Steven, I too am inspired by Gov. Pritzker and his strength of character. But I wonder why we hear nothing from our former presidents. What’s your theory on why it’s crickets from Biden, Obama and Clinton?
I read a quote from someone last week attributed to Napoleon: "When the enemy is making mistakes, don't interrupt him." And I think this is maybe what Biden, Obama and Clinton are doing right now.
One voice will not stop this demented man. He would likely use it as fuel for more lies. For example, he saw the poles released yesterday and said, "my ratings are over 70% and never been higher", and "it's not my economy for a year... it's Biden's fault". I believe the tide is turning and building strength. We need to stay focused and together, our voices are growing louder every day. You know he's listening because the lies are louder and more unbelievable.
I think it was when he was on MSNBC. Regardless, it must be a message he wanted to get out. Interesting that it coincided with the polling showing approval rating for all the chaos falling in all major polls.
(GOP probably will nix town halls in their districts after video coming out of GA.)
I have no respect for Bush. He has never said anything about trump, even after the insurrection, did not endorse Harris, and my guess he's either gutless or doesn't give a shit.
Thank you for your inspiring words. I like to think that Trump & his rabid supporters are not who America is,& that in the long run they will be soundly defeated.
Recent events are proving that many Americans don’t deserve the idea and ideals of America, as they have done so little to protect them, while actively preventing others from doing so.
Some Americans took America and its ideals for granted. Those who did are now awakening to the fact that freedom isn't free. We need to re-commit ourselves to American ideals EVERY day.
Yes, I think too many for too long put democracy on auto-pilot and viewed voting as their only responsibility. Way too many didn’t / don’t view anything including voting as a responsibility.
Thank you for inspiration. The majority of Americans have felt the blow by some larger than life corporation that could make or break our spirits. Fortunately, we rose up to a better place. Unfortunately, many of us are older, our congress members seem frightened for their survival, and our governmental agencies are under attack. I would suggest congress could buy their own food and travel. They could only be paid the actual days of work, no leave days. Personally, they should be paid the minimum wage of their state and pay their own health insurance. This is a reflection of how they feel of the people.
If all this isn’t enough to infuriate a person, that person doesn’t deserve to be called an American. I have now called every Republican Senator and let them know what I think of their gutlessness.
Thank you for governor Pritzker’s words, I hadn’t heard all that. Thank god a few people are speaking out. I hope Europe keeps all their intel to themselves; if they give anything to Tulsi it’ll end up in Putin’s PDB.
Powerfully said, Steven! Germany, Mexico, Canada all chose their leaders exponentially better than we did. So did Illinois. Governor Pritzker is a mensch!
I'm guessing there are Trumpist "no nothings" numbering near 40% of the voting population. That number is frightening, but not overwhelming. There are many disengaged folks out there, either too busy supporting themselves and/or their families, or just to confused by all the noise. They withdraw from the goings on of their nation. But this provides us with many people to wake up and join the opposition. But how do we wake up this sleeping giant?
Proud Canadian here. Thank you for acknowledging our friendship, and our resistance -- which is growing exponentially with each Trump insult. Our silver lining in all this is that we are uniting as a country in a way we haven't in a long time, and I think it's going to be enough to (narrowly) defeat the Conservatives in the upcoming Federal election. They were on track to win handily, but that has shifted as we have come together these past four weeks. So we are here, standing with the American Resistance, and we're not going anywhere. True North Strong and Free!!
I live in Missouri, less than 50 miles from the state line of Illinois. I would give anything to move to Illinois. But for reasons that involve my husband’s employment, it is not possible. Governor Pritzker’s words are inspiring at this crap time.
I love this country, too. I'm an old woman, but I will stand up for her. I appreciate your remarks and also appreciate Senator Blumenthal's support of Ukraine. There are so many powerful stories to learn from. Strong people are pushing back against the odious gasbag comments coming from the White House. Let's keep on pushing and can the coup!
I think that Democrats need to be screaming, and not just Jamie Raskin and AOC. They should go to Red districts and ask what the elected Republicans are doing. Andrew Clyde and Mike Collins represent the district containing the University of Georgia, which will lose millions of dollars in NIH and NSF funding. I write both sycophants daily and hear nothing. Do their constituents realize what research coming from UGA means? About bird flu? Sustainable crops? Emerging viruses? Clyde and Collins obviously don't. My town is having protests and will continue to do so. It's maddening.
Screaming people have been turning out at their representatives' appearances in their districts. I saw a report yesterday from Alaska and a report today from Georgia. Representatives, who must run for re-election every two years, and Senators with less than two years left in their terms are the most vulnerable to pressure. Democrats also need to be finding people to run in these districts.
I stand with you against the Nazi tyranny of Trump, Musk, Vance and their cabal of Nazi criminals. We have to stand against everything they do and cheer governments that stand against them. I cannot stand by my country when she is led by criminals intent on dictatorship and tyranny at home and abroad. We have become the greatest threat to liberty and freedom in the world.
Steve - Unfortunately, I do not think you are overreacting. But people, we need to keep taking action and not give up.
Here's what we can do - join Indivisible. It's a wonderful grass roots organization founded by 2 former congressional staffers - they know how Washington works. They plan to identify GOP Senators who are coming up for re-election. They've been complicit in breaking our democracy (with the occasional exceptions of Markowski & Collins). Soon we need to get out the vote for their Democratic challengers. Those of us in a Blue state can contact friends and relatives in Red or Purple states and get them involved. And we can donate money to the Dems running against these GOP traitors. We can send postcards to voters. (I don't phone bank - or text - because people no longer answer phone calls they don't recognize). Also, don't donate money willy-nilly to any Democrat running - use OATH (google Oath voting) to find where your dollars would make the most difference. OATH identifies candidates that have a good shot but are under-funded. Much of the money we've all donated over the years goes to waste. OATH analysts have figured out where your donations are most effective. So let's get ready for the midterms. Also, there's a Democrat running for Wisconsin Supreme Court , her name is Susan Crawford - and she needs our support.
Steven, I too am inspired by Gov. Pritzker and his strength of character. But I wonder why we hear nothing from our former presidents. What’s your theory on why it’s crickets from Biden, Obama and Clinton?
Hard to say, but may be they think better to let him hang hinself before getting into the fray.
I read a quote from someone last week attributed to Napoleon: "When the enemy is making mistakes, don't interrupt him." And I think this is maybe what Biden, Obama and Clinton are doing right now.
One voice will not stop this demented man. He would likely use it as fuel for more lies. For example, he saw the poles released yesterday and said, "my ratings are over 70% and never been higher", and "it's not my economy for a year... it's Biden's fault". I believe the tide is turning and building strength. We need to stay focused and together, our voices are growing louder every day. You know he's listening because the lies are louder and more unbelievable.
Perhaps consistent with James Carville’s theory!
I heard Carville say that.
I did too…When he appeared on the Jim Acosta show substack last week…right?
I think it was when he was on MSNBC. Regardless, it must be a message he wanted to get out. Interesting that it coincided with the polling showing approval rating for all the chaos falling in all major polls.
(GOP probably will nix town halls in their districts after video coming out of GA.)
I have no respect for Bush. He has never said anything about trump, even after the insurrection, did not endorse Harris, and my guess he's either gutless or doesn't give a shit.
Governor Pritzker and his words are what I am looking for at this time !
Thank you for your inspiring words. I like to think that Trump & his rabid supporters are not who America is,& that in the long run they will be soundly defeated.
Beautiful work. No words. Just tears and hope.
Recent events are proving that many Americans don’t deserve the idea and ideals of America, as they have done so little to protect them, while actively preventing others from doing so.
Some Americans took America and its ideals for granted. Those who did are now awakening to the fact that freedom isn't free. We need to re-commit ourselves to American ideals EVERY day.
Yes, I think too many for too long put democracy on auto-pilot and viewed voting as their only responsibility. Way too many didn’t / don’t view anything including voting as a responsibility.
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.” - Lincoln
Something I really don't like...your judgy tone, immediately following an inspiring essay.
Not judging at all. Just stating my point of view. Steve is always inspiring. Reality is suggesting that it’s not enough.
I stand corrected. I guess I read too much into it, reading through the tears, feeling so uplifted by Stephen's writing.
No offense taken. There are many tears to come as our resistance unfolds.
Thank you for inspiration. The majority of Americans have felt the blow by some larger than life corporation that could make or break our spirits. Fortunately, we rose up to a better place. Unfortunately, many of us are older, our congress members seem frightened for their survival, and our governmental agencies are under attack. I would suggest congress could buy their own food and travel. They could only be paid the actual days of work, no leave days. Personally, they should be paid the minimum wage of their state and pay their own health insurance. This is a reflection of how they feel of the people.
If all this isn’t enough to infuriate a person, that person doesn’t deserve to be called an American. I have now called every Republican Senator and let them know what I think of their gutlessness.
Thank you for governor Pritzker’s words, I hadn’t heard all that. Thank god a few people are speaking out. I hope Europe keeps all their intel to themselves; if they give anything to Tulsi it’ll end up in Putin’s PDB.
Powerfully said, Steven! Germany, Mexico, Canada all chose their leaders exponentially better than we did. So did Illinois. Governor Pritzker is a mensch!
I'm guessing there are Trumpist "no nothings" numbering near 40% of the voting population. That number is frightening, but not overwhelming. There are many disengaged folks out there, either too busy supporting themselves and/or their families, or just to confused by all the noise. They withdraw from the goings on of their nation. But this provides us with many people to wake up and join the opposition. But how do we wake up this sleeping giant?
Beautiful words Stephen. Thank you.
Proud Canadian here. Thank you for acknowledging our friendship, and our resistance -- which is growing exponentially with each Trump insult. Our silver lining in all this is that we are uniting as a country in a way we haven't in a long time, and I think it's going to be enough to (narrowly) defeat the Conservatives in the upcoming Federal election. They were on track to win handily, but that has shifted as we have come together these past four weeks. So we are here, standing with the American Resistance, and we're not going anywhere. True North Strong and Free!!
Thank you, Carol. Good to hear.
I live in Missouri, less than 50 miles from the state line of Illinois. I would give anything to move to Illinois. But for reasons that involve my husband’s employment, it is not possible. Governor Pritzker’s words are inspiring at this crap time.
I love this country, too. I'm an old woman, but I will stand up for her. I appreciate your remarks and also appreciate Senator Blumenthal's support of Ukraine. There are so many powerful stories to learn from. Strong people are pushing back against the odious gasbag comments coming from the White House. Let's keep on pushing and can the coup!
I think that Democrats need to be screaming, and not just Jamie Raskin and AOC. They should go to Red districts and ask what the elected Republicans are doing. Andrew Clyde and Mike Collins represent the district containing the University of Georgia, which will lose millions of dollars in NIH and NSF funding. I write both sycophants daily and hear nothing. Do their constituents realize what research coming from UGA means? About bird flu? Sustainable crops? Emerging viruses? Clyde and Collins obviously don't. My town is having protests and will continue to do so. It's maddening.
Screaming people have been turning out at their representatives' appearances in their districts. I saw a report yesterday from Alaska and a report today from Georgia. Representatives, who must run for re-election every two years, and Senators with less than two years left in their terms are the most vulnerable to pressure. Democrats also need to be finding people to run in these districts.
Steven,
I stand with you against the Nazi tyranny of Trump, Musk, Vance and their cabal of Nazi criminals. We have to stand against everything they do and cheer governments that stand against them. I cannot stand by my country when she is led by criminals intent on dictatorship and tyranny at home and abroad. We have become the greatest threat to liberty and freedom in the world.
Be safe and watch your six.
Steve Dundas
Thx, Steve.
Steve - Unfortunately, I do not think you are overreacting. But people, we need to keep taking action and not give up.
Here's what we can do - join Indivisible. It's a wonderful grass roots organization founded by 2 former congressional staffers - they know how Washington works. They plan to identify GOP Senators who are coming up for re-election. They've been complicit in breaking our democracy (with the occasional exceptions of Markowski & Collins). Soon we need to get out the vote for their Democratic challengers. Those of us in a Blue state can contact friends and relatives in Red or Purple states and get them involved. And we can donate money to the Dems running against these GOP traitors. We can send postcards to voters. (I don't phone bank - or text - because people no longer answer phone calls they don't recognize). Also, don't donate money willy-nilly to any Democrat running - use OATH (google Oath voting) to find where your dollars would make the most difference. OATH identifies candidates that have a good shot but are under-funded. Much of the money we've all donated over the years goes to waste. OATH analysts have figured out where your donations are most effective. So let's get ready for the midterms. Also, there's a Democrat running for Wisconsin Supreme Court , her name is Susan Crawford - and she needs our support.