In his first week, the newly inaugurated president proved (once again) that he rejects our laws, values and principles. It's a mistake for Democrats to try and work with him.
As always a beautifully passionate writing that encourages us to stay focused on the dignity that is needed to solve this abuse. We must stay strong even though we are fearful that we could be killed fighting this fight. We only lose if we quit. We cannot stop fighting for our future. Thank you Steve
"try to work with him/them?" that's like trying to get a 2 yo to stop screaming or share their toys or go to bed... but we know the 2 yo will "grow out of this phase" Money is all this administration responds to . It's not even "quid pro quo" it's just gimme gimme gimme for them because money gives them power or so they think for now...my Italian blood is starting to boil I better stop writing or I will lay down a curse on all of them.
Indeed, Paul Weiss capitulated … and faces scorn and a raiding of their client list. Trump, aided by his minions selected for loyalty and comfort with corruption, uses the blunt force of threatened lawsuits supported by government treasure. Unbeatable. And of course, the very definition of government waste.
Please do…and make it a powerful. I am hanging a voodoo doll of the monster up over my Texas Two Step VOTE for Barack Obama Poster. Will poke pins into it every time I pass this. Otherwise, all we have is the unrelenting advance of Father Time ….unless these Italian curses work, of course.
Thank you, as always, Stephen! You fully deserve a week to decompress, and don't worry, you've given us more than enough inspiration and spirit to carry us through for the next few days. Just as an example, my husband and I were at a mock Town Hall yesterday, since our Republican Congress person will not meet with his constituents. The hall was packed, and when asked if people had done any kind of protest before, only a few had. This indicates that the times are indeed "changin'" -- reaching way beyond the ranks of stalwart protesters. This week I will be protesting at a rally in support of Ukraine, writing/calling my absent Rep., going to an NAACP workshop on networking and organizing, taking part in a postcard writing session at the local Democratic Headquarters and gearing up for the next BIG protest on April 5th. And that's just me. I imagine others are doing similar things. It's snowballing. Thank you for helping us stay strong and focused.
Yes, protests, activism and rallies are gaining momentum. Hiding from constituents hasn’t worked. Just last week in Kentucky —
Almost 1,000 people showed up for a Democracy gathering (‘mock’ town hall) in Lexington KY (Congressman Andy Barr’s district) which was co-sponsored by the local League of Women Voters. Others protested outside one of his speaking engagements at the Chamber of Commerce. 3 rallies, in Louisville, KY with a thousand or so at each. My favorite for the week is the protesters in Paducah wearing chicken suits while demanding Rep. James Comer hold town halls.
All gearing up for April 5th when a variety of organizations are set to coordinate activities across the country.
Steven, yesterday I sent this message to the president of Columbia University. (Have a great time off!!)
Dear Dr. Armstrong,
It saddens me to see a great school like Columbia capitulate to a bully like Donald Trump. Our universities should be bastions of freedom that set examples of independent thought, justice, and democracy for the entire world. In giving in to this small man's ridiculous threats you have diminished not only the status of Columbia, but our entire country. Caving to a bully never satisfies him; it only makes him demand more. Please stand your ground whatever happens. Doing so is the only way we will preserve our democracy and keep the light of freedom burning in the United States.
Steven, It must be tough for serious and intelligent folks like yourself. The commentaries you and many of your peers prepare for posting contain much of what you feel, know and believe yourselves and evoke similar feelings in your readers. They in turn develop comments reflecting those feelings and redirect them back to you. I believe (without a “shingle”) you can’t help but absorb this “crowd mentality.” Then add them to your own which must become burdensome after a time. Remember back to your own sage advice from earlier in this ongoing debacle, “hold your self apart don’t let it get to you!” I had a friend from before who was an Pediatric Oncology Nurse who literally “crashed and burned” because she couldn’t keep her job and her life separate! She cared too much! Hang in there Brother…we need you!
It is chilling to re-read The Order of the Day (Eric Vuillard) as I’m re- reading your essay. Some of us can see where collaboration is taking us. How do we get our neighbors to notice?
Thank you Steven. It’s “We are a nation of laws”, not (as Trump’s Justice department sees it), “We are a nation of laws that we like”. The courts are our levee, and we want to believe that it cannot be overtopped. Once criminal contempt charges are filed in any of the cases blocking administration actions, that’s when we’ll find out if the floodwaters are going to overtop the levee
Thank you for your writing today, Steven! And thanks also for reposting your essay from the administration's first weeks. We are doing our best to raise our voices while staying centered. More and more, I am hearing folks speak up with us....We appreciate having all of our heroes on Substack, too!
Absolutely Steven. I refuse. I refuse by my love for this Earth and all that is done to destroy the protection of her environment, I refuse by my love for my children and my grandee, and I refuse because I love my human family. I just refuse till I die.
Thank you thank you Steven, 💕🌿 we shall get though this.
And please Everyone, read Andy Borowitz whose daily newsletter is hilarious 🫠
Spot on, Steven. Trying to collaborate and cooperate with such a terrible waste of skin like him and his evil minions will not end well. He has proven repeatedly that he is an inveterate liar, backstabber, cheat, crook, a vindictive infant, a morally bankrupt libertine, a user, a complete disaster for anyone who he has manipulated and then discarded. Ask Rudy Colludy and any of his idiot lawyers who were disbarred. NO capitulation, NO collaboration, only resistance!
Steven, your words are a call to every American who believes in the "laws, values and principles" which are the foundation of our Democracy, to take a stand. It is no longer what may happen, the destruction is what's happening! This is our time to find the will and courage, to fight back while we still can.
As you point out the regime's intentions and actions are clear, they are purposely dismantling and disabling the basic functions of our government. They are replacing our constitutional democracy created by "we the people", with one man, who will have the power to control everything, while enriching himself and those who praise and are loyal to him. We the people are no longer part of the plan, our roll will be to comply and praise the leader. The blood and tears of those who created and fought for the principles of our Democracy for nearly 250 years, will have been for nothing. We cannot let it end this way. Press On Regardless, we are not alone.
You are right-this turn to authoritarianism is a direct rejection of the sacrifices of all who have served, fought, and died for America. We cannot let this go on.
I will always remember the emotion while standing in the American cemetery at Normandy France. These Americans gave their lives for the freedom and Democratic ideals this country has fought for here and around the world for nearly 250 years.
I'm a new subscriber but have always enjoyed your shared opinions on PBS Newshour. I've been putting off subscribing to this Substack for too long.
As one of many NYU Steinhardt videographers I was lucky enough to have the late Representative John Lewis in my viewfinder back in the Spring 2016. We have to take heed to his favorite saying, "GET IN GOOD TROUBLE!". We have to stand together and strong against this oppression. Get ready for April 5th a DAY OF ACTION. Mass demonstrations, rallies, marches. To get involved go to: Indivisible.org or fiftyfiftyone/events
Donald Trump took an oath to uphold the Constitution … then broke it immediately. What happened to the doctrine of laches? Why doesn’t every defense against his indefensible actions begin with, “A man who broke his Constitutional oath cannot expect others to follow illegal orders”?
In these times, opposition requires more than resistance from federal officials, political parties and current advocacy groups. We already have examples across federal, state, and local levels with organic groups sprouting up and public pressure driving accountability. Today's challenges demand actions by state elected officials, candidates, and citizens to preserve democratic institutions.
As always a beautifully passionate writing that encourages us to stay focused on the dignity that is needed to solve this abuse. We must stay strong even though we are fearful that we could be killed fighting this fight. We only lose if we quit. We cannot stop fighting for our future. Thank you Steve
Thank you, Patricia.
Or, at least…go down fighting.
"try to work with him/them?" that's like trying to get a 2 yo to stop screaming or share their toys or go to bed... but we know the 2 yo will "grow out of this phase" Money is all this administration responds to . It's not even "quid pro quo" it's just gimme gimme gimme for them because money gives them power or so they think for now...my Italian blood is starting to boil I better stop writing or I will lay down a curse on all of them.
Ginger…Go for it!…maybe a good Italian Curse may help. No one else seems to have anything to offer!!!
My lips are sealed
Indeed, Paul Weiss capitulated … and faces scorn and a raiding of their client list. Trump, aided by his minions selected for loyalty and comfort with corruption, uses the blunt force of threatened lawsuits supported by government treasure. Unbeatable. And of course, the very definition of government waste.
Please do…and make it a powerful. I am hanging a voodoo doll of the monster up over my Texas Two Step VOTE for Barack Obama Poster. Will poke pins into it every time I pass this. Otherwise, all we have is the unrelenting advance of Father Time ….unless these Italian curses work, of course.
I have been planning to make a voodoo doll of him. I have some very sharp, very long pins that will be perfect for it.
I ordered one from Etsy..it arrives today. PINS READY!
Thank you, as always, Stephen! You fully deserve a week to decompress, and don't worry, you've given us more than enough inspiration and spirit to carry us through for the next few days. Just as an example, my husband and I were at a mock Town Hall yesterday, since our Republican Congress person will not meet with his constituents. The hall was packed, and when asked if people had done any kind of protest before, only a few had. This indicates that the times are indeed "changin'" -- reaching way beyond the ranks of stalwart protesters. This week I will be protesting at a rally in support of Ukraine, writing/calling my absent Rep., going to an NAACP workshop on networking and organizing, taking part in a postcard writing session at the local Democratic Headquarters and gearing up for the next BIG protest on April 5th. And that's just me. I imagine others are doing similar things. It's snowballing. Thank you for helping us stay strong and focused.
Yes, protests, activism and rallies are gaining momentum. Hiding from constituents hasn’t worked. Just last week in Kentucky —
Almost 1,000 people showed up for a Democracy gathering (‘mock’ town hall) in Lexington KY (Congressman Andy Barr’s district) which was co-sponsored by the local League of Women Voters. Others protested outside one of his speaking engagements at the Chamber of Commerce. 3 rallies, in Louisville, KY with a thousand or so at each. My favorite for the week is the protesters in Paducah wearing chicken suits while demanding Rep. James Comer hold town halls.
All gearing up for April 5th when a variety of organizations are set to coordinate activities across the country.
We had two people in large yellow chicken costumes at our event, and a life-sized cardboard statue of our absent Rep. 😊
So sorry I misspelled your name, Steven!
No worries. And thanks for your thoughtful note.
Steven, yesterday I sent this message to the president of Columbia University. (Have a great time off!!)
Dear Dr. Armstrong,
It saddens me to see a great school like Columbia capitulate to a bully like Donald Trump. Our universities should be bastions of freedom that set examples of independent thought, justice, and democracy for the entire world. In giving in to this small man's ridiculous threats you have diminished not only the status of Columbia, but our entire country. Caving to a bully never satisfies him; it only makes him demand more. Please stand your ground whatever happens. Doing so is the only way we will preserve our democracy and keep the light of freedom burning in the United States.
Thank you.
Steven, It must be tough for serious and intelligent folks like yourself. The commentaries you and many of your peers prepare for posting contain much of what you feel, know and believe yourselves and evoke similar feelings in your readers. They in turn develop comments reflecting those feelings and redirect them back to you. I believe (without a “shingle”) you can’t help but absorb this “crowd mentality.” Then add them to your own which must become burdensome after a time. Remember back to your own sage advice from earlier in this ongoing debacle, “hold your self apart don’t let it get to you!” I had a friend from before who was an Pediatric Oncology Nurse who literally “crashed and burned” because she couldn’t keep her job and her life separate! She cared too much! Hang in there Brother…we need you!
Thank you kindly, Bob.
It is chilling to re-read The Order of the Day (Eric Vuillard) as I’m re- reading your essay. Some of us can see where collaboration is taking us. How do we get our neighbors to notice?
Thank you Steven. It’s “We are a nation of laws”, not (as Trump’s Justice department sees it), “We are a nation of laws that we like”. The courts are our levee, and we want to believe that it cannot be overtopped. Once criminal contempt charges are filed in any of the cases blocking administration actions, that’s when we’ll find out if the floodwaters are going to overtop the levee
Thank you for your writing today, Steven! And thanks also for reposting your essay from the administration's first weeks. We are doing our best to raise our voices while staying centered. More and more, I am hearing folks speak up with us....We appreciate having all of our heroes on Substack, too!
Absolutely Steven. I refuse. I refuse by my love for this Earth and all that is done to destroy the protection of her environment, I refuse by my love for my children and my grandee, and I refuse because I love my human family. I just refuse till I die.
Thank you thank you Steven, 💕🌿 we shall get though this.
And please Everyone, read Andy Borowitz whose daily newsletter is hilarious 🫠
Another excellent column, Steven. This should be our weekly reading assignment, a sign that where there’s knowledge there’s hope.
Spot on, Steven. Trying to collaborate and cooperate with such a terrible waste of skin like him and his evil minions will not end well. He has proven repeatedly that he is an inveterate liar, backstabber, cheat, crook, a vindictive infant, a morally bankrupt libertine, a user, a complete disaster for anyone who he has manipulated and then discarded. Ask Rudy Colludy and any of his idiot lawyers who were disbarred. NO capitulation, NO collaboration, only resistance!
Steven, your words are a call to every American who believes in the "laws, values and principles" which are the foundation of our Democracy, to take a stand. It is no longer what may happen, the destruction is what's happening! This is our time to find the will and courage, to fight back while we still can.
As you point out the regime's intentions and actions are clear, they are purposely dismantling and disabling the basic functions of our government. They are replacing our constitutional democracy created by "we the people", with one man, who will have the power to control everything, while enriching himself and those who praise and are loyal to him. We the people are no longer part of the plan, our roll will be to comply and praise the leader. The blood and tears of those who created and fought for the principles of our Democracy for nearly 250 years, will have been for nothing. We cannot let it end this way. Press On Regardless, we are not alone.
You are right-this turn to authoritarianism is a direct rejection of the sacrifices of all who have served, fought, and died for America. We cannot let this go on.
I will always remember the emotion while standing in the American cemetery at Normandy France. These Americans gave their lives for the freedom and Democratic ideals this country has fought for here and around the world for nearly 250 years.
It would be like working with HITLER.
I'm a new subscriber but have always enjoyed your shared opinions on PBS Newshour. I've been putting off subscribing to this Substack for too long.
As one of many NYU Steinhardt videographers I was lucky enough to have the late Representative John Lewis in my viewfinder back in the Spring 2016. We have to take heed to his favorite saying, "GET IN GOOD TROUBLE!". We have to stand together and strong against this oppression. Get ready for April 5th a DAY OF ACTION. Mass demonstrations, rallies, marches. To get involved go to: Indivisible.org or fiftyfiftyone/events
You’re thinking of my brother on pbs, but thank you.
Donald Trump took an oath to uphold the Constitution … then broke it immediately. What happened to the doctrine of laches? Why doesn’t every defense against his indefensible actions begin with, “A man who broke his Constitutional oath cannot expect others to follow illegal orders”?
Steven's column motivated me to share my concerns with current narrow approaches. https://ralphrosenberg.substack.com/p/protecting-american-democracy-will?r=9e9e3
In these times, opposition requires more than resistance from federal officials, political parties and current advocacy groups. We already have examples across federal, state, and local levels with organic groups sprouting up and public pressure driving accountability. Today's challenges demand actions by state elected officials, candidates, and citizens to preserve democratic institutions.