What continues to be very hard for me to accept is: all the actions which you list (accurately) as "legal" have been put in motion by a man, our current President, who - if the law had been able to proceed unfettered - holds his office illegally: he should have been disqualified from ever holding public office again years ago! This sticks in my throat like a bone.
Thank you for all your insights and speaking engagements to explain the insane amount of craziness that is happening. Interesting story about the Titanic: it’s a story of corporate malfeasance. The ship was supposed to be built using steel. The company used iron instead, because it’s cheaper, but iron turns brittle in cold temperatures. There you have it. Thank you for working so hard to save our country.
From my point of view up in Canada, I think there's a more insidious game being played here. I'm more inclined toward the view expressed by Masha Gessen, a Russian/American author and journalist, who postulates the real possibility is Trump would really like to sit down with Putin, Chi and a few other autocrats to redraw the world map. Too much of what Trump says tends to be disgarded as "his usual trolling, doesn't really mean anything, can't take him seriously". I believe he has dreams and ambitions (however far-fetched they may be) far beyond what we're giving him credit for and dismissing these as the whimsical ramblings of a wanna-be king. I think it's time to take him more seriously and look at the long-term; what he's currently doing and how it will influence his vision over the coming years. We still have NO record of ANYTHING he and Putin have discussed one-on-one over the past 8 years.
Asha: I wrote an article on the importance of and need to emphasize adherence to public oaths, which are too often little more than perfunctory administrative exercises - Raise your right hand and repeat after me. The article was printed in the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin a couple of years ago. Never in our lifetime has the importance of that oath become so important and how it must win out in these unusually unique times of personal loyalty outdoing our Constitutional commitment - especially for police and military. How else can reason and the courts prevail if pushed aside for a politically personal agenda?
Thank you, Asha! I really appreciate this. I'm so tired of hearing Dems and others debate whether or not we have officially crossed the line. It's refreshing to have someone with a platform come out and say, "Who cares?" Truly, all we have to do is look at what has been done in a few short weeks, and in sum, this is the coup, this is fascism trying to rise up in our beloved country.
Strangely, and maybe I've missed it, I have heard no one remind the public that the authors of 2025 actually said that it will be "a bloodless coup, if the left allows it" (or something to that effect).
Doesn't have to be bloody, but I'm hopeful that with the outrage being demonstrated in townhalls, etc., that most Americans understand what is happening, and we will NOT allow it! So many of us come from families that proudly served our country. The two knuckleheads (Trump and Musk) are nothing but bloated big-talkers who care nothing about patriotism or service. All they know is how to wreck things, and they're doing great at that . . . and it's up to us to stop them.
Here's something concrete and potentially effective that people can do:
Work to bring about the impeachment of the President and Vice President, as well as the removal and replacement of the Speaker of the House. This is the only way to end their attacks on our Republic. All the protests and lawsuits are necessary, but to stop the next outrage and the one after that, we need to attack the source.
Right now Democrats think Impeachment is not possible because in order to convict, the cooperation of a small number of Republicans is necessary. But do not assume that this is impossible. Do Not Surrender In Advance.
Not all Republican legislators are MAGA. They're all politicians, and when pressure rises they react. Voters in red states are feeling the effects too -- perhaps even more, since they receive more federal benefits.
We need to begin the work of persuading Congress to impeach as soon as possible. To learn more details about this please see the latest posts from FeathersOfHope.net :
Fantastic panel participants for each! I'll jump right to the "What can you do?" Well, I'm not rolling over and dying, and neither is a large portion of this country, I suspect. Adam Kinzinger was interviewed by Tim Miller on "The Bulwark", and he discussed how we need to frame our movement as a pro-Democracy movement and not get caught up in political factions / special interests. We need to focus on the macro and work together against this oligarchy. Notice how Trump seems so feeble himself, and is more of a popular puppet in a nightmare version of Seasme Street aimed at giving grown-ups night terrors. The real villains are unquestionably the billionaires lurking in the shadows. I never forget Robert Mercer and his role in the first disaster, and he and other silent partners whom you would never recognize on TV or in the street (well, they travel by helicopter and discrete armored SUVs) are pulling strings. My thought is this: PROTESTORS FOR OUR SIDE FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY MUST CARRY US FLAGS. We are the true Americans, not some capitalists raping and pillaging our country. (I didn't forget the caps lock...I need to make the emphasis!) There are protests constantly, and I encourage anyone who can to participate. But be wise and wear a mask. Pretty sad state of affairs, but when Kash and Karry Patel is appointed director of the FBI, you can't take any chances. If we are not careful, we will have "Trumped" up charges (literally) against anyone who does not follow our dear [puppet] leader. And yep, Asha gives excellent advice regarding meditation. We need to realize we can only control what is within our control, and the best place to start is our mind. It's an oasis that no one can invade, though Elon is hoping to do so with his gee whiz tech. Myself, I have become very in tune with my feelings, so I can read myself, and know when to disengage from situations, especially ones that are a fool's errand. And allow myself space from the news and the "news" (aka Ministry of Truth) I found comments recently made by both the Supreme Puppet, and the Minister of Truth spokesperson / little girl with the old man husband who is incapable of serving a glass of water to either Jen Psaki or Karine Jean-Pierre. Both were arrogantly anticipating a win by the US hockey team participating in the Four Nations Hockey challenge with the final game against Canada. Despite the tiresome attempted "taunts" of Governor Trudeau and "the 51st State", Canada won, and ON OUR HOME TURF (Boston). It was poetic justice in one respect, but I am sure the US team will agree that the Canadians played fairly. We're in this together, folks. Stand tall and proud, and never give up!
I like the idea of a decent subset of protestors carrying US flags. We are upholding the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Those rights are inalienable, clearly stated by the founders.
Thank you, Susan. That really is important to me. Why? Because the rightwingers wrap themselves in the flag like a kevlar shield. I just saw a photo of Nazis protesting in Boston Common, all holding American flags. Are you kidding me??? I STRONGLY believe that we need to take back the flag. It belongs to us and they cannot hijack for their evil purposes. I repeatedly think of my Grandparents and other elders of that generation. They had had a profound influence on me, and they didn't do their part in the War effort to let these thieves and losers steal OUR country. I shake my head at how Nazism can possibly have gained traction, except through Putin's meddling / computer warfare. Many of us in the "resistance" feel ashamed to wave the flag because of Trump, but no, its more important push back against their phoney patriotism.
Hi Asha - re your "what can you do" comments: thank you for your self-help tips, but honestly I don't care how I feel. I feel like I feel because I live during a time when with each day our union is becoming dramatically less perfect. I've left voice mails with my Democrat senators and representative, and I stand ready to gather with others in the street, but WHAT ELSE? Seriously, what the hell else can I do?
thank you for your work. I was reminded, once again, of Harry Reicher, who wrote:
"First, law is inherently neutral. Used with wisdom and compassion, it can accomplish the greatest good. But if a legal system falls into the wrong hands, it can become the instrument of the greatest barbarities." https://forward.com/opinion/2830/the-day-evil-became-the-rule-of-law/
One ongoing worry is whether pro-democracy protests are getting outside of our very valuable but limited spaces. Brent Giannotta, in his February 22 "We’re Thinking About Constitutional Crises All Wrong (Sleeping Giant) noted: "If neither Congress nor the courts will save us, how can we fight back? Americans are not skilled at protesting and have less experience standing up to dictators than any people on Earth. Not since the 1780s have we been forced to apply our creativity and ingenuity to a revolutionary effort."... "This year, there have been large, impassioned protests against Trump and Musk’s usurpation of government power, but they’ve had no effect because they’ve struggled to occupy national broadcasts. Newly pro-Trump media magnates suppress their coverage, and balanced outlets are drowning in other Trump stories to cover. In their press conference, neither Trump nor Musk were asked how they felt about the protests, nor commented on them." This is chilling--To what extent is this accurate? If accurate, how can national news outlets be pressured to shine light on citizen protest?
What continues to be very hard for me to accept is: all the actions which you list (accurately) as "legal" have been put in motion by a man, our current President, who - if the law had been able to proceed unfettered - holds his office illegally: he should have been disqualified from ever holding public office again years ago! This sticks in my throat like a bone.
Yes, that's one of the failsafes that did not operate as it should have.
Thank you, Asha. Hangin’ tough is our new motto. It sounds as though you have been extremely busy saving the republic. Stay strong.
Thank you, Katharine!
Thank you for all your insights and speaking engagements to explain the insane amount of craziness that is happening. Interesting story about the Titanic: it’s a story of corporate malfeasance. The ship was supposed to be built using steel. The company used iron instead, because it’s cheaper, but iron turns brittle in cold temperatures. There you have it. Thank you for working so hard to save our country.
From my point of view up in Canada, I think there's a more insidious game being played here. I'm more inclined toward the view expressed by Masha Gessen, a Russian/American author and journalist, who postulates the real possibility is Trump would really like to sit down with Putin, Chi and a few other autocrats to redraw the world map. Too much of what Trump says tends to be disgarded as "his usual trolling, doesn't really mean anything, can't take him seriously". I believe he has dreams and ambitions (however far-fetched they may be) far beyond what we're giving him credit for and dismissing these as the whimsical ramblings of a wanna-be king. I think it's time to take him more seriously and look at the long-term; what he's currently doing and how it will influence his vision over the coming years. We still have NO record of ANYTHING he and Putin have discussed one-on-one over the past 8 years.
I agree, and stopping the Felon here and now will stop him then as well. We do have to keep our eyes on Muskrat too.
Carving up the world among the dictatorial powers appears to be exactly what the techbros in particular have planned.
Asha: I wrote an article on the importance of and need to emphasize adherence to public oaths, which are too often little more than perfunctory administrative exercises - Raise your right hand and repeat after me. The article was printed in the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin a couple of years ago. Never in our lifetime has the importance of that oath become so important and how it must win out in these unusually unique times of personal loyalty outdoing our Constitutional commitment - especially for police and military. How else can reason and the courts prevail if pushed aside for a politically personal agenda?
Thank you, Asha! I really appreciate this. I'm so tired of hearing Dems and others debate whether or not we have officially crossed the line. It's refreshing to have someone with a platform come out and say, "Who cares?" Truly, all we have to do is look at what has been done in a few short weeks, and in sum, this is the coup, this is fascism trying to rise up in our beloved country.
Strangely, and maybe I've missed it, I have heard no one remind the public that the authors of 2025 actually said that it will be "a bloodless coup, if the left allows it" (or something to that effect).
Doesn't have to be bloody, but I'm hopeful that with the outrage being demonstrated in townhalls, etc., that most Americans understand what is happening, and we will NOT allow it! So many of us come from families that proudly served our country. The two knuckleheads (Trump and Musk) are nothing but bloated big-talkers who care nothing about patriotism or service. All they know is how to wreck things, and they're doing great at that . . . and it's up to us to stop them.
Thanks for all you do! Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you Asha! This is all so helpful. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for being a sound rational voice during this craziness, Asha!
And, silencing the mind for a period of time during the day is one way to nurture and care for yourself.
I really enjoy listening to the two of you. Thank you for your time and energy!
How is a quid pro quo in the Adams case legal? The attorneys who resigned didn’t seem to think so.
Enjoy the conference in DC. I was planning to attend but a health issue popped up. Please let us know what you learned in a post or office hours.
Here's something concrete and potentially effective that people can do:
Work to bring about the impeachment of the President and Vice President, as well as the removal and replacement of the Speaker of the House. This is the only way to end their attacks on our Republic. All the protests and lawsuits are necessary, but to stop the next outrage and the one after that, we need to attack the source.
Right now Democrats think Impeachment is not possible because in order to convict, the cooperation of a small number of Republicans is necessary. But do not assume that this is impossible. Do Not Surrender In Advance.
Not all Republican legislators are MAGA. They're all politicians, and when pressure rises they react. Voters in red states are feeling the effects too -- perhaps even more, since they receive more federal benefits.
We need to begin the work of persuading Congress to impeach as soon as possible. To learn more details about this please see the latest posts from FeathersOfHope.net :
Feb. 12, https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/to-stop-the-coup-impeach-the-traitor
Feb. 18, https://jerryweiss.substack.com/p/impeachment-is-imperative
.
Fantastic panel participants for each! I'll jump right to the "What can you do?" Well, I'm not rolling over and dying, and neither is a large portion of this country, I suspect. Adam Kinzinger was interviewed by Tim Miller on "The Bulwark", and he discussed how we need to frame our movement as a pro-Democracy movement and not get caught up in political factions / special interests. We need to focus on the macro and work together against this oligarchy. Notice how Trump seems so feeble himself, and is more of a popular puppet in a nightmare version of Seasme Street aimed at giving grown-ups night terrors. The real villains are unquestionably the billionaires lurking in the shadows. I never forget Robert Mercer and his role in the first disaster, and he and other silent partners whom you would never recognize on TV or in the street (well, they travel by helicopter and discrete armored SUVs) are pulling strings. My thought is this: PROTESTORS FOR OUR SIDE FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY MUST CARRY US FLAGS. We are the true Americans, not some capitalists raping and pillaging our country. (I didn't forget the caps lock...I need to make the emphasis!) There are protests constantly, and I encourage anyone who can to participate. But be wise and wear a mask. Pretty sad state of affairs, but when Kash and Karry Patel is appointed director of the FBI, you can't take any chances. If we are not careful, we will have "Trumped" up charges (literally) against anyone who does not follow our dear [puppet] leader. And yep, Asha gives excellent advice regarding meditation. We need to realize we can only control what is within our control, and the best place to start is our mind. It's an oasis that no one can invade, though Elon is hoping to do so with his gee whiz tech. Myself, I have become very in tune with my feelings, so I can read myself, and know when to disengage from situations, especially ones that are a fool's errand. And allow myself space from the news and the "news" (aka Ministry of Truth) I found comments recently made by both the Supreme Puppet, and the Minister of Truth spokesperson / little girl with the old man husband who is incapable of serving a glass of water to either Jen Psaki or Karine Jean-Pierre. Both were arrogantly anticipating a win by the US hockey team participating in the Four Nations Hockey challenge with the final game against Canada. Despite the tiresome attempted "taunts" of Governor Trudeau and "the 51st State", Canada won, and ON OUR HOME TURF (Boston). It was poetic justice in one respect, but I am sure the US team will agree that the Canadians played fairly. We're in this together, folks. Stand tall and proud, and never give up!
I like the idea of a decent subset of protestors carrying US flags. We are upholding the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Those rights are inalienable, clearly stated by the founders.
Thank you, Susan. That really is important to me. Why? Because the rightwingers wrap themselves in the flag like a kevlar shield. I just saw a photo of Nazis protesting in Boston Common, all holding American flags. Are you kidding me??? I STRONGLY believe that we need to take back the flag. It belongs to us and they cannot hijack for their evil purposes. I repeatedly think of my Grandparents and other elders of that generation. They had had a profound influence on me, and they didn't do their part in the War effort to let these thieves and losers steal OUR country. I shake my head at how Nazism can possibly have gained traction, except through Putin's meddling / computer warfare. Many of us in the "resistance" feel ashamed to wave the flag because of Trump, but no, its more important push back against their phoney patriotism.
Hi Asha - re your "what can you do" comments: thank you for your self-help tips, but honestly I don't care how I feel. I feel like I feel because I live during a time when with each day our union is becoming dramatically less perfect. I've left voice mails with my Democrat senators and representative, and I stand ready to gather with others in the street, but WHAT ELSE? Seriously, what the hell else can I do?
thank you for your work. I was reminded, once again, of Harry Reicher, who wrote:
"First, law is inherently neutral. Used with wisdom and compassion, it can accomplish the greatest good. But if a legal system falls into the wrong hands, it can become the instrument of the greatest barbarities." https://forward.com/opinion/2830/the-day-evil-became-the-rule-of-law/
One ongoing worry is whether pro-democracy protests are getting outside of our very valuable but limited spaces. Brent Giannotta, in his February 22 "We’re Thinking About Constitutional Crises All Wrong (Sleeping Giant) noted: "If neither Congress nor the courts will save us, how can we fight back? Americans are not skilled at protesting and have less experience standing up to dictators than any people on Earth. Not since the 1780s have we been forced to apply our creativity and ingenuity to a revolutionary effort."... "This year, there have been large, impassioned protests against Trump and Musk’s usurpation of government power, but they’ve had no effect because they’ve struggled to occupy national broadcasts. Newly pro-Trump media magnates suppress their coverage, and balanced outlets are drowning in other Trump stories to cover. In their press conference, neither Trump nor Musk were asked how they felt about the protests, nor commented on them." This is chilling--To what extent is this accurate? If accurate, how can national news outlets be pressured to shine light on citizen protest?