This is also a major concern of mine. Medicare has been great for me. Privitizing it will be ruinous without a doubt and the idea scares the **** out of me.
I’m concerned also for social security and Medicare cuts. My husband and I are retired and SS is our only income, except for a small monthly pension that doesn’t even cover our mortgage payment. We are physically able to become employed again if need be, but at 73 I really don’t want to work again. This is a big deal for many, many retired people who are in the same situation as us.
Me too. It is scary. I'm glad our parents didn't have to deal with this. I think that Trump would not have been allowed to get this far with them. They would have been OUTRAGED at the insurrection and thrown him in jail. I think the younger people of today do not understand what living without freedom is. Our parents had to fight for it and they LITERALLY saved the world. All those surrounding Trump are ass-kissers.
We have been on a Democracy high since 1964- America expanded it's promise to a more and more diverse group of Americans. We got spoiled, complacent and tried to push the envelope a little too far. We started seeing a backlash after Roe was established, then Obama was elected , until now- The backlash is now fully in control.
to clarify I meant - pushing the envelope in certain identity politics- for people to accept things they are not ready for - like trans women in sports, expanding pronouns, including controversial topics in school curriculum- without having a lot of discussion on those issues. But whatever the issue- there is a backlash to something.
We are seniors and retired as well. We have our investments but have everything mapped out to have us be okay. Pulling from that to cover medical could prove to be a huge challenge
I don't think those who are currently getting SS or Medicare will have to worry. They will possibly privatize, go to a 401K type plan, cut amounts, raise the age, but it will be for those who start to go on by a certain date in the future.
One thing I just read, I think it was in the NBC news app, was a proposal by the House GOP to reduce SS benefits for those who also have a pension from an employer. This affects me personally. I paid the same SS tax as people not working for an employer who offered a pension (and I worked 25 consecutive years for this employer to be eligible for it) , and I need both to live on. Can they get away with this?
Oh my, my mothers monthly pension is $300. Her SS is 2K. She is currently dying a slow death and on medicare and medicaid. I cannot imagine how the state and the nursing home would respond to suddenly getting $300 versus the nearkly 3k she pays now.
H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness passed the House this evening (Feb 13). The Act includes the "removal" Windfall Elimination Provision that currently is specifically applied to federal and state gov't employees receiving a gov't pension that had their Social Security payment reduced or eliminated because they received a gov't pension. H.R. 82 removed a prior restriction, it didn't create a new one. Google H.R. 82 Social Security Act for verification.
I think that was specifically government employees; regardless, whether you get a pension or not, you're paying the same amount into social security. If they want to tax it at rates commensurate with the income, that's one thing. But to take it away entirely, especially this late in the game is unreasonable.
Then again, I'm crazy to think "reason" would prevail.
I don't see that happening. A). It's a huge undertaking and B). How quickly do you think the backlash of the retired Brainwashed Boomers will come? Instantaneously.
It's like the deportation promises. A HUGE undertaking. Money, coordination, time, logistics, money...
Remember, there's what he says he'll do and what he WILL do.
Trump is just a figurehead it’s the people in his administration who manipulate him that will be the real problem. They have a plan and know how to pull the levers of power. Look what happened with our space program, it was privatized. Now, hundreds of billions go to guys like Musk and Bezos to send up spy, communications, weather satellites, people, and space probes. Tax payer dollars that went to government run programs now flow into the pockets of billionaires. It’s a lot like what happened when the USSR collapsed and the oligarchs stole all the state run industries. Guaranteed that guys like Elon are salivating at the prospect of stealing even more by privatizing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Trillions are at stake and the foxes are in the hen house. Buckle your seatbelts, we’re in for a rough ride.
We ;privatize and look where we are, beholden to a man like Elon Musk. Now they have been pushing Medicare Advantage for quite a few years now and it's getting bigger and bigger. Medicare Advantage has been a good place for over billing, billing for procedures that never happened and so on. Rick Scott, who committed the largest Medicare fraud in our history, paid a 1.7 BILLION dollar fine, got a slap on the wrist and was rewarded on his exit from his company, over 300 million dollars AND got the governorship of FLA, and is now one of their Senators.
He wrote a plan going forward that got rid of Medicare altogether. People just do NOT pay attention. You do NOT have to be a political junky to just pay attention as you go about your daily life. Know a LITTLE bit about your candidates and representatives. There is nothing like a pack of millionaires and billionaires telling you that you don't need to have that heart surgery, or that you don't need help with childcare because we will be drilling so much oil. Are we having fun yet.?
This is why I included the word damage in my question. There may be lots of things that can hurt it without a lot of notice. Often the most dangerous things an incoming administration does is rules changes which are largely unreported. I don’t know those could affect SS and Medicare but I don’t know they couldn’t either.
What they can do is see that the Social Sscurity trust fund runs dry faster than has already been projected nor will anything be done to correct that issue. They’ll just dry up the oasis in the desert.
What Donald is doing now has been in the works and planned for a very long time. From the time he lost the election is 2020 he and his minions have been at work. Steve Bannon has been crowing about it for years. People just laugh at the red nosed, disheveled, not too clean looing guy who most times is the smartest person in the room. He is very savvy.
Project 2025 wasn't just written on the back of a napkin six months ago, this has been years. BELIEVE them. This is NOT the same group of floundering people at the 2016 victory, this is a well oiled machine.
Speaking of health care, what damage will RFKjr be able to bring to the system. On women’s health care, what are the possibilities of returning women’s health care back to the medical profession? And on that note, how can one best respond to the latest misogyny, “Your Body. My Choice. Forever. “ that has gone viral, created by but not limited to Nick Fuentes?
You can't see it, but I am a living visual example of the phrase "to seethe". Save us from pathetic, *ahem* frustrated, women-hating boys. Which is what WomEn and real men will, in fact, do. 😇
This is also my question. I don't want Medicare Advantage as I want my PCP with whom I have a great relationsip with. I also am paying more for a Blue Cross secondary because it gives me that freedom to stay with my provider who knows me and my issues since 2008.
I'm in the same boat. Longterm disability = Medicaid+Medicare+SSDI. I can have a house worth no more than $500,000 (though I only have enough money for an abandoned shack in the middle of the Mojave desert), and one vehicle. I'm not allowed to have more than $2,000 at any given time (a disgracefully small amount that hasn't changed in 55-60 years. umm. emergencies? wth are we supposed to do?), and I am potentially facing 2 major surgeries next year with 3 and 6 day hospital stays respectively, and it is possible that one of these could mean going to a rehab hospital, as well. People think I'm 1) kidding, or 2) over exaggerating when I say suicide might be my only option if that ****head is allowed to carry all of Musk's - oh, I mean his ideas to fruition. Hope is quickly fading in my case.
What can be done to avoid him and his team taking us beyond the tipping point on climate, national security and preventing corrupt autocracy take over that prevents Orbanization of government?
I have the same question. Social media discussions offer little comfort to those of us who have immigrant friends and family members. Words feel like spitting in the wind, especially if you are surrounded as I am by MAGA extremism. I have already offered the dribble of money I can spare. What can I do today? I do want to thank you Adam! Your courage is an inspiration.
Tag teaming off Kelly’s original question because Musk & Ramaswamy both terrify and sicken me. Also, what are your thoughts on Kristi Noem serving as (gasp) Homeland Director?
Love to hear your thoughts on: Matt Gaetz as AG; Tulsi Gabbard Director of National Intelligence. Where will MTG come out in this? I thought maybe WH Communications Director, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go to Scott Jennings, the guy has been auditioning for the job since forever. Can you share links where we can write to our representatives? I am still hopeful they keep a finger on the pulse of their constituents and will at least take the temperature if letters are sent.
It’s so efficient that it takes two to run it. And why in the h**l does Musk want to waste his time with waste in the government. Doesn’t he have enough to do?
He will make it "run better" by moving those pesky government programs supported by lots to taxpayer $$ to a "more efficient" program involving one of Musk's businesses.
Also, remember that Trump loves to put two people to work together, which will inevitably lead to a competitive fight. Trump loves to see people fighting to impress him.
Do u think Musk and Putin had anything to do with rigging the election. I’m 73. Never saw votes and numbers come in so fast. Numbers just don’t add up in my head. Too much technology available to Musk. He knew hours b4 45 won
I agree Sylvia. Especially with Putin and his people making statements like these,
Patrushev said: "To achieve success in the elections, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. And as a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them
I mean... Putin is a former KGB agent (and just look at his little weasel face): the first time Trump was in a room with him alone with that poor translator who probably has an FSB hit on her whole family , Putin made him his asset, and anyone who didn't see that is a f#$!ng idiot. The most infuriating thing about all of this to me is just how STUPID it all is. Like, a KGB agent is basically running a talk show where he makes the US president his bitch on live TV... Jesus. Way to beta cuck, America. AND PUTIN!!! You know? You stand up to Stalin, and you let Putin fuck your president in the mouth on live TV? Where is our self-respect? I apologize for the vulgar imagery. But this is how it is. I am going to have an aneurysm from thsi one issue alone
I agree, Mike. There weren't significant shenanigans at the polls. But there were plenty beforehand. Between Russian meddling via social media and purging of voters, there was some real impact. But never underestimate the power of misogyny, especially in combination with racism. There's no law against voting while bigoted and/or stupid. Sadly, there's also no law against sitting out an election because reasons. It's time to get used to saying "I told you so" and tightening our circles. Some people might come to Jesus, but only if we let them suffer the consequences of their actions as much as possible. I admit that next time NC is hit by a hurricane, my money will stay in my pocket.
Not gonna lie. I was sus. Plus they had Trump votes with democratic reps chosen on a ballot. I am not a conspiracy theorist. It just didn’t sit right as far as the popular vote. But never underestimate the opinions of women being in their place which seems to be not President, but for male pleasure and making babies. I mean they elected a predator. 😖
I question this as well! Also what impact did the false videos, the false bomb scarers at polling places, also the rumors of violence at polling places, RT's disinformation campaign, Jill Stein a pawn of Putin, what impact did all of these things have on keeping voters home? Many Democrats didn't vote.
With such tight majorities in both the House and Senate, assuming the House will be in Republican hands, how much can Democrats stop some of the craziness that Congress might try to pass? Can they do anything even with Republicans in charge? Because Republicans usually can't stay united, so they'll need Democrats to help, right? Can you please explain how that might work?
Fortunately there is still a filibuster in the Senate which is applicable to most bills. GOP has said they won't change it. A forgotten hero is Kyrsten Sinema (then democrat senator from Arizona) who voted against democrats attempt to eliminate the filibuster. at the time she said: "ending the filibuster would lead to "repeated radical reversals in federal policy, cementing uncertainty, deepening divisions, and further eroding Americans’ confidence in our government".
I wish I could be optimistic Adam. My biggest question is when these unqualified people nominated/appointed by Trump start policy making that will most certainly include unconstitutional “laws”, is there any recourse?? In AZ our AG says she will fight anything that will hurt the people of our state. How? I see Trump steamrolling over everything & everyone that doesn’t swear allegiance to him.
Just joined and donated. I really think there needs to be a concerted effort if there is any hope to deter or outright stop some of the horrible things on the incoming administration’s agenda. I am hopeful that many of the reluctant Trump voters will decide a moderate platform is more in alignment with their values.
Agree. I really think there is going to be an increased interest in a third party that blends moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats. I would sign up for this team.
I’m very concerned about the potential for a “warrior council”. Can the president and his cronies get rid of top ranking, seasoned military leaders in favor of loyalists? This sounds a bit too Stalinesque for my comfort.
I agree, some of the liveliest debates I have been engaged in concern the military, the Pentagon, and what happens when loyalty to the commander-in-chief comes in direct conflict with loyalty to the Constitution.
I just wrote a similar question, not having read t"In Chief vs. the Constitution is one of the most important questions because if he tries to use the military, national guard, or police powers against his "domestic enemies," we are in VERY BAD PLACE!
Thank you for giving us regular folks hope. Both my Grandfathers fought in the big war, I can assure you I carry with me their spirit to continue the fight and never give up.
My great Grandfather fought in the Civil War, my Father and Uncle were WW2 veterans and my Uncle stayed in the Navy for the Korean War…My son is a Software Engineer living in New York. He has been following the propaganda, especially on line, and he is VERY WORRIED! I am a 74 year old retired teacher. I’m hoping that I will live long enough to see peace and sanity come back to our country.
Adam, I’ve always voted country over party and though I lean more towards liberal thinking (I’m 68 yr old white female) I will always vote for someone who can see “all of us”. What keeps me up at night is how fragile both our democracy and constitution are without those who follow these long held beliefs. I think I can handle 4 years but do you think one man and his MAGA supporters can completely shred, dismantle our constitution rewrite a new scary story for America?
I also want to thank Adam, and add to this questions. Adam, what you have accomplished starting and running Country First is phenomenal. Realistically, it is a small group, and therefore has limited influence. There are a number of other groups with similar goals out there. Is there any effort underway or considered to get the leadership of these organizations together to try and form an alliance? There is strength in numbers. This may be one way to expand the reach.
I see veterans in this crisis , too. Some forget that Trans persons, LGBQ, persons of color, first generation immigrants, women that are still getting assaulted. They are very afraid among this group.
I can answer this one: If he is nominated, the incoming Senate will appoint him or Trump will make him the 'acting'. He's going to be there, count on it.
How do you feel about the ACLU’s strategy of filing a blizzard of lawsuits and requests for injunctions in order to keep his administration in court for four years?
Don't expect the ACLU to protect democracy. They supported Russian oligarch thieves to keep their ill gotten assets, stolen from the Russian people. The ACLU has lots of Good Faith but little common sense. Bad Faith beats Good Faith most of the time.
What can the Trump administration realistically do to damage or abolish Social Security and Medicare and how might that play out?
This is also a major concern of mine. Medicare has been great for me. Privitizing it will be ruinous without a doubt and the idea scares the **** out of me.
I’m concerned also for social security and Medicare cuts. My husband and I are retired and SS is our only income, except for a small monthly pension that doesn’t even cover our mortgage payment. We are physically able to become employed again if need be, but at 73 I really don’t want to work again. This is a big deal for many, many retired people who are in the same situation as us.
Me too. It is scary. I'm glad our parents didn't have to deal with this. I think that Trump would not have been allowed to get this far with them. They would have been OUTRAGED at the insurrection and thrown him in jail. I think the younger people of today do not understand what living without freedom is. Our parents had to fight for it and they LITERALLY saved the world. All those surrounding Trump are ass-kissers.
We have been on a Democracy high since 1964- America expanded it's promise to a more and more diverse group of Americans. We got spoiled, complacent and tried to push the envelope a little too far. We started seeing a backlash after Roe was established, then Obama was elected , until now- The backlash is now fully in control.
No, we finally granted rights to all Americans, and rightfully so.
What envelope did we push too far? If you're talking spending, yes, we could be more efficient. But rights? No.
to clarify I meant - pushing the envelope in certain identity politics- for people to accept things they are not ready for - like trans women in sports, expanding pronouns, including controversial topics in school curriculum- without having a lot of discussion on those issues. But whatever the issue- there is a backlash to something.
Always met with resistance. Fragile people.
We are seniors and retired as well. We have our investments but have everything mapped out to have us be okay. Pulling from that to cover medical could prove to be a huge challenge
Same concerns here, except that by the grace of God, I have two pensions and can pay my mortgage.
I don't think those who are currently getting SS or Medicare will have to worry. They will possibly privatize, go to a 401K type plan, cut amounts, raise the age, but it will be for those who start to go on by a certain date in the future.
One thing I just read, I think it was in the NBC news app, was a proposal by the House GOP to reduce SS benefits for those who also have a pension from an employer. This affects me personally. I paid the same SS tax as people not working for an employer who offered a pension (and I worked 25 consecutive years for this employer to be eligible for it) , and I need both to live on. Can they get away with this?
This is very concerning for me since I have two pensions.
This is an example of what I mean when I say "The Republicans just won't let you have any money."
Oh my, my mothers monthly pension is $300. Her SS is 2K. She is currently dying a slow death and on medicare and medicaid. I cannot imagine how the state and the nursing home would respond to suddenly getting $300 versus the nearkly 3k she pays now.
H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness Act 2023 introduced by Republican Rep. Garrett Graves
H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness passed the House this evening (Feb 13). The Act includes the "removal" Windfall Elimination Provision that currently is specifically applied to federal and state gov't employees receiving a gov't pension that had their Social Security payment reduced or eliminated because they received a gov't pension. H.R. 82 removed a prior restriction, it didn't create a new one. Google H.R. 82 Social Security Act for verification.
Or see the bill.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/82
I think that was specifically government employees; regardless, whether you get a pension or not, you're paying the same amount into social security. If they want to tax it at rates commensurate with the income, that's one thing. But to take it away entirely, especially this late in the game is unreasonable.
Then again, I'm crazy to think "reason" would prevail.
And definitely make sure the billionaires don’t have to pay taxes. Ugh
Oh my God. I’m in the same boat.
I think I read they want to do that starting in 2067?? Do any young people even have pensions anymore? 😢
I don't see that happening. A). It's a huge undertaking and B). How quickly do you think the backlash of the retired Brainwashed Boomers will come? Instantaneously.
It's like the deportation promises. A HUGE undertaking. Money, coordination, time, logistics, money...
Remember, there's what he says he'll do and what he WILL do.
Trump is just a figurehead it’s the people in his administration who manipulate him that will be the real problem. They have a plan and know how to pull the levers of power. Look what happened with our space program, it was privatized. Now, hundreds of billions go to guys like Musk and Bezos to send up spy, communications, weather satellites, people, and space probes. Tax payer dollars that went to government run programs now flow into the pockets of billionaires. It’s a lot like what happened when the USSR collapsed and the oligarchs stole all the state run industries. Guaranteed that guys like Elon are salivating at the prospect of stealing even more by privatizing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Trillions are at stake and the foxes are in the hen house. Buckle your seatbelts, we’re in for a rough ride.
We ;privatize and look where we are, beholden to a man like Elon Musk. Now they have been pushing Medicare Advantage for quite a few years now and it's getting bigger and bigger. Medicare Advantage has been a good place for over billing, billing for procedures that never happened and so on. Rick Scott, who committed the largest Medicare fraud in our history, paid a 1.7 BILLION dollar fine, got a slap on the wrist and was rewarded on his exit from his company, over 300 million dollars AND got the governorship of FLA, and is now one of their Senators.
He wrote a plan going forward that got rid of Medicare altogether. People just do NOT pay attention. You do NOT have to be a political junky to just pay attention as you go about your daily life. Know a LITTLE bit about your candidates and representatives. There is nothing like a pack of millionaires and billionaires telling you that you don't need to have that heart surgery, or that you don't need help with childcare because we will be drilling so much oil. Are we having fun yet.?
This is why I included the word damage in my question. There may be lots of things that can hurt it without a lot of notice. Often the most dangerous things an incoming administration does is rules changes which are largely unreported. I don’t know those could affect SS and Medicare but I don’t know they couldn’t either.
What they can do is see that the Social Sscurity trust fund runs dry faster than has already been projected nor will anything be done to correct that issue. They’ll just dry up the oasis in the desert.
What Donald is doing now has been in the works and planned for a very long time. From the time he lost the election is 2020 he and his minions have been at work. Steve Bannon has been crowing about it for years. People just laugh at the red nosed, disheveled, not too clean looing guy who most times is the smartest person in the room. He is very savvy.
Project 2025 wasn't just written on the back of a napkin six months ago, this has been years. BELIEVE them. This is NOT the same group of floundering people at the 2016 victory, this is a well oiled machine.
I may have misread but all Boomers are brainwashed. 🤷🏻♀️
Speaking of health care, what damage will RFKjr be able to bring to the system. On women’s health care, what are the possibilities of returning women’s health care back to the medical profession? And on that note, how can one best respond to the latest misogyny, “Your Body. My Choice. Forever. “ that has gone viral, created by but not limited to Nick Fuentes?
I'd respond to that with pepper spray or a well placed kick.
You can't see it, but I am a living visual example of the phrase "to seethe". Save us from pathetic, *ahem* frustrated, women-hating boys. Which is what WomEn and real men will, in fact, do. 😇
All the Incels are crawling out of their basements.
That was one of my questions also, thank you, because pulling this out from under seniors is going to be a death sentence for millions of us.
This is also my question. I don't want Medicare Advantage as I want my PCP with whom I have a great relationsip with. I also am paying more for a Blue Cross secondary because it gives me that freedom to stay with my provider who knows me and my issues since 2008.
That scares me to death, too, Adam. I depend on my social security check that I worked for, as I know all of us do.
I'm in the same boat. Longterm disability = Medicaid+Medicare+SSDI. I can have a house worth no more than $500,000 (though I only have enough money for an abandoned shack in the middle of the Mojave desert), and one vehicle. I'm not allowed to have more than $2,000 at any given time (a disgracefully small amount that hasn't changed in 55-60 years. umm. emergencies? wth are we supposed to do?), and I am potentially facing 2 major surgeries next year with 3 and 6 day hospital stays respectively, and it is possible that one of these could mean going to a rehab hospital, as well. People think I'm 1) kidding, or 2) over exaggerating when I say suicide might be my only option if that ****head is allowed to carry all of Musk's - oh, I mean his ideas to fruition. Hope is quickly fading in my case.
What opportunities are there for getting involved in resisting what Trump is going to do to this country? Organizations? Movements?
What can be done to avoid him and his team taking us beyond the tipping point on climate, national security and preventing corrupt autocracy take over that prevents Orbanization of government?
I have the same question. Social media discussions offer little comfort to those of us who have immigrant friends and family members. Words feel like spitting in the wind, especially if you are surrounded as I am by MAGA extremism. I have already offered the dribble of money I can spare. What can I do today? I do want to thank you Adam! Your courage is an inspiration.
Here’s something you can do now (taken from Indivisible): pressure your elected officials to confirm judges NOW while Dems still have control.
Indivisible.org
https://indivisible.org/ and ACLU
Yes! Please answer this.
Indivisible.org
Here is one link to pro-actively resist Trump.(courtesy Scott Dworkin Substack) https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-senators-oppose-matt-gaetz-for-attorney-general/
It may not mean much, but it is an effortless way to voice concern to our representatives.
I want to know as well.
Please explain Pete Hegseth to those of us not in the know but have heard rumblings of his complete unfitness.
What do you think of the new DOGE (jesus h) department of Musk & Ramaswamy?
Tag teaming off Kelly’s original question because Musk & Ramaswamy both terrify and sicken me. Also, what are your thoughts on Kristi Noem serving as (gasp) Homeland Director?
Okay to shoot dogs but not to eat them, apparently.
You nailed it!!!
Love to hear your thoughts on: Matt Gaetz as AG; Tulsi Gabbard Director of National Intelligence. Where will MTG come out in this? I thought maybe WH Communications Director, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go to Scott Jennings, the guy has been auditioning for the job since forever. Can you share links where we can write to our representatives? I am still hopeful they keep a finger on the pulse of their constituents and will at least take the temperature if letters are sent.
Anyone else think of Machiavelli and/or the Vatican's secret societies when we heard DOGE?
It’s so efficient that it takes two to run it. And why in the h**l does Musk want to waste his time with waste in the government. Doesn’t he have enough to do?
He will make it "run better" by moving those pesky government programs supported by lots to taxpayer $$ to a "more efficient" program involving one of Musk's businesses.
Also, remember that Trump loves to put two people to work together, which will inevitably lead to a competitive fight. Trump loves to see people fighting to impress him.
Ah yes, good points.
It's "bait-and-switch" to provide justification for defunding any common good programs that don't make the Capitalist any profit.
Do u think Musk and Putin had anything to do with rigging the election. I’m 73. Never saw votes and numbers come in so fast. Numbers just don’t add up in my head. Too much technology available to Musk. He knew hours b4 45 won
I agree Sylvia. Especially with Putin and his people making statements like these,
Patrushev said: "To achieve success in the elections, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. And as a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them
I mean... Putin is a former KGB agent (and just look at his little weasel face): the first time Trump was in a room with him alone with that poor translator who probably has an FSB hit on her whole family , Putin made him his asset, and anyone who didn't see that is a f#$!ng idiot. The most infuriating thing about all of this to me is just how STUPID it all is. Like, a KGB agent is basically running a talk show where he makes the US president his bitch on live TV... Jesus. Way to beta cuck, America. AND PUTIN!!! You know? You stand up to Stalin, and you let Putin fuck your president in the mouth on live TV? Where is our self-respect? I apologize for the vulgar imagery. But this is how it is. I am going to have an aneurysm from thsi one issue alone
Disgusting.
I think we just got the shellacking of a lifetime.
I agree, Mike. There weren't significant shenanigans at the polls. But there were plenty beforehand. Between Russian meddling via social media and purging of voters, there was some real impact. But never underestimate the power of misogyny, especially in combination with racism. There's no law against voting while bigoted and/or stupid. Sadly, there's also no law against sitting out an election because reasons. It's time to get used to saying "I told you so" and tightening our circles. Some people might come to Jesus, but only if we let them suffer the consequences of their actions as much as possible. I admit that next time NC is hit by a hurricane, my money will stay in my pocket.
Not gonna lie. I was sus. Plus they had Trump votes with democratic reps chosen on a ballot. I am not a conspiracy theorist. It just didn’t sit right as far as the popular vote. But never underestimate the opinions of women being in their place which seems to be not President, but for male pleasure and making babies. I mean they elected a predator. 😖
Totally agree. Went to bed around 10 pm CST that night and took a peek...Trump 210 Harris 91...wth!! What was going on?
It does seem suspect to me as well. 🤨
I question this as well! Also what impact did the false videos, the false bomb scarers at polling places, also the rumors of violence at polling places, RT's disinformation campaign, Jill Stein a pawn of Putin, what impact did all of these things have on keeping voters home? Many Democrats didn't vote.
With such tight majorities in both the House and Senate, assuming the House will be in Republican hands, how much can Democrats stop some of the craziness that Congress might try to pass? Can they do anything even with Republicans in charge? Because Republicans usually can't stay united, so they'll need Democrats to help, right? Can you please explain how that might work?
Fortunately there is still a filibuster in the Senate which is applicable to most bills. GOP has said they won't change it. A forgotten hero is Kyrsten Sinema (then democrat senator from Arizona) who voted against democrats attempt to eliminate the filibuster. at the time she said: "ending the filibuster would lead to "repeated radical reversals in federal policy, cementing uncertainty, deepening divisions, and further eroding Americans’ confidence in our government".
The house is red.
I wish I could be optimistic Adam. My biggest question is when these unqualified people nominated/appointed by Trump start policy making that will most certainly include unconstitutional “laws”, is there any recourse?? In AZ our AG says she will fight anything that will hurt the people of our state. How? I see Trump steamrolling over everything & everyone that doesn’t swear allegiance to him.
I have to think the Chris Mayes, along with other rational AGs are already communicating and trying to put some type of firewall up to protect us.
How can I support you? I want to volunteer to be on team Kinzinger, where ever that maybe. Political office or else where. Put me on your short list.
Check out https://www.country1st.com/. It's founded by Adam Kinzinger and is doing a lot of work to preserve Democracy
Thanks. Know about it. Need to do more. Whatever more is. Just stumbled on Substack and thought I could connect with Mr Kinzinger better here???
Oh yeah! Subscribe on a paid tier (if you're able to) and then also catch his live videos. Make sure to turn on notifications for new posts by him.
All of us are still absolutely stunned about the events but I'm sure in the coming weeks he'll continue to share more resources for us.
Have subscribed. It’s the least I could do.
All of us do what we can and that's important too. 💙
If you're interested in maybe finding a local group, check out Red, Wine and Blue. We would love to have you in our national community.
Not hugely tech savvy. Trying to find your group. No luck so far.
Just joined and donated. I really think there needs to be a concerted effort if there is any hope to deter or outright stop some of the horrible things on the incoming administration’s agenda. I am hopeful that many of the reluctant Trump voters will decide a moderate platform is more in alignment with their values.
Agree. I really think there is going to be an increased interest in a third party that blends moderate Republicans and moderate Democrats. I would sign up for this team.
I agree. I think it will be born out of this mess if we still have a democracy after 4 years. 😢
I’m very concerned about the potential for a “warrior council”. Can the president and his cronies get rid of top ranking, seasoned military leaders in favor of loyalists? This sounds a bit too Stalinesque for my comfort.
I agree, some of the liveliest debates I have been engaged in concern the military, the Pentagon, and what happens when loyalty to the commander-in-chief comes in direct conflict with loyalty to the Constitution.
I just wrote a similar question, not having read t"In Chief vs. the Constitution is one of the most important questions because if he tries to use the military, national guard, or police powers against his "domestic enemies," we are in VERY BAD PLACE!
Totally agree with you.
Thank you for giving us regular folks hope. Both my Grandfathers fought in the big war, I can assure you I carry with me their spirit to continue the fight and never give up.
My great Grandfather fought in the Civil War, my Father and Uncle were WW2 veterans and my Uncle stayed in the Navy for the Korean War…My son is a Software Engineer living in New York. He has been following the propaganda, especially on line, and he is VERY WORRIED! I am a 74 year old retired teacher. I’m hoping that I will live long enough to see peace and sanity come back to our country.
You will, Suzan. And thank you for being a teacher!
THank you!
Adam, I’ve always voted country over party and though I lean more towards liberal thinking (I’m 68 yr old white female) I will always vote for someone who can see “all of us”. What keeps me up at night is how fragile both our democracy and constitution are without those who follow these long held beliefs. I think I can handle 4 years but do you think one man and his MAGA supporters can completely shred, dismantle our constitution rewrite a new scary story for America?
I'm so concerned we won't have enough time left to repair the damage especially with climate change.
If you didn’t like the price of eggs before blowing up the climate and deporting many hardworking people, just wait.
I agree, Sandra! Nothing is more important than climate change!
Thank you, Adam.💜
Actually, I do have a *few* questions for you:
1. Will you ever run for office again?
2. Would you ever run as a Democrat or *with* a Democrat?
3. Have we reached a tipping point where there could be a *viable* third-party candidate?
4. How do we get billionaires at our table who will fight fire with fire against the new Trump oligarchy?
TY 💟💜💟💜💟
I also want to thank Adam, and add to this questions. Adam, what you have accomplished starting and running Country First is phenomenal. Realistically, it is a small group, and therefore has limited influence. There are a number of other groups with similar goals out there. Is there any effort underway or considered to get the leadership of these organizations together to try and form an alliance? There is strength in numbers. This may be one way to expand the reach.
excellent suggestion Don
Is it time to consider a third party?
A have a gay niece who is almost suicidal with anxiety and fear. What are the plans for gay people? Are they in danger?
I think everyone is in danger, even maga cultists. They just don’t know it yet.
This is also one of my main questions. LGBTQ including trans people.
I see veterans in this crisis , too. Some forget that Trans persons, LGBQ, persons of color, first generation immigrants, women that are still getting assaulted. They are very afraid among this group.
Where does she live? If living in a red state...maybe it's time to move to a deep blue state.
Moving to a blue state won’t solve the problem. All blue states have red areas.
How likely is Senate confirmation of RFK Jr to the FDA or HHS? (or a recess appointment)
I can answer this one: If he is nominated, the incoming Senate will appoint him or Trump will make him the 'acting'. He's going to be there, count on it.
How do you feel about the ACLU’s strategy of filing a blizzard of lawsuits and requests for injunctions in order to keep his administration in court for four years?
One can only hope they’ll focus on the right areas for this effort. I have the same issues with them but few organizations have their reach.
Don't expect the ACLU to protect democracy. They supported Russian oligarch thieves to keep their ill gotten assets, stolen from the Russian people. The ACLU has lots of Good Faith but little common sense. Bad Faith beats Good Faith most of the time.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/04/08/aclu-ukraine-russia-oligarchs/
And read Bill Browder and the Magnitsky Act.