Thank you. I am wondering if there’s anything anywhere indicating where public sentiment is about all this? People use happenings like the cheering of Trump at the Super Bowl versus the booing to measure how things are going. And you have people like Mike Lee saying such unbelievable things. But what about any indication behind the scenes that some maybe even a few Republicans are upset with all this? I had such high hopes for Murkowski, and some others like that who might actually in the Senate vote properly. But of course I failed to realize that nothing’s going through the Senate or the House because that’s not how this is rolling out.
Thank you, Joyce, for all your efforts, and those of others, to lay out the truths of what is going on, and to do the constitutional analysis.
I'm with you, Pam. Appears that Trump has an approval rating far higher than one would expect considering his actions. As a retired social studies educator I worry that we went terribly wrong and that the general population just doesn't understand our system of government. That, however, does not excuse those elected officials who received an education based in Constitutional Studies yet are willing to give it all up- for today and future generations - for the sake of keeping their own power during their limited time on the planet. The irony of it is that they want to get reelected for a job they are not doing in the first place, which is to check the executive branch. Sad to say I feel naive for saying this, but the only hope appears to be that some Republicans will do the right thing and start speaking truth to power. Trying not to lose hope....
It's important not to lose hope, while remaining mindful of the severity of all this. Diane, I think you're right that the general population does not understand. Some is a lack of civics education, and also there really is a widespread cultish, brainwashed aspect in the mix. Trump has hypnotic charisma (it is said). So we need to use the same persuasion strategies that would work in the context of a cult in order to unravel the insidiousness of the lies and the charisma. Sowing cognitive dissonance, sharing illuminating stories, not preaching or ringing our hands about "the constitution" (many don't understand what that means). We also need to understand how many lost young male voters are radicalized online in their bedrooms. As for the Republicans, they showed their true fecklessness in backing Voigt last week. Some are scared. Think back to Jan 6...
Where "education" went terribly wrong was that we never have caught up with current events in our Social Studies curriculum. For example: in the 1960s we studied Citizenship Education (Civics), World Geography, and Modern History (Ancient Greece, Rome & Egypt were taught as a semester in High School, now we waste a year teaching it in 6th grade this instead of Colonial History), and Current Events (which included reading, summarizing, and discussing a newspaper article at least once a week) by 9th grade (for me this was 1963-64). Now, we don't teach any Geography (ask a few high school kids to tell you the names of 5 countries on the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America), or where the Cape of Goo Hope is, or which countries border Israel. Students haven't done Current Events for almost 60 years, and 8th graders get as far in "Modern History" as I did...the early 1960s. Teaching Civics in high school (usually 11th grade is waaay to late to start. Students in many states can drop out at 16, which for many is sophomore year. They can also register to vote even though they can't actually vote until they're 18. Let's start educating our kids in Middle School so they will be able to understand our system of government and choose to protect it.
Louise, I agree with your point on education. But to also add where education went/goes/is wrong is the cost. There are so many highly intelligent people who desire to further their education but can't afford college. If college was more affordable, I think we would have more of a critical thinking society than what we have now. The price of eggs vs losing democracy. I still can't believe this is happening 😢
I agree that college is too expensive and that not enough lived experience is taken into account. But I believe we need to start teaching Critical Thinking in Middle School. I have 8th graders who think that "Reality TV" like "The Real Housewives of (name the city)" is real... which is one reason that mis/disinformation is accepted so easily as truth.
Thank you Dianne, for taking the time and energy to share your thoughts. The difficulty we all face now is that the importance of being treated and respected as a unique expression of Life Force Enegy -- essentially "God-Energy" -- is not well understood. The Declaration of Independence started to express these sentiments which the Constitution backed up. But now, the badges of success look like income levels, degrees from Ivy League schools, and power from positions held -- not worthiness from character and developed wisdom. And yes, education, role models and experience is sorely lacking in what it takes to understand the value of the design of our government.
We really ARE creating our own realities, based on the Beliefs and "stuck emotion" we hold in our subconscious minds. I continually ask myself "Am I willing to have what I
SAY I want?" And I work to clear the "blockages" to what I say I want. We all have a multitude of subconscious blockages (from our Cultural and Generational Heritages) which have been reinforced -- not taught or caused -- through our families, friends and current culture.
Interesting... thanks for the confirmation of the low EQ... quite defensive, and a short fuse too... not surprised really. You are compelled to be overly self-righteous, condescending and snipe... and get reported/bounced a lot?
Truly terrifying...I had wondered in the past what it would feel like to live under a tyrannical despot, and here we are....
Here's what we can also do. I called my senator, John Fetterman, and screamed in his voicemail that I voted for him and that him voting for Blondi and Hegseth was a betrayal. I read somewhere that he will not vote for Kash or Tulsi. Could be that many others also sounded their distress. One senator stated that lawmakers pay serious attention to public sentiment, so let's all call and scream. I am calling every republican senator!
Media can help public protests like in bowling green Ohio a few days ago. Also US reading level is at an 8th grade level-even many 3 syllable words should be skipped to get your point across. Aside from fdr’s content using how he communicated can help get our points across.
Correction-that’s what fascists cause, and make others have to do by destroying our government. Getting rid of parts of government that support us. What’s going on now in dc is what causes communism.
Only a fascist idea. Grandmas cousin blew up a heavy water vat at telemark with a stick of dynamite knowing it would kill him. My uncle killed one more than Audie Murphy captured the same number fighting fascists. That’s what fascists support.
Is there any way to just subscribe to the Democracy Index? I subscribed to the Contrarian when it began but the flood of posts/emails was just too much to keep up with.
I did too, and became overwhelmed quickly resulting in my unsubscribing. I know they mean well and are getting out important info, but way too much at once!
Understandable. But you can go to the manage subscription page and select which of their newsletters you receive and which you don't. That cuts the content considerably if you wish.
Yeah, I did the same. What do the kids say, “TMI”? Great concept, but needs different execution. Sherrilyn Ifill suggested the SmartNews app. Looks like it’s an aggregating service. I just need to select what topics I’m interested in.
That’s what I am finally doing. But took the weekend off my phone to spend time with my family and was overwhelmed with the number of emails. Now I am trying to delete what I can do without and focus on what is the most important.
Hooray, Joyce!! This is exactly what we need to keep us laser-focused on the most egregious actions (and proposed actions) killing our democracy. We all owe you a debt of gratitude -- you are helping to save this country!!
What I am seeing on posts is they are defying the court orders and continuing to destroy our country. There was a RUMOR yesterday, unconfirmed ,that Elon, his goons and a private security team , hired by Elon, and armed, were harassing staff in their offices and continuing to dismantle our governmental offices. This was supposedly posted on Reddit by and employee who was being held hostage.
Also, as a retired PHN who cared for those for whom many others , like Trump, I am extremely disturbed we are cutting life saving services from countries with severe food insecurities. This entire thing is an absolute nightmare.
Thank you for The Democracy of Index. Like all of us there are days I wonder if I can stay sane.
Thank you! Wonderful news. The constant lying is a feature not a bug. They know it’s a lie but the mainstream media reports it verbatim requiring time and effort to respond. More of the drowning us in S**t strategy.
First, thank you for this. Next: I would like to know, generally from any knowledgeable lawyer but specifically from those who specialize in Constitutional law, how the courts plan to enforce any rulings upon an individual deemed above the law by the MAGA infiltrated SCOTUS. Even if the various judges fall in line with the FFOTUS being catastrophically deemed immune, and they attempt to leapfrog him to prosecute those following his orders, I see the following sequence of events: #1: the cognitively declining FFOTUS won’t care and will skip maliciously along, down his democracy pillaging Project 2025 path. #2: if the courts DO successfully bring charges to prosecute those following his orders… Anyone? Anyone? Bingo. #3: The FFOTUS will pardon or commute any sentence, whichever ends up being applicable. Please tell me I am wrong with this assessment. I do not know lawyer think/speak, so this is just pedestrian supposition on my part and I truly would like some learned feedback.
Judges can hold individuals (e.g., Musk, Bessant, named pock-faced orc) in contempt. Civil contempt imposes fines or imprisonment or both until they comply with the order. It is not subject to the pardon power because it is a civil procedure. Unfortunately, the courts don't have a police force so the imprisonment at least would have to be enforced by the Department of Justice. Criminal contempt is to punish people who refuse to comply with a court and is, I think, subject to the pardon power. The question is whether individuals will be willing to have civil fines run up against them while they refuse to comply. Musk won't care, but the lower echelons may, especially if the judge is willing to impose a hefty daily fine.
Thank you and your colleagues for doing this, Joyce! I am all for figuring out ways to counter the autocratic onslaught. I fear, as I think you mentioned in one of your columns, that the courts will merely slow things down.Today, the Trump administration cut off funds for farmers. It’s going to be these kinds of actions that may turn Maga people away from the administration, and hopefully will help us move back towards democracy.
I am hoping that when Trump pulls the rug out of farmers and other 'mainstream Americans' that finally people will realize that he couldn't care less about them and we will start to see backlash across the political spectrum.
Besides upstanding lawyers and law-abiding honorable (present and former) judges, here's a growing list of Profiles in Courage men, women, and advocacy groups who refuse to be cowed or kneel to the force of Trump/Musk/MAGA/Fox "News" intimidation:
I'll begin with Missouri's own Jessica (à la John Lewis's "get in good trouble") Piper, then, in no particular order, Heather Cox Richardson, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Ruth Ben-Ghait, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes, Jim Acosta, Jen Rubin And the Contrarians, Steve Brodner, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jessica Craven, Annne Applebaum, Lucian Truscott IV, AOC, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, Tim Snyder, Robert B. Hubbell, Ben Meiseilas, Steve Schmidt, Josh Marshall, Paul Krugman, Andy Borowitz, Jeff Danziger, Ann Telnaes,͏ ͏Will Bunch, Jake Tapper, Third Act, Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, Democracy Index, Democracy Docket, ACLU et al. And, as Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together"--or via Jess Piper, from rural Missouri: "Solidarity." FIGHT BACK!
If it weren't for Joyce's chicken photos - which definitely brighten my day! - I don't know if I could read another article or even see another piece about Herr Trump. Trump not only throws things right and left, it's up and down and scatters like shrapnel. It's throwing spaghetti on a wall and the GOP lets it all stick. oh hell, they probably pick up the ones that don't and glue them on.
So, when do the Trumpians see they're the ones who will ultimately be morbidly, and perhaps mortally, wounded (remember Covid)? When Trump's "policies" finally come after them, will they have an epiphany like Martin Niemoller's poem (First They Came)? or will they just drink more Kool-aid?
Dearest Prof Joyce - THANK YOU - YOU are a TRUE PATRIOT and i appreciate ALL that you do for the country actually THE WORLD. hugs and smooches to you and THE CHICKENS (fyi - I am very happy to hear Bella is gonna have a new friend....did you happen to catch any of the Puppy Bowl? - i would have taken them all :-))
Thank you. I am wondering if there’s anything anywhere indicating where public sentiment is about all this? People use happenings like the cheering of Trump at the Super Bowl versus the booing to measure how things are going. And you have people like Mike Lee saying such unbelievable things. But what about any indication behind the scenes that some maybe even a few Republicans are upset with all this? I had such high hopes for Murkowski, and some others like that who might actually in the Senate vote properly. But of course I failed to realize that nothing’s going through the Senate or the House because that’s not how this is rolling out.
Thank you, Joyce, for all your efforts, and those of others, to lay out the truths of what is going on, and to do the constitutional analysis.
I'm with you, Pam. Appears that Trump has an approval rating far higher than one would expect considering his actions. As a retired social studies educator I worry that we went terribly wrong and that the general population just doesn't understand our system of government. That, however, does not excuse those elected officials who received an education based in Constitutional Studies yet are willing to give it all up- for today and future generations - for the sake of keeping their own power during their limited time on the planet. The irony of it is that they want to get reelected for a job they are not doing in the first place, which is to check the executive branch. Sad to say I feel naive for saying this, but the only hope appears to be that some Republicans will do the right thing and start speaking truth to power. Trying not to lose hope....
It's important not to lose hope, while remaining mindful of the severity of all this. Diane, I think you're right that the general population does not understand. Some is a lack of civics education, and also there really is a widespread cultish, brainwashed aspect in the mix. Trump has hypnotic charisma (it is said). So we need to use the same persuasion strategies that would work in the context of a cult in order to unravel the insidiousness of the lies and the charisma. Sowing cognitive dissonance, sharing illuminating stories, not preaching or ringing our hands about "the constitution" (many don't understand what that means). We also need to understand how many lost young male voters are radicalized online in their bedrooms. As for the Republicans, they showed their true fecklessness in backing Voigt last week. Some are scared. Think back to Jan 6...
Where "education" went terribly wrong was that we never have caught up with current events in our Social Studies curriculum. For example: in the 1960s we studied Citizenship Education (Civics), World Geography, and Modern History (Ancient Greece, Rome & Egypt were taught as a semester in High School, now we waste a year teaching it in 6th grade this instead of Colonial History), and Current Events (which included reading, summarizing, and discussing a newspaper article at least once a week) by 9th grade (for me this was 1963-64). Now, we don't teach any Geography (ask a few high school kids to tell you the names of 5 countries on the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America), or where the Cape of Goo Hope is, or which countries border Israel. Students haven't done Current Events for almost 60 years, and 8th graders get as far in "Modern History" as I did...the early 1960s. Teaching Civics in high school (usually 11th grade is waaay to late to start. Students in many states can drop out at 16, which for many is sophomore year. They can also register to vote even though they can't actually vote until they're 18. Let's start educating our kids in Middle School so they will be able to understand our system of government and choose to protect it.
Louise, I agree with your point on education. But to also add where education went/goes/is wrong is the cost. There are so many highly intelligent people who desire to further their education but can't afford college. If college was more affordable, I think we would have more of a critical thinking society than what we have now. The price of eggs vs losing democracy. I still can't believe this is happening 😢
I agree that college is too expensive and that not enough lived experience is taken into account. But I believe we need to start teaching Critical Thinking in Middle School. I have 8th graders who think that "Reality TV" like "The Real Housewives of (name the city)" is real... which is one reason that mis/disinformation is accepted so easily as truth.
Thank you Dianne, for taking the time and energy to share your thoughts. The difficulty we all face now is that the importance of being treated and respected as a unique expression of Life Force Enegy -- essentially "God-Energy" -- is not well understood. The Declaration of Independence started to express these sentiments which the Constitution backed up. But now, the badges of success look like income levels, degrees from Ivy League schools, and power from positions held -- not worthiness from character and developed wisdom. And yes, education, role models and experience is sorely lacking in what it takes to understand the value of the design of our government.
We really ARE creating our own realities, based on the Beliefs and "stuck emotion" we hold in our subconscious minds. I continually ask myself "Am I willing to have what I
SAY I want?" And I work to clear the "blockages" to what I say I want. We all have a multitude of subconscious blockages (from our Cultural and Generational Heritages) which have been reinforced -- not taught or caused -- through our families, friends and current culture.
Please write more here, and keep the faith!
No ...its higher than leftists expect.
The Democrats are in denial. You lost the election. You have no clue why.
And you are still an asshole.
So... that's all you bring to the party... you're a high IQ, low EQ sniping troll... maybe a paid mole... Looks like Dale is right. 🙄
DNS Agent reported 3 times so far.
When you can't FIGHT ideas you fight speech.
Leftists have a hard time hiding their authoritarian nature.
I'm a paid American. Its a public post. Only an idiot would think I'm a mole.
Knock off the troll crap.
Leftists will do anything to avoid the truth.
When a leftist post that she can't understand why Trump is polling high and Democrats low, it shows total cluelessness.
You all are in denial.
Interesting... thanks for the confirmation of the low EQ... quite defensive, and a short fuse too... not surprised really. You are compelled to be overly self-righteous, condescending and snipe... and get reported/bounced a lot?
The DNS agent has been reported.
The STASI censoring speech. How authoritarian.
You are a loser.
I think it’s just an asshole. No secret sauce. Just a jerk
I hope you connect anti-democracy actions to bad outcomes for working people. Please speak to people’s pocketbooks and not just about institutions!
Thank you! WHAT DO WE DO IF THIS ADMIN IGNORES THE COURTS?
Truly terrifying...I had wondered in the past what it would feel like to live under a tyrannical despot, and here we are....
Here's what we can also do. I called my senator, John Fetterman, and screamed in his voicemail that I voted for him and that him voting for Blondi and Hegseth was a betrayal. I read somewhere that he will not vote for Kash or Tulsi. Could be that many others also sounded their distress. One senator stated that lawmakers pay serious attention to public sentiment, so let's all call and scream. I am calling every republican senator!
Go to the streets in mass
Media can help public protests like in bowling green Ohio a few days ago. Also US reading level is at an 8th grade level-even many 3 syllable words should be skipped to get your point across. Aside from fdr’s content using how he communicated can help get our points across.
"Also US reading level is at an 8th grade level"
I know, let's get rid of the dept. of education!
Correction-that’s what fascists cause, and make others have to do by destroying our government. Getting rid of parts of government that support us. What’s going on now in dc is what causes communism.
Only a fascist idea. Grandmas cousin blew up a heavy water vat at telemark with a stick of dynamite knowing it would kill him. My uncle killed one more than Audie Murphy captured the same number fighting fascists. That’s what fascists support.
Is there any way to just subscribe to the Democracy Index? I subscribed to the Contrarian when it began but the flood of posts/emails was just too much to keep up with.
Agree
I did too, and became overwhelmed quickly resulting in my unsubscribing. I know they mean well and are getting out important info, but way too much at once!
Understandable. But you can go to the manage subscription page and select which of their newsletters you receive and which you don't. That cuts the content considerably if you wish.
Is this option only for paid Contrarian members? I don’t see any way to do that.
Yeah, I did the same. What do the kids say, “TMI”? Great concept, but needs different execution. Sherrilyn Ifill suggested the SmartNews app. Looks like it’s an aggregating service. I just need to select what topics I’m interested in.
I, too, became quickly overwhelmed, but have not yet unsubscribed, because I'm afraid that if I do I'll never get to see the Democracy Index.
just delete what you are not interested in reading...
That’s what I am finally doing. But took the weekend off my phone to spend time with my family and was overwhelmed with the number of emails. Now I am trying to delete what I can do without and focus on what is the most important.
Hooray, Joyce!! This is exactly what we need to keep us laser-focused on the most egregious actions (and proposed actions) killing our democracy. We all owe you a debt of gratitude -- you are helping to save this country!!
What I am seeing on posts is they are defying the court orders and continuing to destroy our country. There was a RUMOR yesterday, unconfirmed ,that Elon, his goons and a private security team , hired by Elon, and armed, were harassing staff in their offices and continuing to dismantle our governmental offices. This was supposedly posted on Reddit by and employee who was being held hostage.
Also, as a retired PHN who cared for those for whom many others , like Trump, I am extremely disturbed we are cutting life saving services from countries with severe food insecurities. This entire thing is an absolute nightmare.
Thank you for The Democracy of Index. Like all of us there are days I wonder if I can stay sane.
Appreciate all you do, very much.
Thank you! Wonderful news. The constant lying is a feature not a bug. They know it’s a lie but the mainstream media reports it verbatim requiring time and effort to respond. More of the drowning us in S**t strategy.
It is no surprise to me what 47 and the Republicans are up to.
Newt Gingrich shut down the government.
Mitch McConnell denied President Barack Obama his constitutional duty to appoint a Supreme Court Justice.
They are lawless, extra- Constitutional malign gang members not suited to civil society much less governmental power.
Their only goals have ever been to seize power and money.
First, thank you for this. Next: I would like to know, generally from any knowledgeable lawyer but specifically from those who specialize in Constitutional law, how the courts plan to enforce any rulings upon an individual deemed above the law by the MAGA infiltrated SCOTUS. Even if the various judges fall in line with the FFOTUS being catastrophically deemed immune, and they attempt to leapfrog him to prosecute those following his orders, I see the following sequence of events: #1: the cognitively declining FFOTUS won’t care and will skip maliciously along, down his democracy pillaging Project 2025 path. #2: if the courts DO successfully bring charges to prosecute those following his orders… Anyone? Anyone? Bingo. #3: The FFOTUS will pardon or commute any sentence, whichever ends up being applicable. Please tell me I am wrong with this assessment. I do not know lawyer think/speak, so this is just pedestrian supposition on my part and I truly would like some learned feedback.
Judges can hold individuals (e.g., Musk, Bessant, named pock-faced orc) in contempt. Civil contempt imposes fines or imprisonment or both until they comply with the order. It is not subject to the pardon power because it is a civil procedure. Unfortunately, the courts don't have a police force so the imprisonment at least would have to be enforced by the Department of Justice. Criminal contempt is to punish people who refuse to comply with a court and is, I think, subject to the pardon power. The question is whether individuals will be willing to have civil fines run up against them while they refuse to comply. Musk won't care, but the lower echelons may, especially if the judge is willing to impose a hefty daily fine.
Isn't the U.S. Marshal an enforcer for all courts (and congress)?
Yes, but the US Marshal is part of the Department of (In)Justice, so I'm not sure whether that will help.
If judges render orders, marshals must follow them.
hard to stop them w/scrotus on their side....
Thank you and your colleagues for doing this, Joyce! I am all for figuring out ways to counter the autocratic onslaught. I fear, as I think you mentioned in one of your columns, that the courts will merely slow things down.Today, the Trump administration cut off funds for farmers. It’s going to be these kinds of actions that may turn Maga people away from the administration, and hopefully will help us move back towards democracy.
I am hoping that when Trump pulls the rug out of farmers and other 'mainstream Americans' that finally people will realize that he couldn't care less about them and we will start to see backlash across the political spectrum.
Thank you!
Besides upstanding lawyers and law-abiding honorable (present and former) judges, here's a growing list of Profiles in Courage men, women, and advocacy groups who refuse to be cowed or kneel to the force of Trump/Musk/MAGA/Fox "News" intimidation:
I'll begin with Missouri's own Jessica (à la John Lewis's "get in good trouble") Piper, then, in no particular order, Heather Cox Richardson, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Ruth Ben-Ghait, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes, Jim Acosta, Jen Rubin And the Contrarians, Steve Brodner, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jessica Craven, Annne Applebaum, Lucian Truscott IV, AOC, Chris Murphy, Elizabeth Warren, Tim Snyder, Robert B. Hubbell, Ben Meiseilas, Steve Schmidt, Josh Marshall, Paul Krugman, Andy Borowitz, Jeff Danziger, Ann Telnaes,͏ ͏Will Bunch, Jake Tapper, Third Act, Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, Democracy Index, Democracy Docket, ACLU et al. And, as Joyce Vance says, "We're in this together"--or via Jess Piper, from rural Missouri: "Solidarity." FIGHT BACK!
The Rhode Island DC judge just ordered the Trump Admin to comply with the TRO....what next?
If it weren't for Joyce's chicken photos - which definitely brighten my day! - I don't know if I could read another article or even see another piece about Herr Trump. Trump not only throws things right and left, it's up and down and scatters like shrapnel. It's throwing spaghetti on a wall and the GOP lets it all stick. oh hell, they probably pick up the ones that don't and glue them on.
So, when do the Trumpians see they're the ones who will ultimately be morbidly, and perhaps mortally, wounded (remember Covid)? When Trump's "policies" finally come after them, will they have an epiphany like Martin Niemoller's poem (First They Came)? or will they just drink more Kool-aid?
Can he be arrested if he ignores a court order? What about JD?
Certainly not. The SCOTUS granted him immunity in advance. It was all part of the plan. Tip your hats to Project 2025 and the Federalist Society.
we are doomed
kinda looks that way...
Dearest Prof Joyce - THANK YOU - YOU are a TRUE PATRIOT and i appreciate ALL that you do for the country actually THE WORLD. hugs and smooches to you and THE CHICKENS (fyi - I am very happy to hear Bella is gonna have a new friend....did you happen to catch any of the Puppy Bowl? - i would have taken them all :-))