I agree. One of the few things I feel like I can do here is to keep all of the history books I can. ( I have quite a few just from college and years of collecting ) I go to 3 used book sales a year, and occasionally find history books at estate sales. It may not be much, but it makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.
Like the truth was easy to find when women's history and African-American history and a whole lot else didn't appear in books and was rarely seen on TV either?
Those terrible omissions have been being pushed back. Should we not teach that truth can be hard but we’ll learn it and tell it anyway?
Changes in the national psyche and voice don’t happen quickly. At 66 yrs old, I’ve seen a huge stride in the direction of truth, but we have to stop waiting for ‘someone’ else to do something that will speed the process. It’s like making a U-turn in an ocean liner, but with consistent pressure in the right places it will turn.
I'm 73, so I'm right there. We fought so hard for rights for many different people. It just hurts to see a person (with the help of his minions) undo what we worked tirelessly for.
Dear Michael- I share your concerns as well about the young people who are living under this abuse of power. I’m hoping that the continuing push back, — the IGs, the birthright citizenship, climate issues and voting rights — will involve young people and us who have been around, in numbers that outweigh the ignorant snd ill-informed. I have to believe that we shall overcome. Our parents and grandparents fought so much more than this. We have to respect their memories and love our kids and young people to fight this good fight as John Lewis would say.
Thank you, Bonnie, for these hopeful words. Timothy Snyder, in On Freedom, emphasizes the importance of including children’s experiences by understanding freedom as positive freedom since adoption of a negative perspective of freedom doesn’t make sense with childhood (kids must have boundaries after all). Positive freedom is inclusive and how we allow youth to be conversant about this liberatory perspective will be important. It’s not merely about shackles but about possibilities and, as Professor Snyder puts it, sovereignty.
A new dance craze is sweeping the nation called, The Goose-Step, Two-step March. This invigorating new exercise is easy to learn! First, link arms on the dance floor. As you move backward in line, turn your head to the right and lift your left leg straight up as high as it will go. Then step forward as you turn your head to the left and lift your right leg straight up in the air.
It's very similar to square dancing or line dancing. Soon the dance floor will be filled with goose-steppers. Forward, backward, round and round. If you step out of line, you are tagged, the caller detains you, interrogates you, strip searches you, and sends you off to detainment camps for disloyalty.
This new dance craze is not to be confused with serious charges of criminal activity. By the time the youngins reach the age of reason, they will be quick to form into lines upon request for impromptu Goose-Step, Two-Step Marches and other forms of family entertainment.
(Sorry, my dark humor comes out in times like these.)
I suspect he's so prolific on other people's Substacks because no one is reading his. (Corollary: And the reason no one is reading his Substack is because he's so prolific on other people's.)
Bill, the United States of America is not Nazi Germany, and it’s our job to keep it that way. What you are calling your “dark humor “ undermines our people who are trying to stay in the fight. We need you in it with us. Please be a voice for courage.
Did you see "Springtime for Hitler in Germany" or Fawlty Tower episodes, just to name a few. There have always been satirists who have used humor to expose the dark realities in our lives. I understand you might not like Bill's "dark humor" but for you to tell him "we need you in it with us" sounds like he isn't already and you will only accept a certain kind of person in your group. I find that disturbing.
What's disturbing is not being able to tell someone they have crossed a line for the mood of the moment. Here you run into it. Fawlty Towers you tune in or not, knowing what you are getting.
I have spent a lifetime wondering what, if any, stand up comedy Hitler and his regime allowed. I think we are finding out in real time. Only those that do not in any manner, including yours, question the political ideological status quo. Silencing times…
What a rationale w re Jewish comics & Hitler. Jews did it so okay, they were allowed. Disgusting from a Jew yet Katz. Some comics are so desperate that they will pull their pants down in front of an audience to get attention. But more comparable to Trump who will do anything for attention and outrage.
With apologies to Bill Katz for using his post as an example, this is what we all need to be doing - calling out things that offend our norms, rather than just ignoring them and playing "go along to get along". We're already seeing too much of that from our elected officials.
Thank you for this humorous anti-Nazi piece, as appropriate as it is in the Tramp era and with the Muskrat giving the Nazi salute. Ignore the weak minded self-righteous naysayers replying here. Maybe for their loyal denial they'll get a private room in one of Tramp's camps, and then, but only then, will they grow a pair. Have a blessed day!
Okay then when you are roundly criticized for bad taste and not being humorous you get to take it. No one is saying humor satire parody is forbidden. And it has not been.
HyeUp…Enjoy something in poor taste or offensive here as I read the comments OR step aside so you can enjoy? That is my choice? Not to say so? You could opt to enjoy this guy’s humor where he peddles it. Eh?
I think the most important forms of satire are visual and performative, as in political cartoons and comedy like SNL. And laughter is powerfully corrosive to fascism, in whatever form. So maybe a reel would have been more effective than a screed?
There was no Nazi state in Germany before Adolf Hitler became chancellor and began very rapidly and effectively dismantling the rights of citizens with illegal decrees, imprisoning “dissenters” without legal justification, shutting down newspapers.
Trump’s firing of 18 Inspectors General is in violation of federal law. It is illegal. It’s legality is not “murky,” as NBC news described it..
I think it would be constructive to study some history and try to understand what Project 2025’s and Trump’s objectives are. I am pretty sure that pissing matches do not help us increase our understandings of what is playing out before our very eyes. Of course, divisiveness and acrimony among us- the people- are very effective tools to distract us from the illegal and unconstitutional parade of actions by Trump and company.
January 6 Was an armed, violent attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. That IS an insurrection, by definition.
There is no verified, corroborated evidence of election fraud. Only the repeated shouts of the loser of that election, and those that choose hyperbole, bombast and name-calling over truth, evidence and FACTs - real facts, not”alternative” ones.
Use common sense and evidence and obey the constitution and laws of the land, before believing the proven lies of a man who does not honor the law, the U.S. Constitution, our Allies, or anything other than money and power, and who persecutes those who do. It is not murky.
If you want to be a Real American, focus on Truth, Justice, and equal rights for all.
.Trump does not honor Truth, does not honor Justice, or you and me. constitution, and he does not honor you or me.
Hysterical again are you asshole? And a fool besides. The election doesn't change that. Want me to write that again slower for you? Try not to move your lips and do get the updated troll handbook. Or is it a translation thing for you morons?
I was one of those 60s people. And I too have been asking recently where are all the young people? I’m wondering if perhaps they became very discouraged because every time there was a school shooting they were very active and strong, but nothing ever came of it.
Unfortunately, they don't learn anything about Civics or History or Geography or Current Events beyond the early 1960s...at least until the 11th grade. For the most part, they learn nothing about the Korean War, the Great Society, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the breakup of the USSR, etc. or anything global that has occurred in the past 50+ years. They probably couldn't tell you where half the countries in the world are located, what NATO or SEATO is...By the time the schools get around to teaching these courses, kids couldn't care less. They're completely invested in social media, reality TV, video games, and anything that will get them through school with the least amount of effort on their part. And the saddest thing is that their parents often are powerless to do anything about it.
How about the effect on everyone under about 60 who has no semi-adult memory of what the U.S., and the U.S. government, were like before the onset of the Reagan administration? As to the effect on "our youth," let's take a lesson from the youth of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s who took on Jim Crow, misogyny, and the Vietnam War, among other things, against often horrific odds -- and not without support from adults, especially adults of color.
Some of our youth will be graduating from high school and be of voting age which gives men such as Governor DeSantis plenty of time to shape their minds in his "school choice" program.
My high school-aged grandson listens to a lot of youtube videos. This week he listened to one on various types of political beliefs like libertarianism, socialism, democracy-something like 25 or more. His World History class is currently on Stalin and totalitarianism. He listens to Legal Eagle. We have discussions. He's going to be all right.
A few decades ago the youth of our nation faced a divided country that was waging an unjustified war against another country, far away, and drafting them to participate and die in that war.
Not that this isn't as bad, but those young men and women developed strength to oppose their government.
Speaking of Florida, From Meidastouch: … Trump-loving Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent out a panicked, urgent letter to Homeland Security urgently begging them not to deport Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan migrants in her district because many of them may have legitimate asylum claims. I guess she believed Trump when he said he was only going to deport “the criminals.”
Tens of thousands of them were sponsorded by legal residents. Their legal status was voided Jan 21. Most of the kids here in Baghdad By the Sea have already been brainwashed....they mostly think that they are "anti-communist freedom fighters."
Talk to them. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!! ENCOURAGE them to talk FREELY!! NO HOLDING BACK their feelings and thoughts!!Tell your elected politicians at every level hoe they are damaging and frightening these children since they have little voice UNLESS, they UNITE and SPEAK OUT!!
I wish Kamala Harris had won. I am a nurse working for a PACE program. It's a Program for All inclusive Care for the Elderly It helps keep the elderly in their own homes with support. Kamala Harris was wanting to expand that to Medicare where currently it is only available to Medicaid people.
Some were asking questions like "Where do we get the money for that?" Keeping the elderly in their own homes with a nurse visit once a week and some housekeeping support is actually cheaper than nursing home care. Now I have to worry that the Trump administration is going to cut Medicaid and PACE programs too.
I've also thought about this. Home is the best place for the elderly if they and their families are able. I saw some terrible care in nursing homes. Most are for profit, and I think they'll do away with staffing mandates as well.
I feel I pay enough taxes for this. Yet we have billionaires heading up a DOGE department who clearly want to get more in government "incentives". I'm a nurse. I'm tired of ordinary people paying that man's tax bill.
Excellent Lynn …I will copy this if you don’t mind.
We Americans are out of Trumps equation… he’s been brainwashed already..he’s been promised money and power…hopefully the 49% that voted for him will wake up.
Thank you Kelsey, I would be honored if you copy this. Please add what I have forgotten, for surely this short list is attainable if we keep asking questions like: How will the action you are proposing lead to high quality health care for everyone. (example)
Trump keeps flooding the zone with all his BS, but we have a great team of “engineers” on our side to counteract his stuff. We have to keep the faith that the law will prevail and Trump will lose.
All Trump's nominees are an operational threat. Russell Vought as Director of OMB is a systemic threat. The co-author of Project 2025 and amplifier of 'the unitary executive' will use unconstitutional impoundment to freeze funds appropriated by Congress and thus overturn the legislative process and the entire regulatory apparatus. It is Vought who will join the Roberts court in setting up an absolute sovereign who will exercise absolute, arbitrary, and unaccountable power. In listening to Vought in the Senate hearing, I felt as though I were with Hannah Arendt listening to Adolf Eichmann. The ultimate 'yes man'. Intent only on the logistics for the final solution to representative democratic government, without a thought to the harm.
Joyce, I am so grateful that we have you and others to clarify what is going on with all things concerning don-old and his maga cult. I am worried about this week with lower cased bob and Patel. Two of the most unqualified people for these positions. IMO I wish the Democratic Senators and Representatives were a bit more outspoken. It almost feels like if it weren’t for the attorneys filing suits, we’d be on our own. The first week was rough and I think it will remain that way. It’s like whack-a-mole.
It has been like we are getting hit over and over. ICE was out today here in Florida rounding up people in Miami. We need to stay united and strong. Tell the truth loud and clear and NEVER obey in advance.
Monica, I agree! Where the hell is the outrage on the Hill??? No, I do not want to hear about “working together”. I want the Ds to fight to the end for every tiny bit of our
agenda, and loudly renounce this fascist party in power as well as scaredy-cat members
of Congress who wet their pants every time Trump speaks.
I have a great one I got in 2016 that says “Trump lies”. I war it with some Syracuse Cultural Workers buttons. We’ll see if a white haired older citizen is attacked.
I have white hair, too, so I say this in solidarity: My plan, if attacked, is to move into a public space and yell like hell, hoping someone takes a video and posts it where there are lots more eyes. We'll see how 'proud' the PBs feel then.
Thanks for that. I have lost much of my voice to long COVID so I hope I can scream if attacked. When I worked for NARAL in the '80s and we lobbied on the Hill in January each year, I was once surrounded by a group of screaming anti-choice people who harassed me. No white hair then and far more mobility, I chose to be polite and speak calmly. Now, I am in greater fear. AND I won't stop wearing the buttons I wear.
Certain GOP Senators are shocked, shocked that trump refused to follow the law regarding removing Inspectors General. Really how can anyone be shocked about trump committing illegal acts.? How ???
"We’ll pay close attention to the face-off between Trump and the IGs this week, because ultimately, this is about more than the IG positions themselves. It’s about whether Trump will get away with open and early defiance of the law. Congress should act immediately to back up the IGs. There is a recently formed bipartisan Inspector General Caucus in the Senate. If they really intend to support the IG’s independence and, not coincidentally, the rule of law, the time is now." Yes - the time is NOW to counter the unlawful actions of the "one-day" dictator!
A Doctor, who is doing research in a Hospital is concerned about the "pausing" NIH Research Grants.
A government employee wonders where he will sit when he can no longer work from home. The Government terminated leases or sold properties during the Pandemic; so there is not space for everyone. He is also worried about being reclassified and than being terminated. ( This might be Trump's solution for the lack of Office space).
A recent female Graduate from the Navel Academy and is now a Marine Officer. She does not know what her role will be now.
We can only hope that when more people are hurt from Trump's inhumanities and injustices, whether they are immigrants, minorities, or jut plain family members like mine, there will be a peaceful reckoning
Hi Michael, this has never happened in our nation. I don’t think we are now in a democracy that works. My family have been Marines and Navy since day one of our nation, but Union Army during our Civil War.
I hate to speculate, but I do not see anyone refusing the Commander in Chief’s orders.
It is in their DNA to obey command orders, and of course they need their jobs.
And it is this that will indicate whether we have a democracy now. So many of the German military officers who eventually tried to assassinate Hitler, had family money and position. Not so with most of our armed forces.
Civilians, government and others, fighting Trump is probable.
However, I seriously do not think it will be through peaceful means…..
We’re in this together” rings true now more than ever. As Trump’s failures inevitably affect working families—like his handling of past crises—Democrats must be ready with bold ideas: fair wages, affordable healthcare, and job creation. Leadership grounded in justice and real solutions will resonate. Let’s stay focused and ready to lead.
The Supreme Court has given him so much liberty to break the law without repercussion. Nothing is going to change. He will wreak havoc until someone wakes up and says enough. I don’t see that happening any time soon.
No, this has been the plan all along, and each little victory they get emboldens them for the coup de grace, which is no more elections and a dead constitution as a quaint relic in a museum.
Right on. You might usefully think of the 'push a little and see what happens' tactic as the kind of grooming pedophiles and date rapists to to test the waters before they 'go all the way.' Let's call a spade a spade and RESIST.
This moment reminds me of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” My understanding was that it challenged the then colonist to be brave, and courageous in difficult circumstances. Courage is certainly needed-take heart only 2 out of 10 Americans approves. They’re a loud backlash coming.
It seems to me very clear that by firing the IGs with no notice, Trump is issuing a direct challenge to the US Senate.
It's a test -- if Congress does nothing, Trump will be emboldened to keep pushing.
Congress must unequivocably exercise its role in our country's system of checks and balances, or DJT will succeed in his attempts to usurp the powers of Congress and of the judicial system. ~
Along with so many other things, the effect on our youth concerns me deeply. They’ve been dragged into this nightmare. How do they emerge?
Michael, let’s hope the youth seek out the truth. They will prevail if they do.
Only if they or their family and they are safe. What terrifying more burdens put on young people. The insecurity is horrific.
the truth will be hard to find if magas keep burning books
I agree. One of the few things I feel like I can do here is to keep all of the history books I can. ( I have quite a few just from college and years of collecting ) I go to 3 used book sales a year, and occasionally find history books at estate sales. It may not be much, but it makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.
Good idea about buying used history books. That gives me an idea.
ME TOO!
One reason I'm glad we live in the digital age...Magas can continue to burn books but the truth still lives somewhere.
WE MUST CONTINUE to SHARE the TRUTH!!
Like the truth was easy to find when women's history and African-American history and a whole lot else didn't appear in books and was rarely seen on TV either?
Those terrible omissions have been being pushed back. Should we not teach that truth can be hard but we’ll learn it and tell it anyway?
Changes in the national psyche and voice don’t happen quickly. At 66 yrs old, I’ve seen a huge stride in the direction of truth, but we have to stop waiting for ‘someone’ else to do something that will speed the process. It’s like making a U-turn in an ocean liner, but with consistent pressure in the right places it will turn.
I'm 73, so I'm right there. We fought so hard for rights for many different people. It just hurts to see a person (with the help of his minions) undo what we worked tirelessly for.
WE can STOP THEM if WE REALLY CARE and ACT!!
ABSOLUTELY!!
Dear Michael- I share your concerns as well about the young people who are living under this abuse of power. I’m hoping that the continuing push back, — the IGs, the birthright citizenship, climate issues and voting rights — will involve young people and us who have been around, in numbers that outweigh the ignorant snd ill-informed. I have to believe that we shall overcome. Our parents and grandparents fought so much more than this. We have to respect their memories and love our kids and young people to fight this good fight as John Lewis would say.
Thank you, Bonnie, for these hopeful words. Timothy Snyder, in On Freedom, emphasizes the importance of including children’s experiences by understanding freedom as positive freedom since adoption of a negative perspective of freedom doesn’t make sense with childhood (kids must have boundaries after all). Positive freedom is inclusive and how we allow youth to be conversant about this liberatory perspective will be important. It’s not merely about shackles but about possibilities and, as Professor Snyder puts it, sovereignty.
Welcome to The New Snazzy Nazi States of America
(Introducing The Goose-Step, Two-Step March)
(From 'Donald's Vanity Tantrums')
A new dance craze is sweeping the nation called, The Goose-Step, Two-step March. This invigorating new exercise is easy to learn! First, link arms on the dance floor. As you move backward in line, turn your head to the right and lift your left leg straight up as high as it will go. Then step forward as you turn your head to the left and lift your right leg straight up in the air.
It's very similar to square dancing or line dancing. Soon the dance floor will be filled with goose-steppers. Forward, backward, round and round. If you step out of line, you are tagged, the caller detains you, interrogates you, strip searches you, and sends you off to detainment camps for disloyalty.
This new dance craze is not to be confused with serious charges of criminal activity. By the time the youngins reach the age of reason, they will be quick to form into lines upon request for impromptu Goose-Step, Two-Step Marches and other forms of family entertainment.
(Sorry, my dark humor comes out in times like these.)
In poor taste
Yeah, I’m getting a bit tired of Katz’s nonsense too. I’m surprised he feels at home here.
yeah, none of is as clever as we think we are...except maybe me
I’m going to be nice to you and hope you have a wonderful week. The sun will soon arise.
I suspect he's so prolific on other people's Substacks because no one is reading his. (Corollary: And the reason no one is reading his Substack is because he's so prolific on other people's.)
I guess that’s what they said when the Jewish comics ridiculed Hitler.
Bill, the United States of America is not Nazi Germany, and it’s our job to keep it that way. What you are calling your “dark humor “ undermines our people who are trying to stay in the fight. We need you in it with us. Please be a voice for courage.
Did you see "Springtime for Hitler in Germany" or Fawlty Tower episodes, just to name a few. There have always been satirists who have used humor to expose the dark realities in our lives. I understand you might not like Bill's "dark humor" but for you to tell him "we need you in it with us" sounds like he isn't already and you will only accept a certain kind of person in your group. I find that disturbing.
Maybe this just is not the forum to indulge in that.
What's disturbing is not being able to tell someone they have crossed a line for the mood of the moment. Here you run into it. Fawlty Towers you tune in or not, knowing what you are getting.
I have spent a lifetime wondering what, if any, stand up comedy Hitler and his regime allowed. I think we are finding out in real time. Only those that do not in any manner, including yours, question the political ideological status quo. Silencing times…
What a rationale w re Jewish comics & Hitler. Jews did it so okay, they were allowed. Disgusting from a Jew yet Katz. Some comics are so desperate that they will pull their pants down in front of an audience to get attention. But more comparable to Trump who will do anything for attention and outrage.
With apologies to Bill Katz for using his post as an example, this is what we all need to be doing - calling out things that offend our norms, rather than just ignoring them and playing "go along to get along". We're already seeing too much of that from our elected officials.
Yes....it's poor taste. Could there be any truthful description of current affairs that is tasteful?
It’s closer to “dark truth” and it’s what we will see. Are seeing. Columbus Ohio in Dec saw it.
Thank you for this humorous anti-Nazi piece, as appropriate as it is in the Tramp era and with the Muskrat giving the Nazi salute. Ignore the weak minded self-righteous naysayers replying here. Maybe for their loyal denial they'll get a private room in one of Tramp's camps, and then, but only then, will they grow a pair. Have a blessed day!
Keep it to yourself…. . Not funny….
I have used humor and satire and parody all my life and I’m not about to stop now. Have a sparkling day.
Okay then when you are roundly criticized for bad taste and not being humorous you get to take it. No one is saying humor satire parody is forbidden. And it has not been.
And you’re welcome to read my book the piece is from the book.
What do you use for kitty litter?
You could opt to step aside and let those among us who do understand and appreciate it enjoy it withhold comment.
HyeUp…Enjoy something in poor taste or offensive here as I read the comments OR step aside so you can enjoy? That is my choice? Not to say so? You could opt to enjoy this guy’s humor where he peddles it. Eh?
The Muskrat is already teaching them the proper salute.
Go sing your crappy songs somewhere else, Bill.
Is your name Joyce Vance? I didn’t think so.
Apparently your “humor” comes with pique.
See,the 9/24 Substack Inc Terms of Use (TOU).
PS: It is a contact that binds all of us.
I think the most important forms of satire are visual and performative, as in political cartoons and comedy like SNL. And laughter is powerfully corrosive to fascism, in whatever form. So maybe a reel would have been more effective than a screed?
What a stupid disgusting post. Yet again invoking the name of 6 Million dead jews as part of your political temper tantrum is disgraceful.
There is NO Nazi state. Its a Democracy yesterday and tomorrow.
You just look like a baby and sore loser.
There was no Nazi state in Germany before Adolf Hitler became chancellor and began very rapidly and effectively dismantling the rights of citizens with illegal decrees, imprisoning “dissenters” without legal justification, shutting down newspapers.
Trump’s firing of 18 Inspectors General is in violation of federal law. It is illegal. It’s legality is not “murky,” as NBC news described it..
I think it would be constructive to study some history and try to understand what Project 2025’s and Trump’s objectives are. I am pretty sure that pissing matches do not help us increase our understandings of what is playing out before our very eyes. Of course, divisiveness and acrimony among us- the people- are very effective tools to distract us from the illegal and unconstitutional parade of actions by Trump and company.
January 6 Was an armed, violent attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. That IS an insurrection, by definition.
There is no verified, corroborated evidence of election fraud. Only the repeated shouts of the loser of that election, and those that choose hyperbole, bombast and name-calling over truth, evidence and FACTs - real facts, not”alternative” ones.
Use common sense and evidence and obey the constitution and laws of the land, before believing the proven lies of a man who does not honor the law, the U.S. Constitution, our Allies, or anything other than money and power, and who persecutes those who do. It is not murky.
If you want to be a Real American, focus on Truth, Justice, and equal rights for all.
.Trump does not honor Truth, does not honor Justice, or you and me. constitution, and he does not honor you or me.
And you look like the asshole troll you are.
More of the impressive deep thinking…..
YOU ARE A LOSER. You lost. You lost. You lost.
Grow a pair and get over your temper tantrum.
Hysterical again are you asshole? And a fool besides. The election doesn't change that. Want me to write that again slower for you? Try not to move your lips and do get the updated troll handbook. Or is it a translation thing for you morons?
YOU LOST. You are a loser.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/3b710Jbz9b8 🐈⬛
Well, back in the Sixties the youth was moved by outrage … the question now is have they become normalized to MAGA insanity?
I was one of those 60s people. And I too have been asking recently where are all the young people? I’m wondering if perhaps they became very discouraged because every time there was a school shooting they were very active and strong, but nothing ever came of it.
Unfortunately, they don't learn anything about Civics or History or Geography or Current Events beyond the early 1960s...at least until the 11th grade. For the most part, they learn nothing about the Korean War, the Great Society, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the breakup of the USSR, etc. or anything global that has occurred in the past 50+ years. They probably couldn't tell you where half the countries in the world are located, what NATO or SEATO is...By the time the schools get around to teaching these courses, kids couldn't care less. They're completely invested in social media, reality TV, video games, and anything that will get them through school with the least amount of effort on their part. And the saddest thing is that their parents often are powerless to do anything about it.
they're on the phone
Yes! Never thought of that—good one!
How about the effect on everyone under about 60 who has no semi-adult memory of what the U.S., and the U.S. government, were like before the onset of the Reagan administration? As to the effect on "our youth," let's take a lesson from the youth of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s who took on Jim Crow, misogyny, and the Vietnam War, among other things, against often horrific odds -- and not without support from adults, especially adults of color.
🎯
Some of our youth will be graduating from high school and be of voting age which gives men such as Governor DeSantis plenty of time to shape their minds in his "school choice" program.
We are living in perilous times
My high school-aged grandson listens to a lot of youtube videos. This week he listened to one on various types of political beliefs like libertarianism, socialism, democracy-something like 25 or more. His World History class is currently on Stalin and totalitarianism. He listens to Legal Eagle. We have discussions. He's going to be all right.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has written a book "suitable" for 14 year olds titled "True Gretch" which is out tomorrow. 1/28/25.
Humorous but unflinching account of her ordeals, true grit.
A few decades ago the youth of our nation faced a divided country that was waging an unjustified war against another country, far away, and drafting them to participate and die in that war.
Not that this isn't as bad, but those young men and women developed strength to oppose their government.
Speaking of Florida, From Meidastouch: … Trump-loving Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent out a panicked, urgent letter to Homeland Security urgently begging them not to deport Cuban, Venezuelan, and Nicaraguan migrants in her district because many of them may have legitimate asylum claims. I guess she believed Trump when he said he was only going to deport “the criminals.”
Tens of thousands of them were sponsorded by legal residents. Their legal status was voided Jan 21. Most of the kids here in Baghdad By the Sea have already been brainwashed....they mostly think that they are "anti-communist freedom fighters."
Talk to them. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!! ENCOURAGE them to talk FREELY!! NO HOLDING BACK their feelings and thoughts!!Tell your elected politicians at every level hoe they are damaging and frightening these children since they have little voice UNLESS, they UNITE and SPEAK OUT!!
Yes, Michael Moon. And attacking, removing, propagandizing so much of their education as is being done is not going to help. Shatters my heart.
I wish Kamala Harris had won. I am a nurse working for a PACE program. It's a Program for All inclusive Care for the Elderly It helps keep the elderly in their own homes with support. Kamala Harris was wanting to expand that to Medicare where currently it is only available to Medicaid people.
Some were asking questions like "Where do we get the money for that?" Keeping the elderly in their own homes with a nurse visit once a week and some housekeeping support is actually cheaper than nursing home care. Now I have to worry that the Trump administration is going to cut Medicaid and PACE programs too.
Canada has already found that out. Meals delivered to home, someone to cut grass, house cleaner, health aid, all provided to you so you can stay home.
Right? Some people it wouldn't work for, a bedbound person for example but there is a lot that do meet the criteria so they can stay in their home.
Same in the UK.
It’s so logical and cheaper and does t reward big nursing homes who must’ve joined the funding of his campaign.
I've also thought about this. Home is the best place for the elderly if they and their families are able. I saw some terrible care in nursing homes. Most are for profit, and I think they'll do away with staffing mandates as well.
That's certainly a valid concern. I hope he doesn't.
You are so right.
This f**king puppet is not my president! Thanks Joyce for summarizing what’s ahead
I'm with you Kathi.
Yes, Fairness and justice for all grounded in the rule of law. AND
• A livable planet
• Good affordable health care for all.
• Food & shelter for all.
• Respect & equality for all
• Reproductive freedom for all
• Piece democracy back together
• Allowed to read banned books
• Quality science & arts-based education for all children.
I feel I pay enough taxes for this. Yet we have billionaires heading up a DOGE department who clearly want to get more in government "incentives". I'm a nurse. I'm tired of ordinary people paying that man's tax bill.
Excellent Lynn …I will copy this if you don’t mind.
We Americans are out of Trumps equation… he’s been brainwashed already..he’s been promised money and power…hopefully the 49% that voted for him will wake up.
Thank you Kelsey, I would be honored if you copy this. Please add what I have forgotten, for surely this short list is attainable if we keep asking questions like: How will the action you are proposing lead to high quality health care for everyone. (example)
That's what I voted for but 77 million voted for Trump and republic rhetoric.
Sounds like my idea of heaven, Lynn!
If everyone did their share this is the country we could have. It is when things get lopsided that energy drains away.
Trump keeps flooding the zone with all his BS, but we have a great team of “engineers” on our side to counteract his stuff. We have to keep the faith that the law will prevail and Trump will lose.
All Trump's nominees are an operational threat. Russell Vought as Director of OMB is a systemic threat. The co-author of Project 2025 and amplifier of 'the unitary executive' will use unconstitutional impoundment to freeze funds appropriated by Congress and thus overturn the legislative process and the entire regulatory apparatus. It is Vought who will join the Roberts court in setting up an absolute sovereign who will exercise absolute, arbitrary, and unaccountable power. In listening to Vought in the Senate hearing, I felt as though I were with Hannah Arendt listening to Adolf Eichmann. The ultimate 'yes man'. Intent only on the logistics for the final solution to representative democratic government, without a thought to the harm.
You echo and amplify my thoughts. I've been asking myself why Vought's nomination isn't garnering more angst and outrage. I mean, seriously, folks
Precisely, Lin!!
I'm afraid faith is going to be as effective as "thoughts and prayers."
Joyce, I am so grateful that we have you and others to clarify what is going on with all things concerning don-old and his maga cult. I am worried about this week with lower cased bob and Patel. Two of the most unqualified people for these positions. IMO I wish the Democratic Senators and Representatives were a bit more outspoken. It almost feels like if it weren’t for the attorneys filing suits, we’d be on our own. The first week was rough and I think it will remain that way. It’s like whack-a-mole.
It has been like we are getting hit over and over. ICE was out today here in Florida rounding up people in Miami. We need to stay united and strong. Tell the truth loud and clear and NEVER obey in advance.
Monica, I agree! Where the hell is the outrage on the Hill??? No, I do not want to hear about “working together”. I want the Ds to fight to the end for every tiny bit of our
agenda, and loudly renounce this fascist party in power as well as scaredy-cat members
of Congress who wet their pants every time Trump speaks.
Ha, French Revolution anyone???!
Please do not speak of Congress as monolithic, when it is in fact closely split between Democrats who push back and Republicans who bow down.
Ah,I believe the Democrats have been uninspiring, to say the very least.
Get in front of Fox, MSM and print media daily and fight!!!!
Me too!
I kept my Kamala pin too. Yes, we need the courts more than ever now. Thank you, Joyce, for all you do!
I did too, Sally. I am wearing my cat ladies for Kamala t shirt now
I wear my Biden Pom Pom Hat every day
We have Kamala bumper stickers on all our cars and will not remove them.
To hell with the nasty pick up trucks with Trump flags still flying, which are
common here in the Alabama of Maryland.
I want to move to Italy, pick olives, eat incredible food and forget this nation.
Not reality but a dream!
You need to pick another country. Italy’s leader is ultra-right.
I saw one recently on a car parked at a house in southern Arizona. Remember, we are everywhere and we're not giving up.
I have a great one I got in 2016 that says “Trump lies”. I war it with some Syracuse Cultural Workers buttons. We’ll see if a white haired older citizen is attacked.
I have white hair, too, so I say this in solidarity: My plan, if attacked, is to move into a public space and yell like hell, hoping someone takes a video and posts it where there are lots more eyes. We'll see how 'proud' the PBs feel then.
Thanks for that. I have lost much of my voice to long COVID so I hope I can scream if attacked. When I worked for NARAL in the '80s and we lobbied on the Hill in January each year, I was once surrounded by a group of screaming anti-choice people who harassed me. No white hair then and far more mobility, I chose to be polite and speak calmly. Now, I am in greater fear. AND I won't stop wearing the buttons I wear.
Certain GOP Senators are shocked, shocked that trump refused to follow the law regarding removing Inspectors General. Really how can anyone be shocked about trump committing illegal acts.? How ???
Hitler would be so proud of Donald.
Und Elon uber alles
Argh, I feel lost without the barf emoji! So: BARF!!!!
made me LOL !
Write and call your Senators to ask they back the IGs Dump has fired.
Every word he speaks is a lie. Every action designed to destroy our Republic.
"We’ll pay close attention to the face-off between Trump and the IGs this week, because ultimately, this is about more than the IG positions themselves. It’s about whether Trump will get away with open and early defiance of the law. Congress should act immediately to back up the IGs. There is a recently formed bipartisan Inspector General Caucus in the Senate. If they really intend to support the IG’s independence and, not coincidentally, the rule of law, the time is now." Yes - the time is NOW to counter the unlawful actions of the "one-day" dictator!
A Doctor, who is doing research in a Hospital is concerned about the "pausing" NIH Research Grants.
A government employee wonders where he will sit when he can no longer work from home. The Government terminated leases or sold properties during the Pandemic; so there is not space for everyone. He is also worried about being reclassified and than being terminated. ( This might be Trump's solution for the lack of Office space).
A recent female Graduate from the Navel Academy and is now a Marine Officer. She does not know what her role will be now.
We can only hope that when more people are hurt from Trump's inhumanities and injustices, whether they are immigrants, minorities, or jut plain family members like mine, there will be a peaceful reckoning
Well maybe Hegseth will create a "comfort women brigade" so that female members of our military can be sexual servants?
Hegseth seems, like Trump, to view women primarily as sex toys.
Thanks, America.
Hegseth, like Trump, is an insecure male who takes the lowest common denominators for 'masculinity' as some kind of Holy Grail. Grrr.
Hi Michael, this has never happened in our nation. I don’t think we are now in a democracy that works. My family have been Marines and Navy since day one of our nation, but Union Army during our Civil War.
I hate to speculate, but I do not see anyone refusing the Commander in Chief’s orders.
It is in their DNA to obey command orders, and of course they need their jobs.
And it is this that will indicate whether we have a democracy now. So many of the German military officers who eventually tried to assassinate Hitler, had family money and position. Not so with most of our armed forces.
Civilians, government and others, fighting Trump is probable.
However, I seriously do not think it will be through peaceful means…..
We’re in this together” rings true now more than ever. As Trump’s failures inevitably affect working families—like his handling of past crises—Democrats must be ready with bold ideas: fair wages, affordable healthcare, and job creation. Leadership grounded in justice and real solutions will resonate. Let’s stay focused and ready to lead.
Here's hoping we survive the Avian Bird Flu pandemic to do so.
One week down, 207 to go.
The Supreme Court has given him so much liberty to break the law without repercussion. Nothing is going to change. He will wreak havoc until someone wakes up and says enough. I don’t see that happening any time soon.
No, this has been the plan all along, and each little victory they get emboldens them for the coup de grace, which is no more elections and a dead constitution as a quaint relic in a museum.
Right on. You might usefully think of the 'push a little and see what happens' tactic as the kind of grooming pedophiles and date rapists to to test the waters before they 'go all the way.' Let's call a spade a spade and RESIST.
You are not looking in the right places. Check out Marc Elias' Democracy Docket.
This moment reminds me of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” My understanding was that it challenged the then colonist to be brave, and courageous in difficult circumstances. Courage is certainly needed-take heart only 2 out of 10 Americans approves. They’re a loud backlash coming.
Oh,I so hope so!
It seems to me very clear that by firing the IGs with no notice, Trump is issuing a direct challenge to the US Senate.
It's a test -- if Congress does nothing, Trump will be emboldened to keep pushing.
Congress must unequivocably exercise its role in our country's system of checks and balances, or DJT will succeed in his attempts to usurp the powers of Congress and of the judicial system. ~