I’m not certain it’s possible to understand what happened in the 2024 election this close to it, beyond the undeniable outcome: Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States.
I lost my beloved mom on October 27 and then lost my country on November 5 . The heartbreak is immeasurable. Financially I can weather the Trump storm but I fear as a Jewish woman married to a woman that I will have less rights. And I also fear for my safety and that of my family’s.
For the first time in my adult life, I am seeking professional help because having supportive friends and family do not seem enough
I have yet to meet a therapist who is not a liberal. I don't think that one can truly care about helping another person heal, without being a liberal. (Written by a very liberal retired psychiatrist, with dozens of therapist friends all of whom are liberal.)
I'm in NYC, Awhile back - and for a different reason - I found a wonderful therapist through Better Health -- I was initially very skeptical of finding a therapist online - but for me it was a great match. Same core set of beliefs, skilled, kind, sense of humor and affordable. I'm not trying to promote it, just to share that there are some very good therapists working on that platform.
Loss is hard enough. To have great fear is a whole different ballgame. I pray for your safety as you are forced to deal with being both as a Jewish woman and a lesbian during these very dark times.
Mourning is a very long painful journey. Your decision to seek professional help gives you a safe place to sort through all of your private issues. Nothing is enough . . there is no way to fix it. You will survive this journey. You come from centuries of ancestors who have survived, My beloved 26 year old son died in 1993. My beloved Dad in 2000. My beloved Mom and my beloved Husband in April, 2013. Remember to breathe in these early stages. I too fear what lies before us in the next four years, but I will continue to do the things l can and stay connected to safe groups and friends. Elie Wissel's writings helped me during the first months following my son's death - he had survived such barbaric inhuman treatment and unimagineable losses, and it gave me hope I could too. Be kind to yourself and hold on to the simple things which give you joy during this time of profound pain and grief.
So sorry for your loss . . . and we all share your pain for our loss. But we need to remain strong and resist as best we can for the sake of our Democracy. So hang in there - this too shall pass.
Kathi, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved cousin who was like a sister to me in June and my country in November. I also wonder whether the election was stolen. Stephen Spoonamore's explanation of irregularities in Swing states gives me pause. https://substack.com/home/post/p-151721941
I tie that with Musk's frequent phone calls with Putin, and can't help but believe they were plotting to steal the election just as Musk took on the disinformation campaign on the Social media platform he bought. Prof. Snyder tells us about it, and that Musk plans to do this in other election elsewhere. https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/the-phantom-campaign?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I have friends who have been grieving since Trump was first elected, and then did not let go of the country even when he lost. I know that therapy has helped them. One of my friends has been through two older children being diagnosed as bipolar during mania, and her wife disengaging from their problems until they got help from a good therapist. I think everyone can benefit from support during difficult times.
The Prof. Snyder's Substack on the "Phantom Campaign", with thousands of bullet votes is important. Bullet votes are votes where the voter votes for the President, but then does not vote for any downballot offices. Curiously, this happened thousand of times in the election, but only in the battleground states, which is highly suspicious. I encourage readers to read the link you've provided.
Same here, Linda. I read that article and wondered why it wasn't leapt upon. If the Repubbies had spotted such anomalies in the tallies for 'their candidate', be assured they'd have been screaming their heads off for an investigation AT ONCE! Dems tend to give up way too easily.
I’m sorry you have to suffer two losses in a very short time. As far as losing your mother, there are two really good support groups on Facebook. One is Grieving the Loss of a Parent, the other Healing After the Loss of Your Mother. I happen to be in both. If you have facebook I encourage you to join one or both.
Kathi - I’m also in a marriage with another woman and share your fears. Know that probably hundreds of thousands of gay couples are sharing your anger and fears. The way I’m coping is to stay focused in the present and not anticipate all the outrageous things that could be coming our way. We’ll cope.
So very sorry for your loss, Kathi. So much grief at once, and then so much uncertainty about our country's future. I'm glad you can recognize what you neex and you are taking good care of yourself. I wish you and your wife much strength to weather the storm ahead. All the best to you. 💙
Trump won a very close election. More people voted for someone else, not Trump. The Senate and Congress are slim majorities.
All the more reason for us to hang together not try to find a scapegoat; strengthening our bonds. We are the majority and need to act like it. Protect our countries norms; refuse inordinate behavior; adhere to the rules. Stay calm and work together for the sake of our country and to protect our Constitution. Courage
After reading many opinions of who to blame and what to do next, I've come to the conclusion that the blame must fall on the behind-the-scenes workings of the Heritage Foundation. It isn't necessarily politicians; it's power brokers. I've read James Bond plots describing this and, guess what? It's now a reality. The question is how to fight the invisible enemy...
How do you say "it was the Russians, stupid" in Russian?
The appointment of Tulsi Gabbard, reasonably looks like a Trump payoff in thanks for a "big steal"
Threats made by for months Russian propaganda to frighten Dems, destruction of ballots, bomb scares at Dem precincts, etc. On election eve, the FBI issued a statement. "Since our statement on Friday, the Intelligence Community (IC) has been observing foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, conducting additional influence operations intended to undermine public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections and stoke divisions among Americans."
If voters were wary of the "other" it was because Russia and a complying media and Republican proaganda targeted visceral voters. To me the "other" is Russia.
From Time Magazine:
The FBI said in a statement it was aware of the threats, many of which originated from Russian email domains, but the agency also downplayed their risk. “None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far,” the statement said.
In Pennsylvania, a polling place in West Chester was evacuated because of a threat, according to Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Elections. The Government Services Center was searched by dogs, and voters at the two polling stations in the center were redirected to neighboring polling places that extended their voting hours to accommodate them.
A Pennsylvania judge also granted a motion to extend voting in Clearfield County, northeast of Pittsburgh, after a bomb threat targeted an administrative building where votes were being counted, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
In Georgia, several voting locations extended their hours due to bomb threats, according to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as reported by CNN. “We identify the source that it was from Russia,” he said in an earlier press conference.
Officials in DeKalb County, where five polling places suspended voting due to bomb threats, said no bombs were found, and voters were able to re-enter the polling booths and vote.
Fulton County Police Chief W. Wade Yates said that out of 177 polling places in the county, 32 faced bomb threats, and five required evacuation and had their hours extended as a result. Yates said authorities intend to prosecute those who made the threats.
Officials in Wisconsin and Michigan also confirmed bomb threats in several polling locations in the state, according to ABC7 Chicago. And Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said Tuesday that four locations in Navajo County faced bomb threats that federal and state authorities dismissed as “not credible.” Fontes said the threats came from emails with Russian domains, and that the motive looks to be to “ensue chaos” and not to “impact any political outcome.”
I saw an opinion that claimed "bullet voting" was part of the problem, especially in swing states. In that scenario, only one candidate is chosen, and all the rest of the down-ballot positions are ignored. It was suggested that Harris needed to ask for a hand recount...
Yes, you're right, I was overlooking the Russian influence. Between whoever is behind Heritage and Putin we could be sunk without a strong surge at the polls in 2026 to "kick the bums out!"
I've been comparing all of this to James Bond plots for a couple of years now--bizarro upside down world now. Glad I wasn't alone in thinking this way.
I concur but how is that organized. Most of us want just what you have written but how does it become action rather than words..I am in Florida and the chance of me calling my senator is none....or the president elect or the disgusting A.G. would be nominee or the Secretary of State would be nominee..
Leaving isn't the answer..it's accepting defeat..of course if u have the money to pack up r entire family & leave that means ur leaving the clean up to those that can't afford to do that & also those who know the worth of this country & all it was trying to achieve & will stand tall to get it back & keep it..Those that stay & fight r the ones who will be the most proud because they fought the fight & won!🇺🇲
I agree with Susan. Personal safety for yourself and your family must come first. After that, you can work as much as is possible from afar. I would suggest that any one family or persons who think they will be deported choose now the country they want to exit to. Don't wait until it's too late..
I’m 76. Fighting isn’t in my future nor is it in my husband’s. I hear you, but my MIL is the only survivor from her family. The rest died in the Holocaust.
We did 1.5 years ago. I can do what I am able to from afar. However, we aren’t surrounded by the horrible mess on a day to day basis. No place is perfect, but there’s less stress here.
No. Because with the Trump admin in bed with Putin and a defanged NATO, we could easily be looking at WW lll. European nations and others are vulnerable.
Agreed here. There is risk everywhere. But I also believe that if someone who has the means and chooses to leave to feel safe and for their mental health im for that as well.
A friend sent me a text mocking Trump's latest cabinet picks. So I looked at WaPo to see what she was talking about. And just reading the news sent me into a panic attack. We have been watching a train heading for a cliff. We have been yelling that the train is heading off a cliff. With people on it and people below the cliff. Yet the people who could have stopped it - and especially my fellow journalists - just went ahead with their lives as if the cliff didn't exist and the train was on the right track. I am terrified. And I want to seek out every single one of the white women in Nevada who voted for Trump and bring them to a detention center overcrowded with people with brown skin - many of whom might be citizens. I want them to SEE what they did. I want to yell at all the Lesbian moms on TikTok to PULL DOWN THEIR VIDEOS OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL FAMILIES BECAUSE SOMEONE IS GOING TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN AWAY. My children turn 22 next month. I breathed a sigh of relief when they became adults. I thought the pandemic was the worst thing I would live through. Little did I know.
I agree about the train wreck. We are on the road to
hell. There are no forks in the road or detours. The way I see it, we’ve already given up. It’s 1930s Germany all over again. So many didn’t heed the warning then. We can pretend there will be an election in 2 years and we’re “fighting” for democracy, but as far as I’m concerned that’s extremely naive and totally unrealistic. It’s like little kids saying, “mommy & daddy made a mistake, but
they will come to their senses if we’re good children,” not understanding the depravity underlying their behavior when they locked us in the closet and forgot to feed us. These people feel
(Love your dog pic) I have a problem with thinking
there’s going to be an honest election in 2 years or
4 years or actually at any time in the future. Trump
incited an insurrection in order to stay in the presidency 4 years ago. I have no doubt he will do
whatever it takes to stay in power until he dies, OR
until the rich republicans behind the scenes want
him gone. But they’re just as ruthless and obsessed with power as he is, so they’ll keep having fake elections like Putin does and install puppets in the presidency.
I agree with you Susan. It's late to be reacting. I fear what extreme measures it could take to make positive changes for us and our GRANDS! The next few years may be hard to live through, and everyone needs to prepare the best they can.
We were too busy being free to actually appreciate or even care what was going on..Ohvwechad lots of help from way back in the early days of a government body whobeven after a failed take over resulted in a war & thousands of deaths..We did not follow any discipline for any of them..infact we allowed them to return to their governmental seats of power. We ignored that they ran their states like they were their own private country without a Constitution-they did exactly what they wanted with sections of their populations & mistreated people like dogs!..it continued up todate. Stealing all their rights..They never liked the Constitution to begin with & we allowed them to spit on it every change they could..oh we have ethics committee but u have to do ur job to actually have it serve its purpose & again it was beyond rare..Mitch McConnell over all his years if service slow & steady placed Federalist into every level of r government & the other party did nothing absolutely nothing! Federalist do no believe in the Constitution as we do..that's why the Federderalist style government never succeeded & we ended up with a 3-party style government instead..They should have never been allowed to run..They lied to all when they would stand up in public & take the OATH of office they never planned on fulfilling..If we r going to have a successful government for the people then we need a government who believes in that Constitution & when one crosses the line..takes peopkes rights away etc etc..bring them to a hearing & removal of the power seat we gave them when proven guilty..instead we slap their hands or look the other way & vote them back in over & over..Since when is it alright to vote ur own raise in?etc etc..Whatever happened to the privilege of serving in the most powerful government in the world & when was it turned into a career advancement of power & greed!?
We gave away r power
because we were all too busy being free to be me!..Well welcome to ur lesson & it's a big serious one..
If we are going to work hard to save our country as we know it, it will take team work and unity. I was not able to find those in your post. I am left with a different message. Singling out any group such as white women and lesbians in any way disrupts the much needed unity and prevents accomplishments. It also can cause the loss of an election.
I think you misread. Let me explain. When my kids turned 18, I breathed a sigh of relief, because no one could take them away from me because we had suddenly become a nation that didn't think two moms could raise children. I am warning people whose kids are not 18 to stop publicizing that they are gay families. There is no unity. We are not going to rebuild out of anything but ashes. As Susan noted above, we are in Nazi Germany. And just like 1930s Germany, there are white women who long ago made the (unconscious) choice to turn against other women. They voted for Trump. There is no unity when we have a pyramid system of power with white men on top and white women just below them - and white women who like their place and will hurt themselves and other women to keep it.
Pointing this out is not sowing discord. If you don't see racism and sexism - perpetrated by women - then you can't do anything to stop it.
Your reaction was mine. While certainly mockable, they are terrifying in so many ways, not the least of which is this is that man’s litmus test to see who will be loyal to him in the confirmations. Not only should they be held, no dissolving congress, but they should be aired widely real time so we can see how unreasonable these choices are but listen to the questioning to see where it’s going, especially from republicans. I wonder if there will be a history to judge all this?
What happened in 2024, I think, has been evolving since 2016: People no longer care about facts, much less the truth. Kellyanne calked it, “alternative facts.” Even the courts got in the fun by ignoring precedence and findings of fact. Trump found that he could say anything, he did … still does … and people - America - just accept it.
I think the wheels have been in motion long before 2016. At least the year before, Bannon was saying he wanted to destroy the government here. Beyond that, this was. carefully steered by the GOP since Reagan.
Where are they? Why is there not a demand for an audit? I know- we don’t want to be sore losers - why the hell not? Less than 250,000 votes cost us the swing states - shouldn’t someone double check?
Where are leadership democrats calling for Biden to use his newly awarded immunity to take some steps to safe guard our democracy or at least our national security.
🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗 that’s what we’ve gotten from our leaders since the election. We are all hurting and lost and in need of their reassurances. The hallmark of leadership isn’t leading when you’re winning- it’s leading when you’re getting creamed.
They need to show the nation and the world that we are not going down without a fight and that every last one of us will fight against all the unconstitutional BS that’s coming our way.
Stephen Spoonamore wrote a Duty to Warn letter to VP Harris based on vote tallies as of Nov. 12. The number of ballots that left unvoted everything but President ( bullet or ghost ballots) was far out of the ordinary. One percent of these is ordinary. In North Carolina it was 11% of Trump’s vote. NC elected a Democrat for governor.
In all of the swing states the percentage of these Trump ballots with other offices and initiatives unvoted was more than the usual. In all of the non-swing states it was the usual 1% or less. In Idaho and Utah, where Trump was way ahead, it was normal. In Oregon, where Harris was way ahead, it was normal. Abnormal just in the swing states, all of them.
A hand recount is needed to investigate. I recommend Spoonamore’s letter. He explains how on-existent votes could be added to Trump’s total.
I agree with you, Ann. I fought hard for the Dems not only in WI, but other states. I still cannot believe Cruz won over Collin Allred? It just seems no matter how much time, $, energy and passion I invest, I sometimes was fighting against weak Dem leadership who many times still support the "old guard". Rep. Crockett wrote today that she had "offered her services" as Chair of DPCC but that Rep. Dingell who is 70 years old will "continue to serve i in that role". I have no problem with Rep. Dingell's age, but rather that is definitely an area that could use new leadership. The DPCC is the chief messaging group for the party. It's like the members don't understand the 2024 messaging was not what voters wanted; hence we will have a GOP administration. Rep. Crockett is a "firecracker" and has breathed life and hope into the Dem party. What a disconnect not to understand we clearly need a new way forward with fresh voices and perspectives. It was almost as if she was being an "upstart" as a relatively new Rep to even "think" about running for a leadership chair. I have no words!
I agree Ann, there’s no meaningful push-back. Signing petitions, writing letters and donating for democracy as we sink into a fascist regime is not only ineffective, it’s like trying to kill a dinosaur with a sling shot.
A bunch of people decided the freedoms Harris and Walz talked about were either not important (vis-à-vis the price of bologna) or couldn't possibly be pursued and moreover, enabled or protected, by a woman of color as a president. Or both.
I hope we can at least verify if there was any tampering at the tabulation, as was suggested in PA. Because cheaters cheat. Russia, Musk, Money, Disinformation, and an extremely large percentage of unwilling-to- be-educated voters. Faux news. Appalling numbers of reasonably intelligent people who have not studied world history. Such as the 30 something who, a few years ago, asked us who Hitler was. We have to check to see if the numbers were in any way hacked, AND we absolutely must educate people. Or maybe we're all about to get a big lesson. I'm not giving up, but I am p***ed off at the clowns determined to destroy everything, and I'm worried for our citizens, immigrants, our allies, our LGBTQ families, and our women and girls. I'm acutely aware that I must get adequate sleep, because there's a lot to cope with, and a lot to do. Courage.
And now our attention is on the horrible cabinet picks which has been like a firehouse of controversies. Should we just accept, or question what seems highly unusual? Asking for a recount was certainly done in 2020.
The cabinet picks seem to be chosen in order to destroy each of the departments they're put in charge of. It appears to be designed to destroy our government. Either that or it is a gross distraction so that we don't pay attention to the other things going on.
People in the United States fought autocracy in the southern states after the Civil War. This is a great article on how ordinary people hold more power than they think. Throughout society they give and take away power through all the ordinary functions in the society. We can kick out the pillars of power by our non-cooperation. from Waging Nonviolence: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/how-we-can-meet-challenges-of-authoritarianism/
Trump's "lying strategy" linked with his 10 years of "The Apprentice" viewership, has once again "Bamboozeled Lazy Voters WHO failed to Pay Attention and Follow WHAT HE has been up to! Shame on them All! AND, to the media: STOP GIVING TRUMP SO MUCH FREE AIR TIME!
Check out this article: The Corporate Consultants Behind Harris for President. (11-18-24)
The last paragraph of this long article: "Rumblings among swing-state Democrats, a month out from Election Day, that Harris was coming up short of resonating with working-class voters were borne out. In the past few days, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, lamented a “disconnect” with people in the working class who were “very much economically insecure” despite the Biden administration’s touting of its economic measures. Even Democratic insider and MSNBC host Jen Psaki, after Election Day, joined in the criticism of embracing the Cheneys’ support."
Vincent, in my opinion it has nothing to do with Harris or Biden. It has to with democrats ignoring the daily onslaught of disinformation and brainwashing
techniques going on right under their noses. Dems
simply didn’t understand how dangerous it was and
let it continue when they could have done something
I agree. We are all victims of a decades long information war. After 9/11 I suggested that the internet would need to be shut down to a couple from a military background. They just shook their heads and replied that it would never happen. As this new growing mass medium was far too useful an Intelligence gathering and distributing weapon. By then Murdoch has already been gifted the keys to the global mass media kingdom by successive democratic governments in the UK and the US who shared the desire to create a global neo liberal economic hegemony. At the highest level this is now a conflict by socially powerful individuals which political system is most effective at delivering world capitalism and at the lowest a righteous rage by the disempowered against the social iniquities that capitalism structurally creates.
If I'm understanding this, I agree with you. The Economy was strong, yet the high nprice of groceries and gas weren't reflected in inflation. I wish the Dems had connected with the working class in terms of
of how the Cost of Living was more indicative of their insecurity than the state of the US economy.
According to AAA, the average cost of gas 1 year ago was $3.308, a month ago it was $3.17, a week ago it was $3.08. The current average is $3.06. Dems didn’t effectively deal with disinformation. The high
cost of groceries is mainly from price-gouging after transportation costs went down and the merging of grocery store chains that eliminated competition.
The Biden admin was suing to stop a merger of 2 grocery chains that will raise prices it it’s allowed,
but I doubt the Trump admin will follow thru with it.
Trump’s tariffs will make everything more expensive.
Thank you Joyce for helping me to stay strong for my children, for my grandchildren, for women, for good men, and for our country. Together we can stay true to our beliefs and can hopefully protect the destruction of our constitution.
Thanks, Joyce. There ARE guardrails: States, cities, courts, Congress, press, military, the Constitution, the laws, universities, churches, the companies, unions, non-profits, and so many groups which can all be powerful forces, if so minded. But the guardrails have to hold, not fold. Powell of the Federal Reserve simply said “no”. Maybe no one understands what “fascism” means, but they do understand that their rules, protections, and liberties can be lost. Senate confirmation hearings are easy compared to Trump's "recess appointments".
The law will be what DT says it is. The Constitution
will be either seriously altered or thrown out. Wealthy fascists are already on the Boards of many colleges & universities. The Kochs & others like them have already bought, I mean donated enough money
to alter curriculums and content from orgs like PBS & NPR. The internet is chock full of slick websites
peddling disinformation. Even substack has been invaded by reality-altering writers. We already know social media is a tool for people more interested in making money than they are in the truth. It won’t be long before no one knows what the truth is.
I want to believe, but right now I don't see a whole lot of fight from our Democratic leaders in DC. I hear a lot of silence laced with platitudes. Our media is caving and so are some of our Dem senators. I find myself thinking going along to get along way too often as I read and view news.
I think that it may be better to look for leaders in more grassroots zones, such as Joyce. I joined Bluesky and there are many amazing lawyers and watchdog groups and many many others motivating people to claim power and take action together. AOC has been posting reels on her IG account, she seems to be engaged in being a leader. It is true I am not seeing much of anything from any Dems in any real power and that is truly disappointing. That said, perhaps this is where “new” leaders will show themselves. And by new I dont necessarily mean young although not excluding them, but just new leaders. Take heart, going along to get along probably wont be a sustainable strategy. Find local people and encourage each other with small actions
Don’t think that because its not reported in the MSM that nothing is happening on the Democratic Party side. MSM is still laser focussed on Trump as they have been since 2015.
Why do I feel this is the depiction of the wizard of oz? Who is behind the curtain? Trump is woefully dumb and loosing mentally which was so apparent during the campaign. What entity is controlling this congressional group of narcissistic sociopaths? Those with the most to loose? The Oligarchs… I mean the billionaires? Far right extreme supposed Christians? Outside forces? I have so many questions about Musk’s involvement at the very last months of the election. Now the blame game has begun in the news, with the supposed news experts faulting the Democratic Party. I have no answers just so many questions. Trump is their puppet as he had the most to loose. “They” own him.
I’m so crushed reading this tonight. I’m struggling to keep my head clear and focus— the despair and sadness I hear from others is painful. I’m an optimistic person in general — and my work keeps me in contact with people with diverse perspectives. But this is not a “normal” election. I fear that the election outcome was rigged by “technology and foreign powers. I have no proof. But….
I lost my beloved mom on October 27 and then lost my country on November 5 . The heartbreak is immeasurable. Financially I can weather the Trump storm but I fear as a Jewish woman married to a woman that I will have less rights. And I also fear for my safety and that of my family’s.
For the first time in my adult life, I am seeking professional help because having supportive friends and family do not seem enough
That’s an awful lot to go through in a short time. Therapy can really help, though. It’s a way to take care of yourself. My best to you as you grieve.
I am so sorry! I see a therapist for another reason, but it helped after we lost the election and lucky for me, she is a liberal, too!
I have yet to meet a therapist who is not a liberal. I don't think that one can truly care about helping another person heal, without being a liberal. (Written by a very liberal retired psychiatrist, with dozens of therapist friends all of whom are liberal.)
I will Only find someone with my core set of beliefs
I'm in NYC, Awhile back - and for a different reason - I found a wonderful therapist through Better Health -- I was initially very skeptical of finding a therapist online - but for me it was a great match. Same core set of beliefs, skilled, kind, sense of humor and affordable. I'm not trying to promote it, just to share that there are some very good therapists working on that platform.
Same
I’m really sorry about your mom. Today is my dad’s death date - many years ago, but I still miss him.
Thanks for getting professional help. My wife is a psychologist; she got help after her dad died, and has continued during the campaign.
Loss is hard enough. To have great fear is a whole different ballgame. I pray for your safety as you are forced to deal with being both as a Jewish woman and a lesbian during these very dark times.
Mourning is a very long painful journey. Your decision to seek professional help gives you a safe place to sort through all of your private issues. Nothing is enough . . there is no way to fix it. You will survive this journey. You come from centuries of ancestors who have survived, My beloved 26 year old son died in 1993. My beloved Dad in 2000. My beloved Mom and my beloved Husband in April, 2013. Remember to breathe in these early stages. I too fear what lies before us in the next four years, but I will continue to do the things l can and stay connected to safe groups and friends. Elie Wissel's writings helped me during the first months following my son's death - he had survived such barbaric inhuman treatment and unimagineable losses, and it gave me hope I could too. Be kind to yourself and hold on to the simple things which give you joy during this time of profound pain and grief.
So sorry for your loss . . . and we all share your pain for our loss. But we need to remain strong and resist as best we can for the sake of our Democracy. So hang in there - this too shall pass.
So sorry for your pain. Eventually "it gets better" - we hope.
Kathi, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved cousin who was like a sister to me in June and my country in November. I also wonder whether the election was stolen. Stephen Spoonamore's explanation of irregularities in Swing states gives me pause. https://substack.com/home/post/p-151721941
I tie that with Musk's frequent phone calls with Putin, and can't help but believe they were plotting to steal the election just as Musk took on the disinformation campaign on the Social media platform he bought. Prof. Snyder tells us about it, and that Musk plans to do this in other election elsewhere. https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/the-phantom-campaign?r=f0qfn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I have friends who have been grieving since Trump was first elected, and then did not let go of the country even when he lost. I know that therapy has helped them. One of my friends has been through two older children being diagnosed as bipolar during mania, and her wife disengaging from their problems until they got help from a good therapist. I think everyone can benefit from support during difficult times.
The Prof. Snyder's Substack on the "Phantom Campaign", with thousands of bullet votes is important. Bullet votes are votes where the voter votes for the President, but then does not vote for any downballot offices. Curiously, this happened thousand of times in the election, but only in the battleground states, which is highly suspicious. I encourage readers to read the link you've provided.
Same here, Linda. I read that article and wondered why it wasn't leapt upon. If the Repubbies had spotted such anomalies in the tallies for 'their candidate', be assured they'd have been screaming their heads off for an investigation AT ONCE! Dems tend to give up way too easily.
I am very sorry you have had to face this. It is good you are seeking professional help.
I’m sorry you have to suffer two losses in a very short time. As far as losing your mother, there are two really good support groups on Facebook. One is Grieving the Loss of a Parent, the other Healing After the Loss of Your Mother. I happen to be in both. If you have facebook I encourage you to join one or both.
Kathi - I’m also in a marriage with another woman and share your fears. Know that probably hundreds of thousands of gay couples are sharing your anger and fears. The way I’m coping is to stay focused in the present and not anticipate all the outrageous things that could be coming our way. We’ll cope.
So very sorry for your loss, Kathi. So much grief at once, and then so much uncertainty about our country's future. I'm glad you can recognize what you neex and you are taking good care of yourself. I wish you and your wife much strength to weather the storm ahead. All the best to you. 💙
So sorry Kathi.
🫂🫂🫂🫂
May your beloved Mother’s memory be a blessing 💗
Trump won a very close election. More people voted for someone else, not Trump. The Senate and Congress are slim majorities.
All the more reason for us to hang together not try to find a scapegoat; strengthening our bonds. We are the majority and need to act like it. Protect our countries norms; refuse inordinate behavior; adhere to the rules. Stay calm and work together for the sake of our country and to protect our Constitution. Courage
After reading many opinions of who to blame and what to do next, I've come to the conclusion that the blame must fall on the behind-the-scenes workings of the Heritage Foundation. It isn't necessarily politicians; it's power brokers. I've read James Bond plots describing this and, guess what? It's now a reality. The question is how to fight the invisible enemy...
How do you say "it was the Russians, stupid" in Russian?
The appointment of Tulsi Gabbard, reasonably looks like a Trump payoff in thanks for a "big steal"
Threats made by for months Russian propaganda to frighten Dems, destruction of ballots, bomb scares at Dem precincts, etc. On election eve, the FBI issued a statement. "Since our statement on Friday, the Intelligence Community (IC) has been observing foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, conducting additional influence operations intended to undermine public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections and stoke divisions among Americans."
If voters were wary of the "other" it was because Russia and a complying media and Republican proaganda targeted visceral voters. To me the "other" is Russia.
From Time Magazine:
The FBI said in a statement it was aware of the threats, many of which originated from Russian email domains, but the agency also downplayed their risk. “None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far,” the statement said.
In Pennsylvania, a polling place in West Chester was evacuated because of a threat, according to Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Elections. The Government Services Center was searched by dogs, and voters at the two polling stations in the center were redirected to neighboring polling places that extended their voting hours to accommodate them.
A Pennsylvania judge also granted a motion to extend voting in Clearfield County, northeast of Pittsburgh, after a bomb threat targeted an administrative building where votes were being counted, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
In Georgia, several voting locations extended their hours due to bomb threats, according to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as reported by CNN. “We identify the source that it was from Russia,” he said in an earlier press conference.
Officials in DeKalb County, where five polling places suspended voting due to bomb threats, said no bombs were found, and voters were able to re-enter the polling booths and vote.
Fulton County Police Chief W. Wade Yates said that out of 177 polling places in the county, 32 faced bomb threats, and five required evacuation and had their hours extended as a result. Yates said authorities intend to prosecute those who made the threats.
Officials in Wisconsin and Michigan also confirmed bomb threats in several polling locations in the state, according to ABC7 Chicago. And Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said Tuesday that four locations in Navajo County faced bomb threats that federal and state authorities dismissed as “not credible.” Fontes said the threats came from emails with Russian domains, and that the motive looks to be to “ensue chaos” and not to “impact any political outcome.”
I don’t get why all this isn’t being investigated. Put together, that’s a lot of election interference in swing states
I saw an opinion that claimed "bullet voting" was part of the problem, especially in swing states. In that scenario, only one candidate is chosen, and all the rest of the down-ballot positions are ignored. It was suggested that Harris needed to ask for a hand recount...
Yes, you're right, I was overlooking the Russian influence. Between whoever is behind Heritage and Putin we could be sunk without a strong surge at the polls in 2026 to "kick the bums out!"
I have always felt that Trump was just the Heritage Foundation's useful puppet.
I've been comparing all of this to James Bond plots for a couple of years now--bizarro upside down world now. Glad I wasn't alone in thinking this way.
I concur but how is that organized. Most of us want just what you have written but how does it become action rather than words..I am in Florida and the chance of me calling my senator is none....or the president elect or the disgusting A.G. would be nominee or the Secretary of State would be nominee..
I would focus on shoring up voting rights. The other side has been chipping away at them for years and we must be sure our votes count!
I’m still reeling from the results, and can see 3 options here ..
Let it defeat us
Go along but keep our heads down
Hope (against hope) for the best
Get back up and work to keep our country
Let’s go !
There’s one other option—leave.
Leaving isn't the answer..it's accepting defeat..of course if u have the money to pack up r entire family & leave that means ur leaving the clean up to those that can't afford to do that & also those who know the worth of this country & all it was trying to achieve & will stand tall to get it back & keep it..Those that stay & fight r the ones who will be the most proud because they fought the fight & won!🇺🇲
I’m sorry, stay here and let my Jewish husband get
picked up by Nazis, no thanks.
I agree with Susan. Personal safety for yourself and your family must come first. After that, you can work as much as is possible from afar. I would suggest that any one family or persons who think they will be deported choose now the country they want to exit to. Don't wait until it's too late..
I’m 76. Fighting isn’t in my future nor is it in my husband’s. I hear you, but my MIL is the only survivor from her family. The rest died in the Holocaust.
We did 1.5 years ago. I can do what I am able to from afar. However, we aren’t surrounded by the horrible mess on a day to day basis. No place is perfect, but there’s less stress here.
No. Because with the Trump admin in bed with Putin and a defanged NATO, we could easily be looking at WW lll. European nations and others are vulnerable.
Agreed here. There is risk everywhere. But I also believe that if someone who has the means and chooses to leave to feel safe and for their mental health im for that as well.
A friend sent me a text mocking Trump's latest cabinet picks. So I looked at WaPo to see what she was talking about. And just reading the news sent me into a panic attack. We have been watching a train heading for a cliff. We have been yelling that the train is heading off a cliff. With people on it and people below the cliff. Yet the people who could have stopped it - and especially my fellow journalists - just went ahead with their lives as if the cliff didn't exist and the train was on the right track. I am terrified. And I want to seek out every single one of the white women in Nevada who voted for Trump and bring them to a detention center overcrowded with people with brown skin - many of whom might be citizens. I want them to SEE what they did. I want to yell at all the Lesbian moms on TikTok to PULL DOWN THEIR VIDEOS OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL FAMILIES BECAUSE SOMEONE IS GOING TO TAKE YOUR CHILDREN AWAY. My children turn 22 next month. I breathed a sigh of relief when they became adults. I thought the pandemic was the worst thing I would live through. Little did I know.
I agree about the train wreck. We are on the road to
hell. There are no forks in the road or detours. The way I see it, we’ve already given up. It’s 1930s Germany all over again. So many didn’t heed the warning then. We can pretend there will be an election in 2 years and we’re “fighting” for democracy, but as far as I’m concerned that’s extremely naive and totally unrealistic. It’s like little kids saying, “mommy & daddy made a mistake, but
they will come to their senses if we’re good children,” not understanding the depravity underlying their behavior when they locked us in the closet and forgot to feed us. These people feel
pleasure when they cause suffering.
There will be a backlash in 2 years, you can count on it because we can't imagine the damage that will have taken place by then.
(Love your dog pic) I have a problem with thinking
there’s going to be an honest election in 2 years or
4 years or actually at any time in the future. Trump
incited an insurrection in order to stay in the presidency 4 years ago. I have no doubt he will do
whatever it takes to stay in power until he dies, OR
until the rich republicans behind the scenes want
him gone. But they’re just as ruthless and obsessed with power as he is, so they’ll keep having fake elections like Putin does and install puppets in the presidency.
I agree with you Susan. It's late to be reacting. I fear what extreme measures it could take to make positive changes for us and our GRANDS! The next few years may be hard to live through, and everyone needs to prepare the best they can.
We were too busy being free to actually appreciate or even care what was going on..Ohvwechad lots of help from way back in the early days of a government body whobeven after a failed take over resulted in a war & thousands of deaths..We did not follow any discipline for any of them..infact we allowed them to return to their governmental seats of power. We ignored that they ran their states like they were their own private country without a Constitution-they did exactly what they wanted with sections of their populations & mistreated people like dogs!..it continued up todate. Stealing all their rights..They never liked the Constitution to begin with & we allowed them to spit on it every change they could..oh we have ethics committee but u have to do ur job to actually have it serve its purpose & again it was beyond rare..Mitch McConnell over all his years if service slow & steady placed Federalist into every level of r government & the other party did nothing absolutely nothing! Federalist do no believe in the Constitution as we do..that's why the Federderalist style government never succeeded & we ended up with a 3-party style government instead..They should have never been allowed to run..They lied to all when they would stand up in public & take the OATH of office they never planned on fulfilling..If we r going to have a successful government for the people then we need a government who believes in that Constitution & when one crosses the line..takes peopkes rights away etc etc..bring them to a hearing & removal of the power seat we gave them when proven guilty..instead we slap their hands or look the other way & vote them back in over & over..Since when is it alright to vote ur own raise in?etc etc..Whatever happened to the privilege of serving in the most powerful government in the world & when was it turned into a career advancement of power & greed!?
We gave away r power
because we were all too busy being free to be me!..Well welcome to ur lesson & it's a big serious one..
If we are going to work hard to save our country as we know it, it will take team work and unity. I was not able to find those in your post. I am left with a different message. Singling out any group such as white women and lesbians in any way disrupts the much needed unity and prevents accomplishments. It also can cause the loss of an election.
I think you misread. Let me explain. When my kids turned 18, I breathed a sigh of relief, because no one could take them away from me because we had suddenly become a nation that didn't think two moms could raise children. I am warning people whose kids are not 18 to stop publicizing that they are gay families. There is no unity. We are not going to rebuild out of anything but ashes. As Susan noted above, we are in Nazi Germany. And just like 1930s Germany, there are white women who long ago made the (unconscious) choice to turn against other women. They voted for Trump. There is no unity when we have a pyramid system of power with white men on top and white women just below them - and white women who like their place and will hurt themselves and other women to keep it.
Pointing this out is not sowing discord. If you don't see racism and sexism - perpetrated by women - then you can't do anything to stop it.
Your reaction was mine. While certainly mockable, they are terrifying in so many ways, not the least of which is this is that man’s litmus test to see who will be loyal to him in the confirmations. Not only should they be held, no dissolving congress, but they should be aired widely real time so we can see how unreasonable these choices are but listen to the questioning to see where it’s going, especially from republicans. I wonder if there will be a history to judge all this?
What happened in 2024, I think, has been evolving since 2016: People no longer care about facts, much less the truth. Kellyanne calked it, “alternative facts.” Even the courts got in the fun by ignoring precedence and findings of fact. Trump found that he could say anything, he did … still does … and people - America - just accept it.
David, you must have noticed that many many people are outraged and do not accept his lies. Truth matters. 🤮🎃🤡💩🤮
I think the wheels have been in motion long before 2016. At least the year before, Bannon was saying he wanted to destroy the government here. Beyond that, this was. carefully steered by the GOP since Reagan.
“Giving up is unforgivable” yet I feel
that’s exactly what our leadership has done.
Where are they? Why is there not a demand for an audit? I know- we don’t want to be sore losers - why the hell not? Less than 250,000 votes cost us the swing states - shouldn’t someone double check?
Where are leadership democrats calling for Biden to use his newly awarded immunity to take some steps to safe guard our democracy or at least our national security.
🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗 that’s what we’ve gotten from our leaders since the election. We are all hurting and lost and in need of their reassurances. The hallmark of leadership isn’t leading when you’re winning- it’s leading when you’re getting creamed.
They need to show the nation and the world that we are not going down without a fight and that every last one of us will fight against all the unconstitutional BS that’s coming our way.
Vive La Resistance!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Stephen Spoonamore wrote a Duty to Warn letter to VP Harris based on vote tallies as of Nov. 12. The number of ballots that left unvoted everything but President ( bullet or ghost ballots) was far out of the ordinary. One percent of these is ordinary. In North Carolina it was 11% of Trump’s vote. NC elected a Democrat for governor.
In all of the swing states the percentage of these Trump ballots with other offices and initiatives unvoted was more than the usual. In all of the non-swing states it was the usual 1% or less. In Idaho and Utah, where Trump was way ahead, it was normal. In Oregon, where Harris was way ahead, it was normal. Abnormal just in the swing states, all of them.
A hand recount is needed to investigate. I recommend Spoonamore’s letter. He explains how on-existent votes could be added to Trump’s total.
https://substack.com/inbox/post/151721941?utm_campaign=post&triedRedirect=true
I agree with you, Ann. I fought hard for the Dems not only in WI, but other states. I still cannot believe Cruz won over Collin Allred? It just seems no matter how much time, $, energy and passion I invest, I sometimes was fighting against weak Dem leadership who many times still support the "old guard". Rep. Crockett wrote today that she had "offered her services" as Chair of DPCC but that Rep. Dingell who is 70 years old will "continue to serve i in that role". I have no problem with Rep. Dingell's age, but rather that is definitely an area that could use new leadership. The DPCC is the chief messaging group for the party. It's like the members don't understand the 2024 messaging was not what voters wanted; hence we will have a GOP administration. Rep. Crockett is a "firecracker" and has breathed life and hope into the Dem party. What a disconnect not to understand we clearly need a new way forward with fresh voices and perspectives. It was almost as if she was being an "upstart" as a relatively new Rep to even "think" about running for a leadership chair. I have no words!
I agree Ann, there’s no meaningful push-back. Signing petitions, writing letters and donating for democracy as we sink into a fascist regime is not only ineffective, it’s like trying to kill a dinosaur with a sling shot.
There needs to be ballot curing and check what areas had been detained from voting or what votes were disqualified
Well-said Ann!
A bunch of people decided the freedoms Harris and Walz talked about were either not important (vis-à-vis the price of bologna) or couldn't possibly be pursued and moreover, enabled or protected, by a woman of color as a president. Or both.
I hope we can at least verify if there was any tampering at the tabulation, as was suggested in PA. Because cheaters cheat. Russia, Musk, Money, Disinformation, and an extremely large percentage of unwilling-to- be-educated voters. Faux news. Appalling numbers of reasonably intelligent people who have not studied world history. Such as the 30 something who, a few years ago, asked us who Hitler was. We have to check to see if the numbers were in any way hacked, AND we absolutely must educate people. Or maybe we're all about to get a big lesson. I'm not giving up, but I am p***ed off at the clowns determined to destroy everything, and I'm worried for our citizens, immigrants, our allies, our LGBTQ families, and our women and girls. I'm acutely aware that I must get adequate sleep, because there's a lot to cope with, and a lot to do. Courage.
Especially since there was "just enough" votes in so many states.
And now our attention is on the horrible cabinet picks which has been like a firehouse of controversies. Should we just accept, or question what seems highly unusual? Asking for a recount was certainly done in 2020.
The cabinet picks seem to be chosen in order to destroy each of the departments they're put in charge of. It appears to be designed to destroy our government. Either that or it is a gross distraction so that we don't pay attention to the other things going on.
Don’t you know that only democrats cheat? S
People in the United States fought autocracy in the southern states after the Civil War. This is a great article on how ordinary people hold more power than they think. Throughout society they give and take away power through all the ordinary functions in the society. We can kick out the pillars of power by our non-cooperation. from Waging Nonviolence: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/how-we-can-meet-challenges-of-authoritarianism/
Thank you!
Trump's "lying strategy" linked with his 10 years of "The Apprentice" viewership, has once again "Bamboozeled Lazy Voters WHO failed to Pay Attention and Follow WHAT HE has been up to! Shame on them All! AND, to the media: STOP GIVING TRUMP SO MUCH FREE AIR TIME!
Check out this article: The Corporate Consultants Behind Harris for President. (11-18-24)
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Freadsludge.com%2F2024%2F11%2F18%2Fthe-corporate-consultants-behind-harris-for-president%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2lquDwnBo5Wo-euxfBz1i7tCvdN7MflqIxzfraiVPuNcGHSeUicWfzbv4_aem_8dmeRN6GV3-Ian-6wxRbSw&h=AT3I0oQQ9MLvtQE_XnWKmGm5hXrpZdnoW3fxQurtPmxvXAtBvrPkgvxutdHqp0mdFMNuA2kDUa0avLWfnHc9EZvHxH-4v76k8t00N792jnDrgb5ApKmcOvfDX2R_TatUXHuTc-uj9Laxw1_fDBxT&__tn__=%2CmH-R&c[0]=AT0uB1mMOgOyvNsjl-Ib3BH8MbRbeardkSllWOIW8vh3fwHfLoMt0ViimZSJSY31uxRsgWXZ0ugZZtpvwy7yGFjOO7r-b42leQbD_LQhk9l_8-JwnScorhbEaxWvMvzsh-3ma_FfuFOBIruAlhc_gqUBsgW5Bfapz5bZzeSvxtCiqynTgi0
The last paragraph of this long article: "Rumblings among swing-state Democrats, a month out from Election Day, that Harris was coming up short of resonating with working-class voters were borne out. In the past few days, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, lamented a “disconnect” with people in the working class who were “very much economically insecure” despite the Biden administration’s touting of its economic measures. Even Democratic insider and MSNBC host Jen Psaki, after Election Day, joined in the criticism of embracing the Cheneys’ support."
Vincent, in my opinion it has nothing to do with Harris or Biden. It has to with democrats ignoring the daily onslaught of disinformation and brainwashing
techniques going on right under their noses. Dems
simply didn’t understand how dangerous it was and
let it continue when they could have done something
about it.
I agree. We are all victims of a decades long information war. After 9/11 I suggested that the internet would need to be shut down to a couple from a military background. They just shook their heads and replied that it would never happen. As this new growing mass medium was far too useful an Intelligence gathering and distributing weapon. By then Murdoch has already been gifted the keys to the global mass media kingdom by successive democratic governments in the UK and the US who shared the desire to create a global neo liberal economic hegemony. At the highest level this is now a conflict by socially powerful individuals which political system is most effective at delivering world capitalism and at the lowest a righteous rage by the disempowered against the social iniquities that capitalism structurally creates.
If I'm understanding this, I agree with you. The Economy was strong, yet the high nprice of groceries and gas weren't reflected in inflation. I wish the Dems had connected with the working class in terms of
of how the Cost of Living was more indicative of their insecurity than the state of the US economy.
According to AAA, the average cost of gas 1 year ago was $3.308, a month ago it was $3.17, a week ago it was $3.08. The current average is $3.06. Dems didn’t effectively deal with disinformation. The high
cost of groceries is mainly from price-gouging after transportation costs went down and the merging of grocery store chains that eliminated competition.
The Biden admin was suing to stop a merger of 2 grocery chains that will raise prices it it’s allowed,
but I doubt the Trump admin will follow thru with it.
Trump’s tariffs will make everything more expensive.
Thank you Joyce for helping me to stay strong for my children, for my grandchildren, for women, for good men, and for our country. Together we can stay true to our beliefs and can hopefully protect the destruction of our constitution.
Thanks, Joyce. There ARE guardrails: States, cities, courts, Congress, press, military, the Constitution, the laws, universities, churches, the companies, unions, non-profits, and so many groups which can all be powerful forces, if so minded. But the guardrails have to hold, not fold. Powell of the Federal Reserve simply said “no”. Maybe no one understands what “fascism” means, but they do understand that their rules, protections, and liberties can be lost. Senate confirmation hearings are easy compared to Trump's "recess appointments".
The law will be what DT says it is. The Constitution
will be either seriously altered or thrown out. Wealthy fascists are already on the Boards of many colleges & universities. The Kochs & others like them have already bought, I mean donated enough money
to alter curriculums and content from orgs like PBS & NPR. The internet is chock full of slick websites
peddling disinformation. Even substack has been invaded by reality-altering writers. We already know social media is a tool for people more interested in making money than they are in the truth. It won’t be long before no one knows what the truth is.
I guess you still think there’s going to be an election.
If there is an election, we already know who the “winners” will be.
I want to believe, but right now I don't see a whole lot of fight from our Democratic leaders in DC. I hear a lot of silence laced with platitudes. Our media is caving and so are some of our Dem senators. I find myself thinking going along to get along way too often as I read and view news.
I think that it may be better to look for leaders in more grassroots zones, such as Joyce. I joined Bluesky and there are many amazing lawyers and watchdog groups and many many others motivating people to claim power and take action together. AOC has been posting reels on her IG account, she seems to be engaged in being a leader. It is true I am not seeing much of anything from any Dems in any real power and that is truly disappointing. That said, perhaps this is where “new” leaders will show themselves. And by new I dont necessarily mean young although not excluding them, but just new leaders. Take heart, going along to get along probably wont be a sustainable strategy. Find local people and encourage each other with small actions
Local is good, but there are lots of angry legislators who will not back down. Subscribe to Senator Elizabeth Warren. (D-Mass). She gets it.
Don’t think that because its not reported in the MSM that nothing is happening on the Democratic Party side. MSM is still laser focussed on Trump as they have been since 2015.
Why do I feel this is the depiction of the wizard of oz? Who is behind the curtain? Trump is woefully dumb and loosing mentally which was so apparent during the campaign. What entity is controlling this congressional group of narcissistic sociopaths? Those with the most to loose? The Oligarchs… I mean the billionaires? Far right extreme supposed Christians? Outside forces? I have so many questions about Musk’s involvement at the very last months of the election. Now the blame game has begun in the news, with the supposed news experts faulting the Democratic Party. I have no answers just so many questions. Trump is their puppet as he had the most to loose. “They” own him.
I’m so crushed reading this tonight. I’m struggling to keep my head clear and focus— the despair and sadness I hear from others is painful. I’m an optimistic person in general — and my work keeps me in contact with people with diverse perspectives. But this is not a “normal” election. I fear that the election outcome was rigged by “technology and foreign powers. I have no proof. But….