It’s almost like we haven’t had a king since 1776😂😂 maybe focus on actual policies instead of fear mongering? Maybe that’s why the democrats lost the last election, and will continue to lose? How has it been working out so far to “get Trump”? You people are so far fucked. You people live “online” the majority of Americans aren’t going to support the democrat agenda.
Tariffs. I read a report the other day that said that these price increases have mounted to $1.2 trillion, or about $3500 per person per year in the United States.
Murdering people in boats without a trial, without due process of law, without anything but an accusation.
Producing a video showing Trump as king shitting on Americans. There was a time when even Republicans would’ve been ashamed of this.
Lies on a daily basis about gay people, transgender people, Muslim people.
$40 billion of American money to prop up an authoritarian idiot and the currency he’s running into the ground in Argentina. There’s America first for you.
T tax break breaks for billionaires, because they need more money.
Your tariff numbers are WAY off. Start buying American.
He killed drug dealers that were on that boat. Pick up a book. There’s not trial for people like that.
The king video was him trolling you morons, and it worked.
Lies about Muslim, gay, trans people. Send me your sources. I’m sure they’re biased and come from activist and not reporters.
You’re wrong about Argentina as well. Nothing he’s doing is authoritarian. Biden admin did worse. I’ll send you sources if you’d like.
Taxes. Not surprised you know nothing about what people actually pay. I’ll break it down for you. On taxes: Targeting the ultra-wealthy sounds fair, but the top 1% already pay about 40% of federal income taxes (IRS 2020). Raising their rates further risks capital flight or reduced investment, which can slow economic growth for everyone. The wealth you describe often comes from innovation or markets, not just exploitation-think entrepreneurs like Musk or Bezos. Taxing them punitively could stifle the next big idea. Broader prosperity might come more from reforming systems-like simplifying tax codes or closing loopholes-than from soaking the rich.
Society's benefits shouldn't come at the cost of punishing success.
America doesn’t make anything. And we are paying tariffs. Prices for groceries have gone up between 20 and 35.
He killed drug dealers. Alleged drug dealers. He killed them without a trial. The only evidence we have that they were drug dealers is his say so, and now yours. And yes, even drug dealers deserve a trial.
Yes, he was trolling. You seem proud of it. Had Biden done something even 1/10 as terrible, you would be screaming that he’s a demented old man.
World War II Japanese American Internment (1942–1945)
President: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)
What happened: About 120,000 Japanese Americans—most U.S. citizens—were forcibly relocated and imprisoned in internment camps without trial after Executive Order 9066.
Due process: They were detained solely based on ancestry, not individual suspicion or charges.
Aftermath: The U.S. government later apologized and paid reparations under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
🪖 2.
Cold War Loyalty Programs (late 1940s–1950s)
President: Harry S. Truman (Democrat)
What happened: Truman’s Executive Order 9835 (1947) created “loyalty boards” to investigate federal employees suspected of communist ties.
Due process: Many employees were fired or blacklisted based on secret evidence or accusations without the right to confront witnesses.
🚨 3.
Civil Rights Era Surveillance and Arrests
Presidents: John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrats)
What happened: The FBI (under J. Edgar Hoover) surveilled and harassed civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. under COINTELPRO.
Due process: Though not mass detentions, the secret and politically motivated investigations violated constitutional rights.
🕋 4.
Post-9/11 Detentions (2001–2009)
Presidents: George W. Bush (Republican) began the policy, but Barack Obama (Democrat) continued some aspects of detention without trial at Guantanamo Bay.
Due process: Some detainees were held for years without formal charges or trials, leading to major Supreme Court cases (like Boumediene v. Bush, 2008).
So, yes—Democratic administrations have at times detained or punished people without full due process, usually during wartime or national security crises. But these actions have also occurred under Republican administrations; it’s not unique to one party.
Would you like me to list similar examples under Republican administrations for comparison?
Americans do make a lot of things. Lol, you think Trump is the cause of the grocery prices? Thats hilarious.
They weren’t alleged drug dealers. They were drug dealers. The same Drug dealers that have caused a fentanyl pandemic in our great nation. Looking around at all of your Trump hating profiles, you people CHEERED at Charlie Kirk’s death, and he was a guy that offered a platform for everyone to speak. You people preach intolerance, you people tried to kill a presidential candidate, you people colluded with big tech and big pharma to censor republicans, you people tried to get rid of a sitting president because he paid off a hooker in his past. You people demonize republicans and your posts call them Nazis. You people are the real fascist. Online world isn’t the real world, and that’s why your party is toast. You people are fucking losers.
• Imposed large tariffs (10–25%) on over $360 billion of Chinese imports.
• Added tariffs on steel and aluminum from many countries.
• Led to foreign retaliation, especially against U.S. farm exports.
Economic impact:
• Cost to households: Studies by the New York Fed, Columbia, and Princeton found the tariffs cost the average household $700–$900 per year through higher prices.
• Broader cost: Roughly 0.3%–0.4% of GDP, or around $50–$75 billion per year in lost income and efficiency.
• Winners and losers: Some U.S. producers were helped (e.g., steel industry), but far more industries faced higher input costs.
• Retaliation: China and others targeted U.S. farmers — the U.S. government paid over $28 billion in farm aid to offset those losses.
⸻
🏗️ Biden’s Tariffs (2021–2025)
Scope:
• Kept nearly all of Trump’s tariffs in place.
• Added new targeted tariffs in 2024–2025 on Chinese EVs, solar panels, steel, and semiconductors — but on a much smaller trade volume (around $18 billion in goods).
Economic impact:
• Smaller macro effect: Because Biden’s new tariffs cover far fewer products, their cost to the average household is estimated at under $100 per year.
• Policy focus: His tariffs are aimed at strategic industries (like green tech and manufacturing) rather than broad consumer goods.
• No major retaliation so far, so the spillover effects are smaller.
Just in case you are uninformed, "America First" is the EXACT nomenclature/slogan used by the fascist movement, and NAZI BUND organizers in 1930s USA to try and promote and gain traction for Hitler's support, influence and power, here, in this country.
So, by screaming your putrid orange fuehrer's slogan "America First!" you are basically admitting and owning up to be at least a devout fascist, if not an outREICH Nazi.
Burrr hurrrr Argentina 😂😂😂 your head is so far up your ass, you actually believe we have a king in America. My god, you people have absolutely zero chances of winning another election. Your party is toast.
The ineptitude and stupidity are all yours, sport. Approx. 10 million people took time off from their weekend to demonstrate what a f-ing moron people like you are. They are able to HATE sh&tbags like you for FREE. I'm one of them.
I feel so sorry for you. You have been lied to over and over again. If you have need of anything - health care, housing, food - you will be so disappointed in him. He seems strong, and people just eat it up - at their peril.
We didn’t have military and gestapo in our streets terrorizing American citizens in the process but nice try. Enjoy the brain washing.
Trump has literally done zero for Americans. He works for foreign countries. You prove my point because you can’t name a single thing he’s done and tell me to look it up. “America first” and all his merchandise you wear is from China you big idiot.
You probably don’t even know the 3 branches of government lol
There is No getting through their invincible ignorance. But the protests were real and reflect real disgust with Trump and his actions (cannot honestly say his “policies”). We have to vote in heavy numbers to gain attention but it will take sweeping victories in the midterms to even begin to put a stop to this lurch towards tyranny.
Wonder what maga feels (we know they don’t think) about the $170 Million $$$ that the PedoPoopgatePrez is spending on TWO planes for Sec’y PuppyKiller…
Great to hear your mayor call for a general strike. Yes, even ONE DAY would make everyone stop and listen.
Yes, when the fascism promoting/demanding oligarchs and corporations start losing many, MANY BILLION$$ more of their precious revenue from loss of profit incomes than they gain from their criminal tax breaks and handouts from this criminally corrupt, evil orange fascist despot and his demonic regime/Congress/Senate, they might just start taking notice.
Yes. It was heartwarming, inspiring and empowering to see how quickly Disney woke up and realized what a faux pas they made mistreating Jimmy Kimmel. Affecting their bank accounts and bottom lines is the only way to get their attention. Words are wasted with them.
Mike, this is one of the best commentaries of yours that I have read. And I have read plenty of them! I agree totally with your ideas and philosophy about showing up, being heard, fighting for justice and equality. And, every time I read one, I'm reminded of Chicago, while living there for 11 years in the late '60s through the 1970s. Thanks for keeping it real and real good Bill McGee
All the lies are astonishing. Just like Jan 6th. Don't believe what you are seeing in front of your own face? My God. My family went out here in Columbia, Mo. Was a bit worried there would be trouble 'cause this state is SO red... but no. All went well; Kehoe and his damned National Guard threats be damned.
Good write-up, but here's a challenge. You're the one with connections, Mike. There is coalition leadership behind No-Kings. They're having a follow-up Zoom tomorrow. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/858246/
Do you know anybody amidst the No-Kings coalition leadership? Do you know anybody who knows anybody? Somebody needs to make sure they're looking to do something EFFECTIVE and IMMEDIATE.
Talking about the political "us versus them" is fine, but it's not where the leverage is. The leverage is with those who control the politicians for the purpose of making money. What moves the dial is money -- making it or losing it.
I'm hearing numbers like 7 million No-Kings participants. How many of those bank with Bank of America? Where is Bank of America headquartered? North Carolina. What state is in the list of states looking to kowtow to Trump and Gerrymander for him? North Carolina.
What happens when tens or hundreds of thousands of Bank of America customers notify BofA they're changing banks if North Carolina pursues Gerrymandering? Does losing money convince BofA to pressure North Carolina legislators to not kowtow? This is using the Republican's own corrupt system against them.
Imagine this boycott threat being enhanced by threats of pickets outside BofA locations nationwide proclaiming BofA supports Gerrymandering. Now the attack is on BofA's image, not just wallet.
Repeat this with the major corporations in NC and other states looking to kowtow to Trump.
Vance is out running Trump's errands trying to bribe/extort state legislatures to do what their own constituents largely don't want them to do. The media reports these Vance visits as "talking to" the legislatures. We all know what this "talking" is about. Corruption 101 carrot and stick. Trump's claiming he'll throw tons of money at the state and the politicians, or he'll deny tons of money to the state and attack the politicians.
Nobody is countering that extortion, but nationwide consumers can do effectively the same thing to nationwide corporations to convince them to offset Trump's efforts to extort legislatures.
This cannot wait -- the Gerrymandering process isn't waiting. There is a world of difference between stopping Gerrymandering and trying to get them to undo it. A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. It must be STOPPED NOW. This means getting the word to the No-Kings organizing leadership to not screw this moment up.
I spent the last couple of days collecting the list of which states are looking to kowtow and who are the major corporations in those states. Also refining to which of those corporations are consumer-facing -- which means more easily impacted by consumer boycotts and image damage.
Tens or hundreds of thousands of people writing those corporations threatening to boycott while also emphasizing they're angry about Gerrymandering nationwide regardless of party carries the most weight. It looks non-partisan -- which to a reasonable extent it actually is.
I'm frustrated by the usual problem of not knowing anybody who has the ear of big scale organizers. I'm trying to find people who do. I realize big scale organizers have people constantly trying to talk to them about a zillion different things. Their needing to have filters to protect their time from get overwhelmed is entirely understandable, but also frustrating.
If anybody knows anybody who knows anybody who knows big scale organizing leadership, please get this attention. We already know from Civil Rights this is the type of thing which produces results. Hurting the wallets of those who own the elected officials. It also happens to be extremely time sensitive.
Even my supposed red state of South Dakota had at least 11 locations -with Sioux Falls drawing over 3500, our largest yet. A counter protest was held a couple blocks away and only 35 showed up. The Democrats need to put money into the red states!! We used to have all 3 Congress members that were democrats but then the GOP poured money into our state and convinced people to switch. We can get people to switch back if we can afford to message to them
Hats off especially to those who exercised their 1st amendment right in red states; it’s hard to know how that will go. You give me hope that even if a state is red, there is hope to at least help people see policies that will work better for them (and yes, of course, blue needs to pour money in to your state)
Fox News ruined America just as Murdoch planned it would. Glitzy happy people spewing lies and jokes and laugh. There has to be a stop to that. Bring back the Fairness Doctrine. Stop far right propaganda.
Sorry, they always were, and always will be Goebbels Propaganda Outlet to me (NOT "Fox News", or even 'Faux News').
THAT'S how effing EVIL they are. ;)
Yes, the Fairness Doctrine being rescinded (thanks ol' pompous pruneface 'Saint' Ronnie RayGun ZAP!) ranks right up there with Corporations United, and the ancient, racist BS Electoral College as the most destructive instruments against whatever democracy we ever had in this land. :(
I've been posting about that for years now. We can't bring it back and Codify it until we win again. If we don't win, this country will be Dead. Literally. Here is a list of how it happened.
*FCC challenges the doctrine. In 1985, the FCC released a report arguing that the Fairness Doctrine no longer served the public interest and violated broadcasters' First Amendment rights by creating a "chilling effect" on free speech.
*Congress attempts to codify the doctrine. In June 1987, a Democrat-controlled Congress passed the Fairness in Broadcasting Act to legally enshrine the policy, seeking to prevent the FCC from eliminating it.
*Reagan's veto prevents reinstatement. Reagan vetoed the legislation, stating that government regulation of editorial judgment was "antagonistic to the freedom of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment". Congress did not have enough votes to override his veto.
*FCC officially repeals the policy. In August 1987, after the veto, the FCC voted to formally abolish the Fairness Doctrine. >>:()
**Consequences of the repeal
The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine is credited with enabling the rise of partisan broadcasting, particularly the growth of conservative talk radio led by figures like Rush Limbaugh. The policy only applied to over-the-air broadcast licenses, not to cable television. However, its elimination was part of a larger trend of deregulation that contributed to a more polarized media landscape. >>:()
I've been to a number of protests this year since February. The early Hands Off, No Kings 1.0, the big one last weekend. My "sign" was always just the American flag, and one thing struck me in particular: the early protests were dominated by the upside-down, "in distress" US flag. I even had fellow protesters approach me and ask to flip mine lest I be confused with a counter-protester. By No Kings 1.0, the ratio was around 50/50. Last weekend? A sea of US flags flown properly with pride. I think I saw maybe two flipped ones. We're taking the flag back baby!
We need to encourage more of the Unseen Silent Majority to get out of their cars that are honking in support of the protests, get off the apartment and condo balconies where they are shouting their support from on high, and become a contingent of the Seen Silent Majority.
They don't have to say or do anything other than be a head-to-count by the news copters overhead recording the sizes of the protest events.
Absolutely Fabulous written piece, Mike!! Can you possibly post this on every outlet possibly - TicTok, Insta, Facebook, Truth Social, X and where ever else??
And, I believe the 8.2 mil # is only for the USA. So, there were 100s of thousands in multiple countries around the world which should total millions more! YEAH !!!
I am starting to hear closer to TEN million from some sources.
STILL not nearly enough, given the severity of this evil regime's all out sprint to an abjectly fascist state.
The pundits/Chenowith keep repeating the old 3.5% of the populace meme to make a difference and stop despotic fascism, but the way this country goes, it may have to be more like 10% or more. :(
I believe estimates are now at 8.2 million for No Kings protests on 10-18!
Crazy!!
Insane is the word.
That's the funny thing about it. What are they actually protesting? Because last I checked Trump was democratically elected and with the popular vote.
Which is ironic, because he defeated a candidate that wasn't democratically elected.
It’s almost like we haven’t had a king since 1776😂😂 maybe focus on actual policies instead of fear mongering? Maybe that’s why the democrats lost the last election, and will continue to lose? How has it been working out so far to “get Trump”? You people are so far fucked. You people live “online” the majority of Americans aren’t going to support the democrat agenda.
Here’s some actual policies.
Tariffs. I read a report the other day that said that these price increases have mounted to $1.2 trillion, or about $3500 per person per year in the United States.
Murdering people in boats without a trial, without due process of law, without anything but an accusation.
Producing a video showing Trump as king shitting on Americans. There was a time when even Republicans would’ve been ashamed of this.
Lies on a daily basis about gay people, transgender people, Muslim people.
$40 billion of American money to prop up an authoritarian idiot and the currency he’s running into the ground in Argentina. There’s America first for you.
T tax break breaks for billionaires, because they need more money.
Your tariff numbers are WAY off. Start buying American.
He killed drug dealers that were on that boat. Pick up a book. There’s not trial for people like that.
The king video was him trolling you morons, and it worked.
Lies about Muslim, gay, trans people. Send me your sources. I’m sure they’re biased and come from activist and not reporters.
You’re wrong about Argentina as well. Nothing he’s doing is authoritarian. Biden admin did worse. I’ll send you sources if you’d like.
Taxes. Not surprised you know nothing about what people actually pay. I’ll break it down for you. On taxes: Targeting the ultra-wealthy sounds fair, but the top 1% already pay about 40% of federal income taxes (IRS 2020). Raising their rates further risks capital flight or reduced investment, which can slow economic growth for everyone. The wealth you describe often comes from innovation or markets, not just exploitation-think entrepreneurs like Musk or Bezos. Taxing them punitively could stifle the next big idea. Broader prosperity might come more from reforming systems-like simplifying tax codes or closing loopholes-than from soaking the rich.
Society's benefits shouldn't come at the cost of punishing success.
Come again. I love schooling you morons.
America doesn’t make anything. And we are paying tariffs. Prices for groceries have gone up between 20 and 35.
He killed drug dealers. Alleged drug dealers. He killed them without a trial. The only evidence we have that they were drug dealers is his say so, and now yours. And yes, even drug dealers deserve a trial.
Yes, he was trolling. You seem proud of it. Had Biden done something even 1/10 as terrible, you would be screaming that he’s a demented old man.
You people are lost.
🕵️♂️ 1.
World War II Japanese American Internment (1942–1945)
President: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat)
What happened: About 120,000 Japanese Americans—most U.S. citizens—were forcibly relocated and imprisoned in internment camps without trial after Executive Order 9066.
Due process: They were detained solely based on ancestry, not individual suspicion or charges.
Aftermath: The U.S. government later apologized and paid reparations under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
🪖 2.
Cold War Loyalty Programs (late 1940s–1950s)
President: Harry S. Truman (Democrat)
What happened: Truman’s Executive Order 9835 (1947) created “loyalty boards” to investigate federal employees suspected of communist ties.
Due process: Many employees were fired or blacklisted based on secret evidence or accusations without the right to confront witnesses.
🚨 3.
Civil Rights Era Surveillance and Arrests
Presidents: John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson (Democrats)
What happened: The FBI (under J. Edgar Hoover) surveilled and harassed civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. under COINTELPRO.
Due process: Though not mass detentions, the secret and politically motivated investigations violated constitutional rights.
🕋 4.
Post-9/11 Detentions (2001–2009)
Presidents: George W. Bush (Republican) began the policy, but Barack Obama (Democrat) continued some aspects of detention without trial at Guantanamo Bay.
Due process: Some detainees were held for years without formal charges or trials, leading to major Supreme Court cases (like Boumediene v. Bush, 2008).
So, yes—Democratic administrations have at times detained or punished people without full due process, usually during wartime or national security crises. But these actions have also occurred under Republican administrations; it’s not unique to one party.
Would you like me to list similar examples under Republican administrations for comparison?
My guy, even your account is gross you spread hate and misinformation. Do better.
Americans do make a lot of things. Lol, you think Trump is the cause of the grocery prices? Thats hilarious.
They weren’t alleged drug dealers. They were drug dealers. The same Drug dealers that have caused a fentanyl pandemic in our great nation. Looking around at all of your Trump hating profiles, you people CHEERED at Charlie Kirk’s death, and he was a guy that offered a platform for everyone to speak. You people preach intolerance, you people tried to kill a presidential candidate, you people colluded with big tech and big pharma to censor republicans, you people tried to get rid of a sitting president because he paid off a hooker in his past. You people demonize republicans and your posts call them Nazis. You people are the real fascist. Online world isn’t the real world, and that’s why your party is toast. You people are fucking losers.
🇺🇸 Trump’s Tariffs (2018–2020)
Scope:
• Imposed large tariffs (10–25%) on over $360 billion of Chinese imports.
• Added tariffs on steel and aluminum from many countries.
• Led to foreign retaliation, especially against U.S. farm exports.
Economic impact:
• Cost to households: Studies by the New York Fed, Columbia, and Princeton found the tariffs cost the average household $700–$900 per year through higher prices.
• Broader cost: Roughly 0.3%–0.4% of GDP, or around $50–$75 billion per year in lost income and efficiency.
• Winners and losers: Some U.S. producers were helped (e.g., steel industry), but far more industries faced higher input costs.
• Retaliation: China and others targeted U.S. farmers — the U.S. government paid over $28 billion in farm aid to offset those losses.
⸻
🏗️ Biden’s Tariffs (2021–2025)
Scope:
• Kept nearly all of Trump’s tariffs in place.
• Added new targeted tariffs in 2024–2025 on Chinese EVs, solar panels, steel, and semiconductors — but on a much smaller trade volume (around $18 billion in goods).
Economic impact:
• Smaller macro effect: Because Biden’s new tariffs cover far fewer products, their cost to the average household is estimated at under $100 per year.
• Policy focus: His tariffs are aimed at strategic industries (like green tech and manufacturing) rather than broad consumer goods.
• No major retaliation so far, so the spillover effects are smaller.
I am so sorry for you.
I'm not. Kampower has taken intellectual masturbation to a new level. Stay away from windows.
Nah, I’m good. I’m on the right side of history. You’re being lied to on here. What a great echo chamber you have. 😂😂😂 enjoy losing the mid terms
I read that also—in Heather Cox Richardson’s letter of 10/18.
Thank you 🙏 from Vancouver WA - we had a good turn out here too! Peaceful & lots of American 🇺🇸 too,
If you're not America first then you're not American.
You mean 'FASCISM first'?!?
Just in case you are uninformed, "America First" is the EXACT nomenclature/slogan used by the fascist movement, and NAZI BUND organizers in 1930s USA to try and promote and gain traction for Hitler's support, influence and power, here, in this country.
So, by screaming your putrid orange fuehrer's slogan "America First!" you are basically admitting and owning up to be at least a devout fascist, if not an outREICH Nazi.
Argentina first! Right, Dan?
Burrr hurrrr Argentina 😂😂😂 your head is so far up your ass, you actually believe we have a king in America. My god, you people have absolutely zero chances of winning another election. Your party is toast.
Are you just here to start shit and TROLL??? If so, why don't you go fly a GD kite?
I love trolling you morons. No kings? Who thinks Trump is a king? 😂😂 you people are so fucking stupid, it’s hilarious.
The ineptitude and stupidity are all yours, sport. Approx. 10 million people took time off from their weekend to demonstrate what a f-ing moron people like you are. They are able to HATE sh&tbags like you for FREE. I'm one of them.
I don’t expect anything more intelligent than “burr hurr” from someone like you.
Wait and see
What has Trump done that’s America first? Besides throwing migrants in camps and deporting them. What is he actually doing? Concrete examples.
Lady, Obama did the same thing 😂😂 lookup what Trump has done for Americans.
How's it living life stupid?
I wouldn’t know. I’m not a brainwashed democrat pretending to put America first 😂😂
Hasn't done a GD thing for me EXCEPT make me ILL, FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >>:()
He didn’t make you ill. You are mentally unstable regardless of who’s in office.
Your insults are useless, TROLL.
I feel so sorry for you. You have been lied to over and over again. If you have need of anything - health care, housing, food - you will be so disappointed in him. He seems strong, and people just eat it up - at their peril.
5-0 doochebag. Looks like he/she's on to something. Don't bother to respond.
We didn’t have military and gestapo in our streets terrorizing American citizens in the process but nice try. Enjoy the brain washing.
Trump has literally done zero for Americans. He works for foreign countries. You prove my point because you can’t name a single thing he’s done and tell me to look it up. “America first” and all his merchandise you wear is from China you big idiot.
You probably don’t even know the 3 branches of government lol
We’ve never had military on the streets with Biden or Obama? You might want to look that up.
So what does that $40 billion to Argentina make first in America?
😂😂
There is No getting through their invincible ignorance. But the protests were real and reflect real disgust with Trump and his actions (cannot honestly say his “policies”). We have to vote in heavy numbers to gain attention but it will take sweeping victories in the midterms to even begin to put a stop to this lurch towards tyranny.
Wonder what maga feels (we know they don’t think) about the $170 Million $$$ that the PedoPoopgatePrez is spending on TWO planes for Sec’y PuppyKiller…
Great to hear your mayor call for a general strike. Yes, even ONE DAY would make everyone stop and listen.
Yes, when the fascism promoting/demanding oligarchs and corporations start losing many, MANY BILLION$$ more of their precious revenue from loss of profit incomes than they gain from their criminal tax breaks and handouts from this criminally corrupt, evil orange fascist despot and his demonic regime/Congress/Senate, they might just start taking notice.
Yes. It was heartwarming, inspiring and empowering to see how quickly Disney woke up and realized what a faux pas they made mistreating Jimmy Kimmel. Affecting their bank accounts and bottom lines is the only way to get their attention. Words are wasted with them.
Mike, this is one of the best commentaries of yours that I have read. And I have read plenty of them! I agree totally with your ideas and philosophy about showing up, being heard, fighting for justice and equality. And, every time I read one, I'm reminded of Chicago, while living there for 11 years in the late '60s through the 1970s. Thanks for keeping it real and real good Bill McGee
Thanks William!!!
Comic-con.
Yup, that’s why the democrat party is toast. The only “policy” they run on is to “get Trump”
All the lies are astonishing. Just like Jan 6th. Don't believe what you are seeing in front of your own face? My God. My family went out here in Columbia, Mo. Was a bit worried there would be trouble 'cause this state is SO red... but no. All went well; Kehoe and his damned National Guard threats be damned.
Good write-up, but here's a challenge. You're the one with connections, Mike. There is coalition leadership behind No-Kings. They're having a follow-up Zoom tomorrow. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/858246/
Do you know anybody amidst the No-Kings coalition leadership? Do you know anybody who knows anybody? Somebody needs to make sure they're looking to do something EFFECTIVE and IMMEDIATE.
Talking about the political "us versus them" is fine, but it's not where the leverage is. The leverage is with those who control the politicians for the purpose of making money. What moves the dial is money -- making it or losing it.
I'm hearing numbers like 7 million No-Kings participants. How many of those bank with Bank of America? Where is Bank of America headquartered? North Carolina. What state is in the list of states looking to kowtow to Trump and Gerrymander for him? North Carolina.
What happens when tens or hundreds of thousands of Bank of America customers notify BofA they're changing banks if North Carolina pursues Gerrymandering? Does losing money convince BofA to pressure North Carolina legislators to not kowtow? This is using the Republican's own corrupt system against them.
Imagine this boycott threat being enhanced by threats of pickets outside BofA locations nationwide proclaiming BofA supports Gerrymandering. Now the attack is on BofA's image, not just wallet.
Repeat this with the major corporations in NC and other states looking to kowtow to Trump.
Vance is out running Trump's errands trying to bribe/extort state legislatures to do what their own constituents largely don't want them to do. The media reports these Vance visits as "talking to" the legislatures. We all know what this "talking" is about. Corruption 101 carrot and stick. Trump's claiming he'll throw tons of money at the state and the politicians, or he'll deny tons of money to the state and attack the politicians.
Nobody is countering that extortion, but nationwide consumers can do effectively the same thing to nationwide corporations to convince them to offset Trump's efforts to extort legislatures.
This cannot wait -- the Gerrymandering process isn't waiting. There is a world of difference between stopping Gerrymandering and trying to get them to undo it. A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. It must be STOPPED NOW. This means getting the word to the No-Kings organizing leadership to not screw this moment up.
I spent the last couple of days collecting the list of which states are looking to kowtow and who are the major corporations in those states. Also refining to which of those corporations are consumer-facing -- which means more easily impacted by consumer boycotts and image damage.
Tens or hundreds of thousands of people writing those corporations threatening to boycott while also emphasizing they're angry about Gerrymandering nationwide regardless of party carries the most weight. It looks non-partisan -- which to a reasonable extent it actually is.
I 'Really Like' your post. Great thinking. Thank You!!!
Thank you. I appreciate your letting me know.
I'm frustrated by the usual problem of not knowing anybody who has the ear of big scale organizers. I'm trying to find people who do. I realize big scale organizers have people constantly trying to talk to them about a zillion different things. Their needing to have filters to protect their time from get overwhelmed is entirely understandable, but also frustrating.
If anybody knows anybody who knows anybody who knows big scale organizing leadership, please get this attention. We already know from Civil Rights this is the type of thing which produces results. Hurting the wallets of those who own the elected officials. It also happens to be extremely time sensitive.
And I believe that you're right. I wish that I knew someone.
Hell ya
Even my supposed red state of South Dakota had at least 11 locations -with Sioux Falls drawing over 3500, our largest yet. A counter protest was held a couple blocks away and only 35 showed up. The Democrats need to put money into the red states!! We used to have all 3 Congress members that were democrats but then the GOP poured money into our state and convinced people to switch. We can get people to switch back if we can afford to message to them
Hats off especially to those who exercised their 1st amendment right in red states; it’s hard to know how that will go. You give me hope that even if a state is red, there is hope to at least help people see policies that will work better for them (and yes, of course, blue needs to pour money in to your state)
Fox News ruined America just as Murdoch planned it would. Glitzy happy people spewing lies and jokes and laugh. There has to be a stop to that. Bring back the Fairness Doctrine. Stop far right propaganda.
Sorry, they always were, and always will be Goebbels Propaganda Outlet to me (NOT "Fox News", or even 'Faux News').
THAT'S how effing EVIL they are. ;)
Yes, the Fairness Doctrine being rescinded (thanks ol' pompous pruneface 'Saint' Ronnie RayGun ZAP!) ranks right up there with Corporations United, and the ancient, racist BS Electoral College as the most destructive instruments against whatever democracy we ever had in this land. :(
I've been posting about that for years now. We can't bring it back and Codify it until we win again. If we don't win, this country will be Dead. Literally. Here is a list of how it happened.
*FCC challenges the doctrine. In 1985, the FCC released a report arguing that the Fairness Doctrine no longer served the public interest and violated broadcasters' First Amendment rights by creating a "chilling effect" on free speech.
*Congress attempts to codify the doctrine. In June 1987, a Democrat-controlled Congress passed the Fairness in Broadcasting Act to legally enshrine the policy, seeking to prevent the FCC from eliminating it.
*Reagan's veto prevents reinstatement. Reagan vetoed the legislation, stating that government regulation of editorial judgment was "antagonistic to the freedom of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment". Congress did not have enough votes to override his veto.
*FCC officially repeals the policy. In August 1987, after the veto, the FCC voted to formally abolish the Fairness Doctrine. >>:()
**Consequences of the repeal
The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine is credited with enabling the rise of partisan broadcasting, particularly the growth of conservative talk radio led by figures like Rush Limbaugh. The policy only applied to over-the-air broadcast licenses, not to cable television. However, its elimination was part of a larger trend of deregulation that contributed to a more polarized media landscape. >>:()
I've been to a number of protests this year since February. The early Hands Off, No Kings 1.0, the big one last weekend. My "sign" was always just the American flag, and one thing struck me in particular: the early protests were dominated by the upside-down, "in distress" US flag. I even had fellow protesters approach me and ask to flip mine lest I be confused with a counter-protester. By No Kings 1.0, the ratio was around 50/50. Last weekend? A sea of US flags flown properly with pride. I think I saw maybe two flipped ones. We're taking the flag back baby!
We need to encourage more of the Unseen Silent Majority to get out of their cars that are honking in support of the protests, get off the apartment and condo balconies where they are shouting their support from on high, and become a contingent of the Seen Silent Majority.
They don't have to say or do anything other than be a head-to-count by the news copters overhead recording the sizes of the protest events.
We could not even hear the speakers, or the live music for all of the incessant horn blaring at our event (and I am happy that was the case here)!!
But yes, I agree, as we would have had many many thousands more in the mix if they had gotten out of their cars and attended on the ground!! :)
Absolutely Fabulous written piece, Mike!! Can you possibly post this on every outlet possibly - TicTok, Insta, Facebook, Truth Social, X and where ever else??
Mary
And, I believe the 8.2 mil # is only for the USA. So, there were 100s of thousands in multiple countries around the world which should total millions more! YEAH !!!
Yes it is just the US number and we should all start using it.
I am starting to hear closer to TEN million from some sources.
STILL not nearly enough, given the severity of this evil regime's all out sprint to an abjectly fascist state.
The pundits/Chenowith keep repeating the old 3.5% of the populace meme to make a difference and stop despotic fascism, but the way this country goes, it may have to be more like 10% or more. :(
(Scrolling through the history of fascism to see what step a.i. poop video is in the authoritarian rule book)
Nope. Poop videos seem to be a Trump original? Huh.
Most likely a Stephen Goebbels-Himmler-Heydrich Miller original. ;)
Yep. Trump isn't smart enough to know how to do those things. Miller & Co are doing these.
Dear Mr. Nellis:
Thank You. Thank you for speaking Truth To Power!