This is awesome. Thanks. My only concern about the midterms is that the psychopath-in-chief is going to declare Martial Law and have ICE or someone at polling places making sure people vote Republican. Sounds absurd. But is it? With all the desperate, illegal crap he has tried???
I hate to quibble, but hyenas are smart. I also love animals (well maybe not hyenas). To me this evil clown is like The Joker - not the Cesar Romero portrayal from the TV series of the 60s but the Heath Ledger version - wreaking havoc and chaos just for the hell of it.
Donald Trump hates being a weak ,Loser, always have, always will.
Donald J. trump was Never told NO for anything until the last few weeks, If the Democrat s win in Nov, Trump will go stone, batshit crazy and I can't wait.
The question then would be, will he try to send some "nukes" out to get revenge on us, or just to start MORE international trouble? I think he's crazy enough to order the military to attack California!
Yes, we should be concerned about this, but I’m somewhat relieved that many groups now are working on solutions to every possible contingency. Kudos to these heroes, and we could support them with donations to further their efforts.
No, he won't, and we should stop worrying about doomsday scenarios? He is doing right now what he will be doing: frantically looking for ways to prevent people from voting. He's TRIED a lot of shit, and most of it has failed. If you want to do something positive, send a few dollars to Powered by People in Texas (Beto O'Rourke's group), which has developed a model not just to register young voters but get them to the polls. In addition, they are working on contacting those 1.2 million voters in Texas whose registration was "suspended" and making sure they re-register and correct their address, if inaccurate. When Talarico and hopefully also Hinojosa (who is currently leading Abbott in the polls) win, it will be in large part to these types of efforts.
Go Vote MAGA can't come your polling place and watch you vote that is Federal law. if we still have a federal law. if you can VOTE BY MAIL,I did yesterday, and I will deposit the votes to the post office tomorrow.
I've had enough poor performance from the US Post Office that I really don't want to trust them with my vote in TX. I'm not sure I can track it here. I'm only now old enough to vote by mail.
Vote early in Texas. You can only take your voted mail ballot to the election office on Election Day. You can track your mail ballot. But if you are worried vote early in person.
I've voted early before, but that worries me a little, too. I remember when Cruz was up for reelection in 2018, and those who voted straight-party ticket Democrat were finding that when they checked their ballot before finalizing it, "miraculously" their vote for O'Rourke had been switched to Cruz. And that was the only one that changed. This is a documented fact, local TV covered it at the time. I do not believe it was an accidental programming error. I'll probably vote early in person as I have done many times, but if Musk can rig the vote-counting, he definitely will.
You said it - “if we still have federal law”! I’m 65 and have seen a lot of weird stuff but have never seen any of this crazy crap before. Just when you think he can’t try any more dirty tricks, there’s a new one he pulls out of his sleeve that the law takes too long to process.
Trump and his minions need to recognize that one of the unexpected responses to his orders is that people who never thought of arming themselves, are. The point is that in less than 2 years he has destroyed the trust people have in the national government—something that even during the Civil Rights movement, kept people largely peaceful. Removing trusted military leaders and creating a war overseas makes the general unease existential. When you can’t trust government law enforcement (ICE being the primary example) obedience turns to fury, not despair.
Trump hired over 8,000 ICE agent in August 2026; I think he may try to use them as Police to turn over the Election in Nov,
I don't think Texas can hold your ballot till Election Day. I am not sure of the spelling Marc Elis a Lawyer who is working to convict Trump on Election fraud. and He has won several cases against Trump. If you have MS Now. TV. He is on that station mostly from 5;00 to 9;00 p.m. central time zone.
I am in Tennessee and i got my mail in ballot yesterday and I will drop the ballot off tomorrow; I think we are supposed to have 15 days to mark your ballot and get it back to the Election commission, Or contact He name is Wendy Davis, she ran for Governor of Texas a few years ago,I'M sure she can help you.
I understand about 2,000 of new ICE hires have been fired. Guess why - their background checks revealed they had LIED on their applications. Each has to refund the entire $50,000 bonus they received. LMFAO
I am a retired Government Employee after 33 years, When I was first hired, I had a background Check before I went to work. Why were this thugs working before a background check?
Republican faithfulness to their leader comes from the fact that the orange one “won” the presidency by cheating and he is still in control of all 3 branches of government. He just told his followers to cheat again.
Actually not only did Pedo47 tell them to cheat but he had his base raise their right hands to pledge to go vote and cheat or do whatever, to keep them in power. It was DISGUSTINGLY cultish. 🤮 and what’s terrifying is that his base recited his words after him and pledged like unquestioningly obedient little children who are low level non critical thinkers. He is the most despicable human I have ever known in my life and I’m sad I know now how to feel hate as I do for this man AND the Republican Party. If I find out while meeting people they support Pedo? It tells me all I need to know and I run for the hills. I used to try to factually educate them. It’s a lost cause. At one time, I could get along with those who had different political beliefs but now it’s crossed over to a threshold of MORAL character which I cannot tolerate or respect in another human, therefore won’t be apart of my circle. So sad we are where we are (devided) today. I fervently hope we produce this giant blue tsunami 🌊 wave we all desperately need to right this ship. Vote BLUE up, down and across the ballot!!!!!! 💙🙏🏻
Much love to you all; we’re in this together and must fight back. 💙🫶
It was horrifying to watch. They laughed, LAUGHED, as they raised their hands and swore allegiance to President Creep! I’m 73 years old, and I’ve been watching T rump in the media. It was clear to me, even at 14, that he is an amoral, supremely greedy narcissist, with no respect at all for women or anybody else.
As noted elsewhere, it goes deeper than that. The Republican Party has been faltering for a long, long time. I've been recommending Dana Milbank's DESTRUCTIONISTS, which goes back to Gingrich & co., but it's not hard to trace it further back, to Nixon's "Southern Strategy," which brought all those anti-democracy white Southern Democrats into the Republican fold.
The 1968 presidential election is the key to understanding what's happened with the "GOP" since Nixon. Ultra-racist George Wallace & Curtis LeMay won 5 states' Electoral College votes in 1968, as THIRD-PARTY! Making Nixon's win considerably narrower than it would have been if Wallace had stayed out of it. "GOP" wanted those states' votes and decided to stop at nothing to get them - thus the unholy alliance of the old Confederacy with the Republican Party. It's so clear.
1968 is key to a lot of things, and it's just not because I came of political age that year that I think so. The assassination of MLK Jr. The assassination of RFK. The Democratic convention in Chicago that blew up big-time. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslavakia to suppress the Prague Spring.
P.S. If you think anything is "so clear," you're almost certainly missing something important. It took me a couple of decades to figure this out. <g> There are often several keys to understanding any major event. Any one of them will work.
As an Idaho resident who is as (happily) flabbergasted as you, I just want to say:
Todd Achilles, the Independent candidate for Senate is ahead of maga do nothing Jim Risch— 50.1% to 38.5% in polling. FIRST TIME THAT'S HAPPENED HERE IN DECADES.I've been doorknocking for him in Magaland.
Every rep and senator in Idaho declined to answer my question-
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election?
Idaho needs some democrats in office as only the magats are being served; there’s not ONE democrat in ANY state or federal office. Zero. The representation democrats should have is nonexistent.
Only Idaho can change that., but you will be showered with thanks if you manage to drive a wedge in that red block. Cracks are where demolition starts. I need a better word, how about revolution.
Well, it's sure inspiring what people all over this country are doing to fight back. I'm really determined to do everything I can to curb the corruption and destruction we're experiencing. I do donate to races all over the country, but also want to work in my own backyard.
Yes, it is so discouraging, for sure. I regularly call and email these yahoos. They refuse to answer questions. So I told them to stop wasting (both of)our time. I actually had an aide threaten me even though I am calm, state facts, don't swear, etc.
Do these morally corrupt Republicans all go to the same school?
And BTW last week Todd Achilles saw Jim Risch in the airport. He's not a confrontational guy, just wants to have a conversation. So he asked him why he's unwilling to have a debate and Risch called airport security on him.
As a former Idahoan, grateful to hear this, esp. in opposition to Risch. I remember the era of Frank Church, whom my father campaigned for, and that it was possible to have not only good, but great politicians in office
We all need to snap. We need to snap at every idiotic hateful thing we read, anytime we have the slightest opportunity. It might not impact the person you snapped at, but other people read the underlying comments too.
I am SICK to the bottom of my Soul that all the hateful ignorant people think they’re getting in the last word. So I call them out on their shit everytime I can.
I came to substack to spend less time snapping. I want to believe the pro Trump circus (not caucus, that just would not capture them) posters are all bots, not real thinking Americans. Maybe I am wrong, but avoiding insanity is my selfish goal.
Although I try my darnedest to avoid the pages where the hateful people gather, sometimes it’s unavoidable so I choose to Snap at them. They are equal parts Bots, but many are just ignorant uninformed people in my local community. I avoid national pages too but occasionally those creep into my purview too.
Now is really not the time to be silent. But you can certainly pick and choose when to rear your head so you preserve your sanity.
I do still snap, but I am more likely to identify with and add arguments in line with what I read. We all need to be aware and armed -- with words or examples-- when we encounter the less well informed. I have met educated people who remain totally unaware that ICE has "misbehaved" in the name of deporting the worst of the worst. I try not to snap and suggest they Google a few names I carry in my heart. I lectured college students for 50 years and yet they remember discussions or specific examples not necessarily fundamentals.
Barbara, glad you’re here!! I believe you’re on the “NOTES” page, the orange flag!! The icon below the orange flag, is the “home” page!! Someone told me on her phone, she only had the “orange” flag!! I use a PC! The people from each page seem different to me!! On the “NOTES” PAGE, it seems people talk more, but short messages!!! On the “home” page, there are longer posts, a lot from writers!! “Day time” people, seem somehow different than “NIGHT TIME” people, just my observations, anyone can have a different opinion!! I also feel the “NOTES” people seem younger, than “HOME” people!! I know, it sounds silly and really doesn’t even matter!! I spend most of my time on the home page, that’s where I see “MY” subscriptions!! But I actually use both pages!! ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE!! We mostly ignore trolls, but sometimes they really annoy me and I will mute them, I have zero tolerance for racists, but hate no one, so if you are a racist, just avoid me!! No hard feelings!!
I try not to be racist. There were bad lessons on occasion as I was growing up in Oklahoma, but i did learn that old patterns are hard to suppress even if you never intend to pass them on to children or grandchildren. Every experience since then has reinforced the notion that you should expect the best from almost anyone you meet. It has served me well.
Hasan Piker is a loose canon and a pain in the ass, but he is NOT running for public office. Yes, I would like good candidates like Dr. El Sayed to publicly denounce some of Piker’s more insane statements, and make it clear that he does not ascribe to them, but I also think Piker has become a bigger deal that he ever should have been because the MAGA contingent continues to fuel the fire.
I agree, but I would also like to strike back at these people by asking if they will repudiate or demand Trump repudiate crazy right-wing pastors they've embraced such as Lance Wallnau and Paula White.
I know the "prudent" move is to focus resources on the Democratic candidates in races where they have a good chance to win. But if there was ever a year to bet on long-shot races, this is it.
I've been donating to Angie Nixon, because her campaign could use a little TLC from small donors. The Democratic party simply isn't going to give her much in the way of support- but we can.
Thanks for the reminder. I've been donating monthly to Abdul El-Sayed and James Talarico and sporadically to a few others, but Angie Nixon has been on the top of my to-do list. Now I'll get down and do it. I'm also supporting my junior senator, Ed Markey, for re-election, but here in MA Democrats are in good shape and the state Republicans have finally gone full MAGA.
I've been donating more than I really can afford—though that isn't much—to those candidates and to others including Troy Jackson and Jon Ossoff. Our lives depend on it.
Same- I've been a sustaining contributor to Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles campaign funds. Rosenberg has set up multiple funds targeting sustaining contributions to different traunches of Democratic candidates (State races, US House of Rep Races, Senate races etc.). But I've also been dropping individual donations to Angie Nixon, Troy Jackson, Talarico, Mary Peltoa, Josh Turek, Ossof, and El-Sayed. This past week, I think I blew about what would be the equivalent cost of about 3-weeks worth of groceries for my household. I can't sustain that. But I also can't look my kids in the eye and tell them I did nothing. So- I've dropped some cash on candidates that I really can't afford to; but I feel like the moment demands it.
I'm trying not to even look at my total, but I shall continue doing what I can. I have to feed only cats, and we can be certain they don't care as long as I keep that up. Your kids should be very proud of you. Onward!
Yes, Simon Rosenberg and his Hopium Chronicles are one of the best outlets for gaining campaign news, inspiration, and directions as to where donations will do the most good. He is a true American hero.
Ossoff doesn't need it. Jackson is a great choice. Susan Concern needs to be retired. I'm eyeing Texas as a priority, either way directly to Talarico or to Powered by People, which is working to actually get voters to the polls for Talarico and also Gina Hinojosa, who is working to take out Abbott and be Texas's first Latina governor.
I've also been donating to Talarico, El-Sayed, Matt Dunlap, Fight for Reform, Flip the Senate Blue, and Jamie Davis. I shall add Hinojosa; thanks for mentioning her.
Ed Markey will cruise to victory. Some races we can cheer but they don't really need us, like Juliana Stratton, our next Senator from Illinois. In January the Senate will have THREE Black women for the first time! I remember when everyone was pissed that Newsom didn't appoint a Black woman to replace Harris, but the onus isn't all on California (which appropriately now has a Latino Senator). Delaware and Maryland stepped up, and now Illinois, which coincidentally also elected the first Black woman senator ever: my mom's neighbor Carol Moseley Braun (1993-1999).
I honestly don't believe Angie Nixon is a long shot. When the political establishment wrote her off during the primary, she and her campaign staff mobilized grassroots enthusiasm to pull off a stunning upset over Alexander Vindman—despite being outspent 16-to-1.
Since then, her momentum has only grown. Armed with her proven grit and genuine determination to improve the lives of everyday and marginalized Floridians, Angie is now taking on a vulnerable Republican opponent in Ashley Moody (google her name).
With the full backing of the Democratic Party and sample ballots already hitting voters' mailboxes, Angie Nixon has a real path to victory. Senator Nixon has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? ❤
Mike, your clarity about everything that is currently sucking this country dry politically right now is great. I wish I could say things as concisely as you seem to do…keep speaking out and raising awareness because that is all this country really needs. Clarity in order to escape from all the chaos and confusion. All the best in the months to come -CRB
Great column, Mike. but as usual, I have to disagree with you even while I absolutely agree with you 100%.
One sentence you wrote: “They can’t do it, because they lack the moral clarity to do it.”
They have the moral clarity. Absolutely they have it. They know all of this is wrong. But they simply don’t care, because they are absolutely corrupt. The half-man corruption of Temussolini has spread everywhere, because that is what corruption does. As I have written before, Breaking Bad was not about drug dealing. It was about corruption.
My favorite example, but there are so many more. The child molestation scandal in conservative christian churches—catholic, SBC, JW, AOG— it doesn’t matter. They know child molestation is wrong, but they prefer to blame it on innocent others and do nothing about it. Why? Power and Money, and the sickness of religious dominionism. If their own kids were getting molested, you can bet they would be very upset. Occasionally, one of their kids, like the peternel boy, gets caught up in it all. But I’m pretty sure he’s an exception. I have read a number of pastors kids being arrested for their crimes. And we know abuse is often generational. Draw your own conclusions
Look at Vance. Another unqualified and incompetent half of a man. He knew it was a lie about haitians eating pets. HE even admitted it. But he didn’t care.
I'm happy that you go on those shows Mike and call out their bullshit. Have an awesome Sunday. I'm reading this from Canada where it's still Lake Ontario and my PM Carney is awesome, showing the world how to stand up to Trump and survive.
Of couse. He is stupid enough to think he is imparting "wisdom". He seems to think affiordability was invented by democrats probably because it has 6 syllables.
This is awesome. Thanks. My only concern about the midterms is that the psychopath-in-chief is going to declare Martial Law and have ICE or someone at polling places making sure people vote Republican. Sounds absurd. But is it? With all the desperate, illegal crap he has tried???
Not absurd at all. Predictable! The man is boxed in a cage and desperate like a captive lion.
Please don't insult lions. He's more like a hyena.
I hate to quibble, but hyenas are smart. I also love animals (well maybe not hyenas). To me this evil clown is like The Joker - not the Cesar Romero portrayal from the TV series of the 60s but the Heath Ledger version - wreaking havoc and chaos just for the hell of it.
I'd apologize to hyenas—but only if you can suggest a nastier and dumber animal. Yes, the jerky Joker.
Donald Trump hates being a weak ,Loser, always have, always will.
Donald J. trump was Never told NO for anything until the last few weeks, If the Democrat s win in Nov, Trump will go stone, batshit crazy and I can't wait.
Ummm, have you not noticed that he's always been stone, batshit crazy?
The question then would be, will he try to send some "nukes" out to get revenge on us, or just to start MORE international trouble? I think he's crazy enough to order the military to attack California!
He needs to embrace his essential self: LOSER. No one has ever done so much losing!
Even hyenas are better than Trump!
Yes, we should be concerned about this, but I’m somewhat relieved that many groups now are working on solutions to every possible contingency. Kudos to these heroes, and we could support them with donations to further their efforts.
No, he won't, and we should stop worrying about doomsday scenarios? He is doing right now what he will be doing: frantically looking for ways to prevent people from voting. He's TRIED a lot of shit, and most of it has failed. If you want to do something positive, send a few dollars to Powered by People in Texas (Beto O'Rourke's group), which has developed a model not just to register young voters but get them to the polls. In addition, they are working on contacting those 1.2 million voters in Texas whose registration was "suspended" and making sure they re-register and correct their address, if inaccurate. When Talarico and hopefully also Hinojosa (who is currently leading Abbott in the polls) win, it will be in large part to these types of efforts.
Go Vote MAGA can't come your polling place and watch you vote that is Federal law. if we still have a federal law. if you can VOTE BY MAIL,I did yesterday, and I will deposit the votes to the post office tomorrow.
I've had enough poor performance from the US Post Office that I really don't want to trust them with my vote in TX. I'm not sure I can track it here. I'm only now old enough to vote by mail.
Take it to your county election office yourself if you’re afraid to mail it. There IS a way to get that vote in!
Yes, but that's a major inconvenience. If I have to I will do that.
Vote early in Texas. You can only take your voted mail ballot to the election office on Election Day. You can track your mail ballot. But if you are worried vote early in person.
I've voted early before, but that worries me a little, too. I remember when Cruz was up for reelection in 2018, and those who voted straight-party ticket Democrat were finding that when they checked their ballot before finalizing it, "miraculously" their vote for O'Rourke had been switched to Cruz. And that was the only one that changed. This is a documented fact, local TV covered it at the time. I do not believe it was an accidental programming error. I'll probably vote early in person as I have done many times, but if Musk can rig the vote-counting, he definitely will.
You said it - “if we still have federal law”! I’m 65 and have seen a lot of weird stuff but have never seen any of this crazy crap before. Just when you think he can’t try any more dirty tricks, there’s a new one he pulls out of his sleeve that the law takes too long to process.
Do not trust USPS.
Trump and his minions need to recognize that one of the unexpected responses to his orders is that people who never thought of arming themselves, are. The point is that in less than 2 years he has destroyed the trust people have in the national government—something that even during the Civil Rights movement, kept people largely peaceful. Removing trusted military leaders and creating a war overseas makes the general unease existential. When you can’t trust government law enforcement (ICE being the primary example) obedience turns to fury, not despair.
Trump hired over 8,000 ICE agent in August 2026; I think he may try to use them as Police to turn over the Election in Nov,
I don't think Texas can hold your ballot till Election Day. I am not sure of the spelling Marc Elis a Lawyer who is working to convict Trump on Election fraud. and He has won several cases against Trump. If you have MS Now. TV. He is on that station mostly from 5;00 to 9;00 p.m. central time zone.
I am in Tennessee and i got my mail in ballot yesterday and I will drop the ballot off tomorrow; I think we are supposed to have 15 days to mark your ballot and get it back to the Election commission, Or contact He name is Wendy Davis, she ran for Governor of Texas a few years ago,I'M sure she can help you.
I understand about 2,000 of new ICE hires have been fired. Guess why - their background checks revealed they had LIED on their applications. Each has to refund the entire $50,000 bonus they received. LMFAO
I am a retired Government Employee after 33 years, When I was first hired, I had a background Check before I went to work. Why were this thugs working before a background check?
Republican faithfulness to their leader comes from the fact that the orange one “won” the presidency by cheating and he is still in control of all 3 branches of government. He just told his followers to cheat again.
Actually not only did Pedo47 tell them to cheat but he had his base raise their right hands to pledge to go vote and cheat or do whatever, to keep them in power. It was DISGUSTINGLY cultish. 🤮 and what’s terrifying is that his base recited his words after him and pledged like unquestioningly obedient little children who are low level non critical thinkers. He is the most despicable human I have ever known in my life and I’m sad I know now how to feel hate as I do for this man AND the Republican Party. If I find out while meeting people they support Pedo? It tells me all I need to know and I run for the hills. I used to try to factually educate them. It’s a lost cause. At one time, I could get along with those who had different political beliefs but now it’s crossed over to a threshold of MORAL character which I cannot tolerate or respect in another human, therefore won’t be apart of my circle. So sad we are where we are (devided) today. I fervently hope we produce this giant blue tsunami 🌊 wave we all desperately need to right this ship. Vote BLUE up, down and across the ballot!!!!!! 💙🙏🏻
Much love to you all; we’re in this together and must fight back. 💙🫶
Pedo-47 is hilarious. Mahalo🌺
Lol I cannot bring myself to utter his actual name so pedo47 it is! It’s more fitting. 😉
It was horrifying to watch. They laughed, LAUGHED, as they raised their hands and swore allegiance to President Creep! I’m 73 years old, and I’ve been watching T rump in the media. It was clear to me, even at 14, that he is an amoral, supremely greedy narcissist, with no respect at all for women or anybody else.
As noted elsewhere, it goes deeper than that. The Republican Party has been faltering for a long, long time. I've been recommending Dana Milbank's DESTRUCTIONISTS, which goes back to Gingrich & co., but it's not hard to trace it further back, to Nixon's "Southern Strategy," which brought all those anti-democracy white Southern Democrats into the Republican fold.
The 1968 presidential election is the key to understanding what's happened with the "GOP" since Nixon. Ultra-racist George Wallace & Curtis LeMay won 5 states' Electoral College votes in 1968, as THIRD-PARTY! Making Nixon's win considerably narrower than it would have been if Wallace had stayed out of it. "GOP" wanted those states' votes and decided to stop at nothing to get them - thus the unholy alliance of the old Confederacy with the Republican Party. It's so clear.
1968 is key to a lot of things, and it's just not because I came of political age that year that I think so. The assassination of MLK Jr. The assassination of RFK. The Democratic convention in Chicago that blew up big-time. The Soviet invasion of Czechoslavakia to suppress the Prague Spring.
P.S. If you think anything is "so clear," you're almost certainly missing something important. It took me a couple of decades to figure this out. <g> There are often several keys to understanding any major event. Any one of them will work.
U can take it all the way back to their inception!
As an Idaho resident who is as (happily) flabbergasted as you, I just want to say:
Todd Achilles, the Independent candidate for Senate is ahead of maga do nothing Jim Risch— 50.1% to 38.5% in polling. FIRST TIME THAT'S HAPPENED HERE IN DECADES.I've been doorknocking for him in Magaland.
LET'S GO AMERICA!
Every rep and senator in Idaho declined to answer my question-
Did Joe Biden win the 2020 election?
Idaho needs some democrats in office as only the magats are being served; there’s not ONE democrat in ANY state or federal office. Zero. The representation democrats should have is nonexistent.
Only Idaho can change that., but you will be showered with thanks if you manage to drive a wedge in that red block. Cracks are where demolition starts. I need a better word, how about revolution.
Well, it's sure inspiring what people all over this country are doing to fight back. I'm really determined to do everything I can to curb the corruption and destruction we're experiencing. I do donate to races all over the country, but also want to work in my own backyard.
Yes, it is so discouraging, for sure. I regularly call and email these yahoos. They refuse to answer questions. So I told them to stop wasting (both of)our time. I actually had an aide threaten me even though I am calm, state facts, don't swear, etc.
Do these morally corrupt Republicans all go to the same school?
And BTW last week Todd Achilles saw Jim Risch in the airport. He's not a confrontational guy, just wants to have a conversation. So he asked him why he's unwilling to have a debate and Risch called airport security on him.
Such a trumpy move.
As a former Idahoan, grateful to hear this, esp. in opposition to Risch. I remember the era of Frank Church, whom my father campaigned for, and that it was possible to have not only good, but great politicians in office
We all need to snap. We need to snap at every idiotic hateful thing we read, anytime we have the slightest opportunity. It might not impact the person you snapped at, but other people read the underlying comments too.
I am SICK to the bottom of my Soul that all the hateful ignorant people think they’re getting in the last word. So I call them out on their shit everytime I can.
Start SNAPPING people!!!
lol yup, Agree and snapping away here. I’m a pretty quiet person on socials but I’ve become much more vocal in the comments/replies. 💙
I came to substack to spend less time snapping. I want to believe the pro Trump circus (not caucus, that just would not capture them) posters are all bots, not real thinking Americans. Maybe I am wrong, but avoiding insanity is my selfish goal.
Although I try my darnedest to avoid the pages where the hateful people gather, sometimes it’s unavoidable so I choose to Snap at them. They are equal parts Bots, but many are just ignorant uninformed people in my local community. I avoid national pages too but occasionally those creep into my purview too.
Now is really not the time to be silent. But you can certainly pick and choose when to rear your head so you preserve your sanity.
I do still snap, but I am more likely to identify with and add arguments in line with what I read. We all need to be aware and armed -- with words or examples-- when we encounter the less well informed. I have met educated people who remain totally unaware that ICE has "misbehaved" in the name of deporting the worst of the worst. I try not to snap and suggest they Google a few names I carry in my heart. I lectured college students for 50 years and yet they remember discussions or specific examples not necessarily fundamentals.
I try not to preach, but admit it is hard.
Barbara, glad you’re here!! I believe you’re on the “NOTES” page, the orange flag!! The icon below the orange flag, is the “home” page!! Someone told me on her phone, she only had the “orange” flag!! I use a PC! The people from each page seem different to me!! On the “NOTES” PAGE, it seems people talk more, but short messages!!! On the “home” page, there are longer posts, a lot from writers!! “Day time” people, seem somehow different than “NIGHT TIME” people, just my observations, anyone can have a different opinion!! I also feel the “NOTES” people seem younger, than “HOME” people!! I know, it sounds silly and really doesn’t even matter!! I spend most of my time on the home page, that’s where I see “MY” subscriptions!! But I actually use both pages!! ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE!! We mostly ignore trolls, but sometimes they really annoy me and I will mute them, I have zero tolerance for racists, but hate no one, so if you are a racist, just avoid me!! No hard feelings!!
I try not to be racist. There were bad lessons on occasion as I was growing up in Oklahoma, but i did learn that old patterns are hard to suppress even if you never intend to pass them on to children or grandchildren. Every experience since then has reinforced the notion that you should expect the best from almost anyone you meet. It has served me well.
Yes they will get what they deserve!
But, G-d, make it sooner than later!
Mike, rant as much as you want to!
Hasan Piker is a loose canon and a pain in the ass, but he is NOT running for public office. Yes, I would like good candidates like Dr. El Sayed to publicly denounce some of Piker’s more insane statements, and make it clear that he does not ascribe to them, but I also think Piker has become a bigger deal that he ever should have been because the MAGA contingent continues to fuel the fire.
The moment Abdul El Sayed does what you wish, HP's name is back in the spotlight again. Be patient. Trust Abdul to do what he does best--win. ❤
I agree, but I would also like to strike back at these people by asking if they will repudiate or demand Trump repudiate crazy right-wing pastors they've embraced such as Lance Wallnau and Paula White.
I know the "prudent" move is to focus resources on the Democratic candidates in races where they have a good chance to win. But if there was ever a year to bet on long-shot races, this is it.
I've been donating to Angie Nixon, because her campaign could use a little TLC from small donors. The Democratic party simply isn't going to give her much in the way of support- but we can.
Thanks for the reminder. I've been donating monthly to Abdul El-Sayed and James Talarico and sporadically to a few others, but Angie Nixon has been on the top of my to-do list. Now I'll get down and do it. I'm also supporting my junior senator, Ed Markey, for re-election, but here in MA Democrats are in good shape and the state Republicans have finally gone full MAGA.
I've been donating more than I really can afford—though that isn't much—to those candidates and to others including Troy Jackson and Jon Ossoff. Our lives depend on it.
Same- I've been a sustaining contributor to Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles campaign funds. Rosenberg has set up multiple funds targeting sustaining contributions to different traunches of Democratic candidates (State races, US House of Rep Races, Senate races etc.). But I've also been dropping individual donations to Angie Nixon, Troy Jackson, Talarico, Mary Peltoa, Josh Turek, Ossof, and El-Sayed. This past week, I think I blew about what would be the equivalent cost of about 3-weeks worth of groceries for my household. I can't sustain that. But I also can't look my kids in the eye and tell them I did nothing. So- I've dropped some cash on candidates that I really can't afford to; but I feel like the moment demands it.
I'm trying not to even look at my total, but I shall continue doing what I can. I have to feed only cats, and we can be certain they don't care as long as I keep that up. Your kids should be very proud of you. Onward!
Yes, Simon Rosenberg and his Hopium Chronicles are one of the best outlets for gaining campaign news, inspiration, and directions as to where donations will do the most good. He is a true American hero.
Ossoff doesn't need it. Jackson is a great choice. Susan Concern needs to be retired. I'm eyeing Texas as a priority, either way directly to Talarico or to Powered by People, which is working to actually get voters to the polls for Talarico and also Gina Hinojosa, who is working to take out Abbott and be Texas's first Latina governor.
I've also been donating to Talarico, El-Sayed, Matt Dunlap, Fight for Reform, Flip the Senate Blue, and Jamie Davis. I shall add Hinojosa; thanks for mentioning her.
Ed Markey will cruise to victory. Some races we can cheer but they don't really need us, like Juliana Stratton, our next Senator from Illinois. In January the Senate will have THREE Black women for the first time! I remember when everyone was pissed that Newsom didn't appoint a Black woman to replace Harris, but the onus isn't all on California (which appropriately now has a Latino Senator). Delaware and Maryland stepped up, and now Illinois, which coincidentally also elected the first Black woman senator ever: my mom's neighbor Carol Moseley Braun (1993-1999).
I honestly don't believe Angie Nixon is a long shot. When the political establishment wrote her off during the primary, she and her campaign staff mobilized grassroots enthusiasm to pull off a stunning upset over Alexander Vindman—despite being outspent 16-to-1.
Since then, her momentum has only grown. Armed with her proven grit and genuine determination to improve the lives of everyday and marginalized Floridians, Angie is now taking on a vulnerable Republican opponent in Ashley Moody (google her name).
With the full backing of the Democratic Party and sample ballots already hitting voters' mailboxes, Angie Nixon has a real path to victory. Senator Nixon has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? ❤
She surely looks like a fighter!
I thought I heard she was getting support from the Democratic Party.
I think they gave Nixon about $3 MM- not much for a senate campaign
I’m hearing about the humongous cash advantage the republicans have over the democrats. Perhaps not enough money to go around.
I don’t know the what or why, but she is a great candidate who just might be able to do it.
Some Republicans do have moral clarity. What they lack is moral _fortitude_ and moral _courage_.
Exactly.
My point up above.
Mike, your clarity about everything that is currently sucking this country dry politically right now is great. I wish I could say things as concisely as you seem to do…keep speaking out and raising awareness because that is all this country really needs. Clarity in order to escape from all the chaos and confusion. All the best in the months to come -CRB
White supremacy, racism, greed and bigotry are ruling this country
Great column, Mike. but as usual, I have to disagree with you even while I absolutely agree with you 100%.
One sentence you wrote: “They can’t do it, because they lack the moral clarity to do it.”
They have the moral clarity. Absolutely they have it. They know all of this is wrong. But they simply don’t care, because they are absolutely corrupt. The half-man corruption of Temussolini has spread everywhere, because that is what corruption does. As I have written before, Breaking Bad was not about drug dealing. It was about corruption.
My favorite example, but there are so many more. The child molestation scandal in conservative christian churches—catholic, SBC, JW, AOG— it doesn’t matter. They know child molestation is wrong, but they prefer to blame it on innocent others and do nothing about it. Why? Power and Money, and the sickness of religious dominionism. If their own kids were getting molested, you can bet they would be very upset. Occasionally, one of their kids, like the peternel boy, gets caught up in it all. But I’m pretty sure he’s an exception. I have read a number of pastors kids being arrested for their crimes. And we know abuse is often generational. Draw your own conclusions
Look at Vance. Another unqualified and incompetent half of a man. He knew it was a lie about haitians eating pets. HE even admitted it. But he didn’t care.
It’s not hypocrisy. IT IS CORRUPTION.
I'm happy that you go on those shows Mike and call out their bullshit. Have an awesome Sunday. I'm reading this from Canada where it's still Lake Ontario and my PM Carney is awesome, showing the world how to stand up to Trump and survive.
You are a lucky North American to have a calm, sane and well educated leader. I bet he always knew how to spell dumB.
Most people with any schooling knew dumb had a b lol
Of couse. He is stupid enough to think he is imparting "wisdom". He seems to think affiordability was invented by democrats probably because it has 6 syllables.
lol
Thanks for all your hard work. You had every reason to snap.
These people should be going after Trump instead of blaming it on the issues you stated.
Rant and rave all you need to get the message across. Trump is the biggest liar ever. He’s lies as he breathes.
I hope your day gets better.
I believe Abdul El-Sayed said the exact same thing on his recent interview.
Someone finally said it out loud. Thank you!
You did not look like you snapped. Mike, why can’t I get your talks with Adam Mockler on Substack. It is not in my feed.
You probably need to subscribe to Mockler, too. I can't always tell which one is “hosting”