It doesn’t make me doubt the majority of people in the US and what they stand for, it makes me doubt the systems that are supposed to have failsafes preventing them from being taken over so easily.
I don't doubt the systems that are supposed to have failsafe's built in. I doubt the integrity of the people who are there to enact them.
Our system of checks & balances is probably the best in the world IF people of integrity occupy positions of authority in the various government agencies are at the helm. Install loyalists to a serial criminal who occupies the top position, i.e. the presidency, and we get what we are living through right now.
This has been a heartbreaking, infuriating week. In spite of EOs not being law, the people and institutions jumping to comply or even interpret (ICE)is staggering. Use Twitter for Social Security business? Media announces these things as if they’re simply the latest edict instead of knocking Trump and Musk (i can’t with this guy. He’s a no one, one person wrecking lives, government. How?). I am horrified at the number of people who seem to want an impoverished, wasted, isolated, stupid police state. This is America?
It’s so important to keep conversation coming about these terrible happenings. Maybe people who voted for Trump will hear eventually. Many keep their ears away from all this because it’s too horrible to believe. When it finally hits personally, the social fabric we have had will be so torn up we will be a Hitler like society then will they understand???
Several of my high school classmates are FB “friends” and MAGA fans, and I can tell you, their brains and emotional makeup are different from mine. Their biggest agreed-upon stance is “he was elected and we should respect him.” I might venture to say that what they have in common is either no trauma or minimization of same. So with regard to “then they will understand,” I’d say, don’t hold your breath. 😢
Definitely not. One of them is now very concerned about “name-calling,” although she had a habit of re-posting lots of derogatory memes about Joe. Crazy blinders.
I don't understand why we should be expected to respect a president who doesn't respect his oath, the rule of law, the outcome of an election that he lost, our veterans, women, or any number of marginalized groups of people, or anyone who disagrees with him. There are myriad reasons he does not deserve our respect. Their justifying him being deserving of respect simply because he was elected does not stand to reason.
I spent over 40 years of my life in the Army and then in federal civilian service defending the constitution “against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. I took that oath seriously. There are days lately when I feel absolutely overwhelmed with grief and despair at what seems to be the complete destruction of everything I ever believed in and fought for. But my oath had no expiration date, and even though I am old now, I will march and I will call and I will write until my last breath to carry out my promise to America.
You don’t just fight the fights you can win, you fight the ones that need to be fought.
Thank you for your life of service! I am thinking we need to make signs or jewelry or something that people can have in their workspaces that proclaim their support for the Constitution. What do you think?
It’s a tempting idea. But honestly, I think a real patriot is one who doesn’t have to advertise it. Almost no one who is truly (name some attribute) cares or needs to advertise. The truly brilliant do not brag about how smart they are, the truly brave do not tell stories of their courage, the truly powerful do not frequently advertise their power, true Christians have no need to constantly bleat about their religion.
Part of what is repugnant about maga world is that they place more value in the representation of a quality than they do in the quality itself. They believe the flag must be revered, for example, but not what the flag stands for. They believe the Bible is holy, but not the principles it teaches. They believe banning books and words will destroy the ideas contained in them. They pay lip service to “our veterans”, but when it comes to allocating money to fulfill America’s promise to vets, they recoil.
I, too, have often thought there should be some way to identify true believers in the American ideal, but when I think more about it I realize anyone can wear a lapel pin or bit of ribbon, but not everyone can live lives that daily demonstrate their commitment to the promise that is America.
Couldn’t agree more, Mad Potter. I've always thought the same thing. I follow pagan beliefs, but when I was asked to attend Pagan Pride Day, my answer was that I was secure in my beliefs and saw no need to proclaim them in a public display.
If our democracy survives this self serving, corrupt and cruel regime, I am hopeful that in a little less than four years, we will have our America back.
The likelihood of a fair election is vanishing. The Senate has shown no responsibility for representing their constituents’ interests, and I think the SAVE act will pass. This will disenfranchise enough voters to make future elections a parody of democracy. Our only defense is in our collective opposition, millions of voices on repeat to demonstrate our power, which is all this regime understands.
That question, "Whose America is this anyway?," has been front and center since before the founding of the republic. Those who seek to be included in that "who" have had to fight hard for it, and those who want to Make America White (and Male) Again have never stopped trying to push them back.
Too many of us weren't paying enough attention as democracy was eroded in many Republican states, or as the Supreme Court was packed with the far-righties who gave us the Citizens United decision (2010). Some of us apparently thought we were in a "post-racial" era after Obama was elected -- until the Tea Party splashed well-funded racism in our faces.
Can we rebuild and restore our aspiring democracy after the wrecking crew has gone home, assuming they do go home? I don't know, but I hope so. Without hope we're nowhere.
Oh, I doubt the sanity of many of our fellow citizens right now. I have always been a “we are better than this”, kind of person. I no longer feel that way. For so many people to put aside their common sense and support someone so crass and selfish and hateful and dishonest, is behind my mind’s comprehension. So I protest and spread truth as often as I can…bc deep down, I so want to believe that we still are better than this….
What is destroying this country may not be repairable. Most of us want the authoritarian regime to be gone. But, like the proverbial cracked egg, we can’t stop it from being scrambled. Some judges are pushing for the rule of law but Trump ignores them. The so-called Republican Party does not exist, except as the whatever-you-want-sir stamp. I hold these truths to be self evident- that all humans are created equal, endowed by their creator to certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The jury of the people are now in deliberations. The issue is the evangelical Christian nationalists have accomplished their goal of gaining power in all three branches of government. The jury is close to a verdict, I believe, as I witness the actions of our fellow citizens responding negatively to the regime’s chaos. The trump flags are few these days in fear of retaliation; the chaos has finally hit the maga financially. The power is still in the hands of the people. The jury will deliver the verdict and our Democratic Republic will survive.
I see the destruction of basic foundations that have taken decades to develop to move us forward as a safe and healthy country. I see the complacency of too many in congress whose obligation is to protect and provide for their electorate. I see us eventually returning to some normalcy but not before countless lives have been disrupted, displaced and destroyed. I see hard times ahead for all patriots.
Steven I have to believe that America is still ours, and that our better angels will prevail. Sadly, I also believe it won’t happen before a lot of heartbreak and pain for many. The fight won’t be easy, but people are energized, and you and others on these platforms keep the hope going.
This summer, on June 14th, the United States Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary, with a birthday festival, on the National Mall, in Washington DC. The Army event has been in the planning stages for about two years, and will include exhibits, activities and displays of various military equipment, including armoured vehicles, helicopters and Humbees. The stated purpose is to inspire pride in Americans for both their Army and their country, which is commendable.
June 14th also happens to be the 79th birthday of President Trump. During the past week, conflicting reports have been circulating that Trump’s representatives have reached out to the Army, about including a military parade in the celebrations. The proposed four-mile route would begin at the Pentagon and conclude at the White House.
Administration officials deny that a parade has been scheduled, but Politico has reported confirmations from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and the chair of Virginia’s Arlington County Board Takis Karantonis, stating that preliminary discussions for a military parade have taken place.
At an estimated cost of nearly $100 Million, a parade will be an extremely expensive grandstanding stunt by Trump, especially given the recent slashing of budgets and personnel at the Veterans’ Administration, and virtually every other government department.
Trump floated the idea of a “big beautiful” parade, to showcase America’s military might during his first term, after attending France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2017. His idea was criticized by military leaders, Republicans and Democrats, as being an exorbitant and gaudy display of power, akin to parades by authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Trump eventually conceded and blamed the military for trying to gouge him on costs, as one of his reasons.
While the huge price tag of Trump’s birthday parade is reason enough to forego this ego-stroking undertaking, the fact that many American’s believe an authoritarian coup is currently underway, is an even more compelling reason. In 2017, the US Military was controlled by politically independent, responsible and qualified commanders, but 2025 is an entirely different scenario, considering the recent purges of experienced officers deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump.
Since the Senate’s ill-advised confirmation of Pete Hegseth as the nation’s 29th secretary of defense, the Pentagon has undergone a dramatic restructuring. Trump’s Executive Order eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and his personal distaste for having talented professionals advise his actions, led to the firing of Joint chiefs of Staff chair General Charles Brown, Jr. and Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife. Trump also fired Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Admiral Linda Fagan, of the U.S. Coast Guard. Both Trump and Hegseth have blamed DEI and “wokeness” for undermining the militaries capabilities.
On February 10th, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Our Service Academies have been infiltrated by Woke Leftist Ideologues over the last four years. I have ordered the immediate dismissal of The Board of Visitors for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.” These advisory boards review academies for morale, discipline and curriculum, among other oversights.
Trump has appointed a slew of his most loyal sycophants to the vacated positions, including disgraced felon Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon’s daughter Maureen, former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and Trump’s co-indicted body man Walt Nauta.
In what some call an indication that the military may be called upon to take illegal actions, Hegseth fired the top Army, Navy and Air Force lawyers, of judges advocates general (JAGs). These lawyers essential roles include advising the military on the laws of armed conflict and monitoring misconduct. Hegseth referred to them as “Jagoffs” in his 2024 book The War on Warriors, lamenting their oversight as hampering combat operations.
What could possibly go wrong during a vanity-inspired birthday celebration, by a psychopathic wanna-be dictator, who has assembled a massive parade of military personnel and equipment on the streets of the nations capital?
This is an excellent, cogent summary of the extent of the dismantling of the American military, replacing qualified and patriotic people with cardboard cutouts. Attached to the plan for a Trumpian parade, it is chilling.
Please submit as an op ed to some widely-read publication! I think the New Republic would be receptive.
Congress left funding unresolved for Washington D.C. which now must contemplate over $1Billion in budget cuts. Every time he wants something he uses his magic faucet.
There is a profound tension between institutional decline and civic awakening.
Systems are both faltering and resetting. While people have grown anxious, disconnected from news cycles, they simultaneously harbor a desire for meaningful action against the current power structure represented by Musk and Trump.
Our democratic failsafes, like underused muscles, have weakened through neglect. Yet we're witnessing a reawakening as political engagement resurges after years of complacency from the Democratic establishment. As dissent finds its voice, new protective mechanisms for democracy will emerge organically to meet the moment. Note the rise of grassroots groups--still in the process of adapting on the go.
This systemic weakening began when leadership failed to acknowledge eroding public trust in government. Institutional critics were marginalized by party structures and political strategists.
The testing of our systems didn't begin recently—the erosion of trust accelerated during Reagan's questioning of the government's role, and continues today without the counterbalance of powerful journalistic voices like Edward R. Murrow's.
The path forward requires courage across sectors: political leadership from both parties must take principled stands, while figures in media, law, and academia need to form coalitions that strengthen democratic foundations.
I agree,Maureen….but what a terrible lesson we had to learn about the power of our vote! The fact that so many people could not be bothered to get up and get to the polls to exercise their right to vote will gall me for a long time!
It doesn’t make me doubt the majority of people in the US and what they stand for, it makes me doubt the systems that are supposed to have failsafes preventing them from being taken over so easily.
America is for we, the people! Democrats must elevate more diverse women and people of color. They will save our democracy and lead us to a progressive future: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/women-will-save-our-democracy
I don't doubt the systems that are supposed to have failsafe's built in. I doubt the integrity of the people who are there to enact them.
Our system of checks & balances is probably the best in the world IF people of integrity occupy positions of authority in the various government agencies are at the helm. Install loyalists to a serial criminal who occupies the top position, i.e. the presidency, and we get what we are living through right now.
Excellent answer, Laura! Succinctly and accurately said.
This has been a heartbreaking, infuriating week. In spite of EOs not being law, the people and institutions jumping to comply or even interpret (ICE)is staggering. Use Twitter for Social Security business? Media announces these things as if they’re simply the latest edict instead of knocking Trump and Musk (i can’t with this guy. He’s a no one, one person wrecking lives, government. How?). I am horrified at the number of people who seem to want an impoverished, wasted, isolated, stupid police state. This is America?
It’s so important to keep conversation coming about these terrible happenings. Maybe people who voted for Trump will hear eventually. Many keep their ears away from all this because it’s too horrible to believe. When it finally hits personally, the social fabric we have had will be so torn up we will be a Hitler like society then will they understand???
Several of my high school classmates are FB “friends” and MAGA fans, and I can tell you, their brains and emotional makeup are different from mine. Their biggest agreed-upon stance is “he was elected and we should respect him.” I might venture to say that what they have in common is either no trauma or minimization of same. So with regard to “then they will understand,” I’d say, don’t hold your breath. 😢
Did they say "He was elected and we should respect him" when Barack Obama or Joe Biden was president? Asking for a bunch of friends . . .
Definitely not. One of them is now very concerned about “name-calling,” although she had a habit of re-posting lots of derogatory memes about Joe. Crazy blinders.
Same situation here with school mates on FB. So fed up with the evil algorithm there anyway, am about to sign off of it for good very soon…
I don't understand why we should be expected to respect a president who doesn't respect his oath, the rule of law, the outcome of an election that he lost, our veterans, women, or any number of marginalized groups of people, or anyone who disagrees with him. There are myriad reasons he does not deserve our respect. Their justifying him being deserving of respect simply because he was elected does not stand to reason.
I spent over 40 years of my life in the Army and then in federal civilian service defending the constitution “against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. I took that oath seriously. There are days lately when I feel absolutely overwhelmed with grief and despair at what seems to be the complete destruction of everything I ever believed in and fought for. But my oath had no expiration date, and even though I am old now, I will march and I will call and I will write until my last breath to carry out my promise to America.
You don’t just fight the fights you can win, you fight the ones that need to be fought.
Thank you.
Thank you for your life of service! I am thinking we need to make signs or jewelry or something that people can have in their workspaces that proclaim their support for the Constitution. What do you think?
It’s a tempting idea. But honestly, I think a real patriot is one who doesn’t have to advertise it. Almost no one who is truly (name some attribute) cares or needs to advertise. The truly brilliant do not brag about how smart they are, the truly brave do not tell stories of their courage, the truly powerful do not frequently advertise their power, true Christians have no need to constantly bleat about their religion.
Part of what is repugnant about maga world is that they place more value in the representation of a quality than they do in the quality itself. They believe the flag must be revered, for example, but not what the flag stands for. They believe the Bible is holy, but not the principles it teaches. They believe banning books and words will destroy the ideas contained in them. They pay lip service to “our veterans”, but when it comes to allocating money to fulfill America’s promise to vets, they recoil.
I, too, have often thought there should be some way to identify true believers in the American ideal, but when I think more about it I realize anyone can wear a lapel pin or bit of ribbon, but not everyone can live lives that daily demonstrate their commitment to the promise that is America.
I completely understand and agree, but I didn't mean to suggest the display as bragging. I was thinking of it being a reminder.
Couldn’t agree more, Mad Potter. I've always thought the same thing. I follow pagan beliefs, but when I was asked to attend Pagan Pride Day, my answer was that I was secure in my beliefs and saw no need to proclaim them in a public display.
Extremely well said!
Thank you for your service and your continued dedication to our democracy. It is admirable and appreciated.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Fake Barbie looks ridiculous! 🤦♀️
She is ridiculous.
Oh she surely does
If our democracy survives this self serving, corrupt and cruel regime, I am hopeful that in a little less than four years, we will have our America back.
The likelihood of a fair election is vanishing. The Senate has shown no responsibility for representing their constituents’ interests, and I think the SAVE act will pass. This will disenfranchise enough voters to make future elections a parody of democracy. Our only defense is in our collective opposition, millions of voices on repeat to demonstrate our power, which is all this regime understands.
That would be a time to block it coming to the floor of the Senate. If Democrats stand firm, there are not 60 Senate votes to advance it.
We need to support Vote Riders. They help people register and vote. https://www.voteriders.org/
That question, "Whose America is this anyway?," has been front and center since before the founding of the republic. Those who seek to be included in that "who" have had to fight hard for it, and those who want to Make America White (and Male) Again have never stopped trying to push them back.
Too many of us weren't paying enough attention as democracy was eroded in many Republican states, or as the Supreme Court was packed with the far-righties who gave us the Citizens United decision (2010). Some of us apparently thought we were in a "post-racial" era after Obama was elected -- until the Tea Party splashed well-funded racism in our faces.
Can we rebuild and restore our aspiring democracy after the wrecking crew has gone home, assuming they do go home? I don't know, but I hope so. Without hope we're nowhere.
Oh, I doubt the sanity of many of our fellow citizens right now. I have always been a “we are better than this”, kind of person. I no longer feel that way. For so many people to put aside their common sense and support someone so crass and selfish and hateful and dishonest, is behind my mind’s comprehension. So I protest and spread truth as often as I can…bc deep down, I so want to believe that we still are better than this….
Definitely NOT MINE!
What is destroying this country may not be repairable. Most of us want the authoritarian regime to be gone. But, like the proverbial cracked egg, we can’t stop it from being scrambled. Some judges are pushing for the rule of law but Trump ignores them. The so-called Republican Party does not exist, except as the whatever-you-want-sir stamp. I hold these truths to be self evident- that all humans are created equal, endowed by their creator to certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Here's some hope: the law firm that defended Dominion is suing Trump. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5245854-trump-susman-godfrey-executive-order/
Thank you for posting the link. The law firms that are standing up to Trump give me hope.
All the more reason to support ACLU!
Yes!
We need to embrace hope wherever we can find it. 😀
I made an Easter gift to Democracy Forward, which is pursuing various legal actions in defense of democracy.
Yaaaay!!
The jury of the people are now in deliberations. The issue is the evangelical Christian nationalists have accomplished their goal of gaining power in all three branches of government. The jury is close to a verdict, I believe, as I witness the actions of our fellow citizens responding negatively to the regime’s chaos. The trump flags are few these days in fear of retaliation; the chaos has finally hit the maga financially. The power is still in the hands of the people. The jury will deliver the verdict and our Democratic Republic will survive.
I wish I shared your confidence.
I'm still trying to figure out how she managed to govern Dakota while Tarting it up for the camera like the press secretary kkkaroline Leavitt.
Bet that agent was feeling pretty nervous...
Kkkaroline is genious. Our very own Eva Braun
I see the destruction of basic foundations that have taken decades to develop to move us forward as a safe and healthy country. I see the complacency of too many in congress whose obligation is to protect and provide for their electorate. I see us eventually returning to some normalcy but not before countless lives have been disrupted, displaced and destroyed. I see hard times ahead for all patriots.
So afraid you’re right, Eve!
Steven I have to believe that America is still ours, and that our better angels will prevail. Sadly, I also believe it won’t happen before a lot of heartbreak and pain for many. The fight won’t be easy, but people are energized, and you and others on these platforms keep the hope going.
I too am pulling for our better angels!
Thank you Rachel we need to stand together!
TRUMP WANTS TO CRASH THE PARTY
ARMY TO SHARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS?
This summer, on June 14th, the United States Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary, with a birthday festival, on the National Mall, in Washington DC. The Army event has been in the planning stages for about two years, and will include exhibits, activities and displays of various military equipment, including armoured vehicles, helicopters and Humbees. The stated purpose is to inspire pride in Americans for both their Army and their country, which is commendable.
June 14th also happens to be the 79th birthday of President Trump. During the past week, conflicting reports have been circulating that Trump’s representatives have reached out to the Army, about including a military parade in the celebrations. The proposed four-mile route would begin at the Pentagon and conclude at the White House.
Administration officials deny that a parade has been scheduled, but Politico has reported confirmations from Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and the chair of Virginia’s Arlington County Board Takis Karantonis, stating that preliminary discussions for a military parade have taken place.
At an estimated cost of nearly $100 Million, a parade will be an extremely expensive grandstanding stunt by Trump, especially given the recent slashing of budgets and personnel at the Veterans’ Administration, and virtually every other government department.
Trump floated the idea of a “big beautiful” parade, to showcase America’s military might during his first term, after attending France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2017. His idea was criticized by military leaders, Republicans and Democrats, as being an exorbitant and gaudy display of power, akin to parades by authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Trump eventually conceded and blamed the military for trying to gouge him on costs, as one of his reasons.
While the huge price tag of Trump’s birthday parade is reason enough to forego this ego-stroking undertaking, the fact that many American’s believe an authoritarian coup is currently underway, is an even more compelling reason. In 2017, the US Military was controlled by politically independent, responsible and qualified commanders, but 2025 is an entirely different scenario, considering the recent purges of experienced officers deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump.
Since the Senate’s ill-advised confirmation of Pete Hegseth as the nation’s 29th secretary of defense, the Pentagon has undergone a dramatic restructuring. Trump’s Executive Order eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and his personal distaste for having talented professionals advise his actions, led to the firing of Joint chiefs of Staff chair General Charles Brown, Jr. and Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife. Trump also fired Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Admiral Linda Fagan, of the U.S. Coast Guard. Both Trump and Hegseth have blamed DEI and “wokeness” for undermining the militaries capabilities.
On February 10th, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Our Service Academies have been infiltrated by Woke Leftist Ideologues over the last four years. I have ordered the immediate dismissal of The Board of Visitors for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.” These advisory boards review academies for morale, discipline and curriculum, among other oversights.
Trump has appointed a slew of his most loyal sycophants to the vacated positions, including disgraced felon Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon’s daughter Maureen, former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and Trump’s co-indicted body man Walt Nauta.
In what some call an indication that the military may be called upon to take illegal actions, Hegseth fired the top Army, Navy and Air Force lawyers, of judges advocates general (JAGs). These lawyers essential roles include advising the military on the laws of armed conflict and monitoring misconduct. Hegseth referred to them as “Jagoffs” in his 2024 book The War on Warriors, lamenting their oversight as hampering combat operations.
What could possibly go wrong during a vanity-inspired birthday celebration, by a psychopathic wanna-be dictator, who has assembled a massive parade of military personnel and equipment on the streets of the nations capital?
This is an excellent, cogent summary of the extent of the dismantling of the American military, replacing qualified and patriotic people with cardboard cutouts. Attached to the plan for a Trumpian parade, it is chilling.
Please submit as an op ed to some widely-read publication! I think the New Republic would be receptive.
Thank you Jill. My Substack is free if you are interested.
I will subscribe! Here is mine, also free:
https://jill699.substack.com
Congress left funding unresolved for Washington D.C. which now must contemplate over $1Billion in budget cuts. Every time he wants something he uses his magic faucet.
There is a profound tension between institutional decline and civic awakening.
Systems are both faltering and resetting. While people have grown anxious, disconnected from news cycles, they simultaneously harbor a desire for meaningful action against the current power structure represented by Musk and Trump.
Our democratic failsafes, like underused muscles, have weakened through neglect. Yet we're witnessing a reawakening as political engagement resurges after years of complacency from the Democratic establishment. As dissent finds its voice, new protective mechanisms for democracy will emerge organically to meet the moment. Note the rise of grassroots groups--still in the process of adapting on the go.
This systemic weakening began when leadership failed to acknowledge eroding public trust in government. Institutional critics were marginalized by party structures and political strategists.
The testing of our systems didn't begin recently—the erosion of trust accelerated during Reagan's questioning of the government's role, and continues today without the counterbalance of powerful journalistic voices like Edward R. Murrow's.
The path forward requires courage across sectors: political leadership from both parties must take principled stands, while figures in media, law, and academia need to form coalitions that strengthen democratic foundations.
Well said, Ralph.
This has got to be a temporary national insanity. We’ve got to fight back, take the reins and cement our guardrails.
I agree,Maureen….but what a terrible lesson we had to learn about the power of our vote! The fact that so many people could not be bothered to get up and get to the polls to exercise their right to vote will gall me for a long time!