland!
You are absolutely right. Poland suffered for so many years under the Soviet Union, and many Poles were quick to understand the risk and push back hard against the pro Putin government. I fear that too many Americans are naive and do not realize the great threat that Putin-Trump-Vance-Musk pose to our democracy.
Thank you Poland! I remember when Lech Walesa fought for Polish democracy and was so sad in recent years when it succumbed to the autocrats again. But was very happy and surprised to learn recently they are back to freedom! It gives American's hope but the reality that it may take years and hard work.
Thank you for that glimmer of hope. We need this encouragement. Poland; you did good!
What can I as an 82 y.o. do to stop Trump?
Talk to your neighbours, especially the ones who voted undecided or didn't vote at all. You have to break the wall of polarization. Put pressure on all senators , doesn't matter which party.
if you're on here you can use the computer- call and email your senators and representatives. they usually have a page on their website to write a comment or ask a question directly. Join Country1st or Indivisible, they have events- many are virtual and send emails to tell you exactly what to say to your Senators and Representatives.
https://www.country1st.com/
https://indivisible.org/
Go to 5calls.org. They have a list of topics that you can select and they give you the script for the call. You tell them where you live and they give you the phone numbers for your representatives in Washington and in your state. If calling seems intimidating at first, call outside of office hours and leave a message. Keep the pressure on them. Keep up with the news, make your calls, and then go on with life for the rest of the day. We need action but also need to take care of our physical and mental health.
Thank you for writing this I really need to hear that there is going to be an after. I hope I live long enough to see it.
In a word, yes. We are the bad guys. As first gen American, I can say unequivocally from feedback across the free world and our former most powerful allies, we are the bad guys. Trump just tweeted: “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Our self anointed King. And our fellow countrymen remain non-responsive.
Lynette, I live in NYC and hadn't seen this tweet from Trump about congestion pricing is dead. I would hope that he really cannot sweep into the city and overturn something that is amazingly working for the average New Yorker (something you don't see in the news). The additional congestion fee tacked onto a taxi ride here is more than made up for by time in the taxi decreasing by at least a 1/3.
Even worse is "Long Live the King." Praying for a wake up call and soon for our fellow Americans. Ty for alerting us to this last bit of crazy.
Hey Lourine, I’m sure by now you have seen it. The *Official White House account* posted an image (I am not making this up) of a smirking Trump with a crown on his head, tagged with “Long Live the King”. I cannot share here but I uploaded to my own page.
Thanks Lynette, I did see it. Totally out there for sure. We can hope enough people who support him might question this and if they really did vote for a king/dictator. Whew
If Americans accept Trump's rash comments about Ukraine and Zelensky, then we are no longer the world leader of freedom. I, for one,am ashamed that he wasn't laughed off the podium for his comments. Maybe THIS will knock some sense into the populous. Nothing has seemed to work yet!
I think that the big problem is that we don't know what freedom ISN'T!!!!!! Our parents literally saved the world and we have let it be forgotten! FREEDOM IS WORTH THE FIGHT!
Those are the results of almost 30 years of constant brainwashing by the Fascistfox Not News channel, Rush Limbaugh, MaximumNewsTrash, Joe "Dimwit" Rogan, Tucker with an F Carlson, and of course Twittler with that South African NAZI!
Liberal/Progressive voices like Keith Olbermann have been warning about this for over a decade!
And FAUX was never banned on military installations! Monumental mistakes. The new fascist regime is the result of inaction for a very long time! Swiss Cheese hole theory at work here.
Whoa! I never even considered that we've not experienced what freedom isn't. That really threw me for a loop. But, there is so much truth in that. The perfect example are the Germans themselves. For years, as Hitler was moving up in his role in the build up of the Third Reich, more and more were losing their freedom to the point of suffocation. The Germans since then do not allow anything with swastikas to be demonstrated. The Heil Hitler salute is absolutely forbidden. Many German citizens refuse to acknowledge groups who foment Nazi propaganda. Those who survived passed these lessons on to the next generation. Maybe it's our turn? Whatever happened to an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We cannot become jaded to what's happening to us. As a veteran this is extremely important. No bloodshed and violence in America's streets.
I agree that we are spoiled. We have freedom, the rule of law, elections, etc. All the people who support Musk and his "cutting of waste, fraud, and abuse" are going to have a reality check when they no longer receive their Social Security checks.
I’m ready for anyone brave enough to start throwing shoes at him like that Iraqi did to Bush II.
JVL's piece today is pretty damning of the American people. I'm having a hard time saying he's wrong. It's pretty clear there is a large portion of the country that's ready to give up citizenship in the United States of America and become subjects of the regime. I'm not.
It is heartbreaking to see what's happening to our country. I will always stand with Ukraine. I will always stand on the side of our Constitution. I will always keep my independent mind from listening to conspiracy theories and promote truth and integrity.
SPOT...ON! This is exactly how I feel as well. It sickens me to the very depth of my soul how so many made the ultimate sacrifice so something like this would never happen. Their sacrifice will have been for nothing should we ever give up. It's exactly what the enemy - Trump - wants. Why are there those who do not believe in democracy? That's just plain evil. Egregious. We have to keep our head in the game. DO...NOT...GIVE...UP!
One of the very first steps our allies should take is to remove themselves from any intelligence sharing alliances like Five Eyes (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ).
And it's time for a new Seven Eyes alliance to be formed with Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, France, Germany, and Poland. ASAP! You are now the free leaders of the World.
Trump wouldn’t waste his time trying to read or
even listen to an intelligence briefing - unless
he could sell it to a third party.
but Tulsi Gabbard is literate and she's the russian girlfriend who is now the Director of Intelligence.
So , would T-rump be pissed if Tulsi gave up top secret info w/o going through him first ?
From your lips OV to God's ear!
Today's post makes me think of one of Shakespeare's darker plays, in which the bad guy who deliberately engineered all the mayhem and death is the only main character left alive at the end of the play and says something like "I committed all that evil, I did evil for its own sake, and though I now die, I would do it all again." If Trump has a choice between doing good and doing evil, he will choose evil every time. It confounds me but we cannot pretend it isn't true. What scares me is that I saw a poll this morning in which 43% of people strongly approve of him. How can this be?
Boggles the mind, doesn't it? I've found myself asking, "what is he getting out of all of this?" Tiny Hands doesn't REALLY have a single actual moral, ethical, political or philosophical conviction of his own. So none of his chaos is REALLY being done to accomplish any end that a sane person would understand. I really think you're right. He wants to be the last man standing, to look around at the smoke and ashes he's wrought, and to be able to go, "Yep, I destroyed civilization, the human race and the entire planet just to watch it burn, and I'd do it all again." This IS what we're dealing with. We can't continue to be surprised.
But what about the people that support this? How can they be deprogrammed? This is a cult
I think he just wants power and money and the Heritage Foundation nutcases saw him as the con man who could get people to vote for him and then they could implement their white Christian nationalist world.
This is why Putin got him elected. Why is everyone so surprised.
"This is a COUP" is flashing in NEON colors on Time Square, and hardly anyone is acting accordingly!
There are two kinds of people....those that are humble and those that will be humbled. Keep fighting the good fight for the honorable right side.
Adam,
I am a retired Navy and also Army officer who served nearly 40 years, an Iraq, Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Joint Endeavor veteran. I am also a historian who served on the Faculty of the Joint Forces Staff College. I respect your military service and willingness to risk your political career and life as a House Member standing up for the law and Constitution in the face of Trump.
In all seriousness we are now the baddies https://images.app.goo.gl/x89QM3sCR6tdB8ZX6
I wrote about the betrayal last night, and what Winston Churchill said in the House of Commons after Munich about Neville Chamberlain the leader of his party and Prime Minister. I am sure that if you were a member of the House today that you would stand in it and speak the truth as he did. He said that Britain “had been weighed in the balance and found wanting” and added that the appeasement deal would not be the end but only the beginning. My article with his full speech can be found here. https://dundas.substack.com/p/trumps-betrayal-of-ukraine-and-europe
All the best, be safe and watch your six.
Sincerely,
Steve Dundas, CDR, CHC, USN (ret)
Adam, it is so frustrating. I keep writing and calling as I hit wall after wall. The USA's standing in the world is now in grave jeopardy. This is not the country I want or grew up in. We are dealing with an unhinged man who is out for himself. It astounds me that other elected officials and citizens do not see or understand this fact. I am open to the next steps which I can take as an individual and with others. thank you, keep writing and speaking out.