I just shared with someone who doesn’t want to get involved, among so many friends and relatives. Is it fear? I would hope it is and not complete lack of care and love, basic humanity. I always wondered how so many Germans continued their daily activities while people burned in camps. How was that possible, I agonized over and over. Now I witness it every day. It’s demoralizing. Thank you, again.
Yes, you‘re right. It‘s just like Germany during Nazi Regime.
But, I don‘t know how it is in the US right now, a lot people back then in Germany agreed with the policy. And the idea was indeed similar to Maga, because the Germans thought they were treated unfairly after WW I, neglecting that they started the war.
They were treated unfairly in terms of war reparations and Hitler used that … just as the Felon and the MAGAnuts have used the “border” to create hate and fear to allow for his takeover of our country …. I. “Owning the Libs” they have sold their country …..
I, too, agonize each day and although it is sometimes a relief to go about daily life and have people say cheerfully, "Have a good day!" I wonder what is wrong with them. A few times I've brought up the crisis we're in and they nod and turn away. I get it that we need to find the daily joys and beauty. If not, we would go insane, but please, what is wrong with our fellow Americans...not even the Maga ones, I'm talking about, but those who did not vote for him. I hate protesting, but I do...we need one another like never before.
Right now I'm awake on the west coast as per usual.. I sent my mother and sister one more thing yesterday to see if perhaps they could understand me... I don't know why I still try because it had ALWAYS been futile.. but I heard a speech by Mallory Mcmorrow.. from a few years back and it completely designated with me... So I sent it along with a few words. Basically asking them what is so wrong with me... And ending it with .. I have learned to hate myself...
I wasn't looking for advice, thank you. Just because I am afraid and distraught (and I am, since I am a naturalized Ukrainian American, a female, and a neurodivergent... oh... and someone with Jewish heritage... and LGBTQ) doesn't mean I don't do my part. I have my own social media presence and my own set of topics I strive to cover daily, in addition to regularly contacting my representatives, even though I didn't vote for them and they are about as useful as a third boob. I follow a number of knowledgeable people for news and other information (Jay Kuo, Heather Cox Richardson, Aaron Parnas, etc.) So... please don't assume when someone expresses distress and solidarity they are looking for you to teach them what to do about it. Maybe ask first? "Are you looking for advice or just blowing off steam" IS a legitimate question you know.
I promise to delete this shortly. And will refrain from further comment in John's community for a while. Your response speaks volumes and maybe it was good that I hit reply to the wrong person.
I wish I would have deleted the statement and copied in response to Peggy. I am truly sorry. I know better and generally don't act so childish in my assumptions.
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.
I get frustrated with essays like this one, feeling chastised and guilty for not doing enough. But enough what, exactly? I give money. I stay very informed, especially about medicaid cuts which could destroy the life of someone I care for. I had planned to protest in April, but suddenly my brother and nephew were killed in an accident. But the truth is, I'm typical of a lot of people that activists seem to be mad at - 70 yo, mobility issues big enough to need physical support walking, live alone in an apartment, isolated. I went to a Town Hall. My elected officials are blue and loud. The few friends I have live far away. I know one young person (35) whose mother told me NOT to send a book on fascism because it would upset her. (Geez and BS). If there is anyone who wants to get more people to a protest - give me a ride, please. And where the heck are the "younger than boomer" people? There are 65,000 college students 5 miles away on campus. Where are they?
Yes. I'm a bit peeved at this essay, too. I'm doing what I can as a 75 year-old with the usual bad knees and whatnot (And vertigo of all things. I was going to go to the protest in the beginning of April, but I'd spent the much of the day before in the ER).
I did my part protesting when I was young and vigorous, I just can't do that anymore. The Gen Xers, Millennials, all the rest keep telling us Boomers to move aside and let them have their day. Well here it is, kids. Your turn. Except that they aren't taking over for us. Maybe they truly don't have the time or are afraid of repercussions at their jobs, but maybe they just don't realize the scope of the problem.
I have a few friends in that post Boomer age group but due to things like COVID I rarely see them in person these days. But we interact on Facebook, and I try to keep them informed about what is really going on, not just what they see (or don't see) in the mainstream media. (Sometimes I think longingly of the times when the "uninformed" were those who watched nothing but Fox News.)
My main response to this essay (after my first upset reaction) is to realize that he's NOT talking to me and all the other Boomers who are doing all they are physically, financially, and emotionally able to do.
A secondary response is to think if there might be something more I can do, like get over my innate introvertness and e-mail or call my Senators (no point in contacting my MAGA US Rep, or any of my MAGA state legislators), find the financial wherewithal to donate to some cause (but which?), and maybe, now that the weather is better and my vertigo is under control, join the 20 or so Boomers who stand around with signs every Tuesday at a busy intersection in town.
There is a point in contacting your MAGA US Rep, or any of your MAGA state legislators: if they don't hear from you they can continue to believe their actions are acceptable to you
Yes, I know. And there is a group of people in my area that make it a daily ritual to contact (or rather TRY to contact) our US Rep.
But he doesn't care if people in his district don't like his actions, so long as trump likes his actions. He knows darn well that there is a large group of voters in his geographically large district who object to his actions, that's one of the reasons he's rarely in the district and hasn't had a town hall since 2017. But as long as the yahoos in the rural parts of the district keep voting for him rather than the very liberal Democrats that the urban dems keep putting up against him, he doesn't care, and won't change his tune.
You might consider writing postcards. They're to get out the vote especially in strategic races. It's a powerful way to contribute that doesn't require extroverts with young knees
I did see a physical therapist. I couldn't get in to see him until nearly a month later, by then I was coping fairly well as long as I took it really easy. I had 2 visits with him, with some at-home therapy between the sessions, and the vertigo is 99% gone. I still get a bit of vertigo when I move from sitting to laying down at night, and when I first get out of bed in the morning, but if I move slowly enough, I'm fine. My doctor wants me to have an MRI to rule out any problems other than inner ear disturbances (therapist said there might be), she's trying to get my insurance to agree with her that I need the MRI.
I finally read the "5calls" website about calling our congressional reps. I am in tx so don't know if it will do anything but I've got to do something other than just donate $$$. It gave a great hint: call after normal business hours and leave a VM. Those are counted just as much as calls that reach a person. And you don't have to have a conversation with someone who most certainly disagrees with you. They give you a script so you can just read it.
Susie, I am in the same boat as you, only older (82). I have serious mobility and balance issues, live alone with closest friends far away. I could go on, as I’m sure you could, too. But I am not giving up on sites that tell me I should be doing more. What I CAN do is write comments to encourage people who need the encouragement. I’m doing the best I can and that’s what matters.
This is so true. It really boils my blood when someone says”I am not political! Or I do not watch news!” Really, well that is the definition of privilege. Lucky you I say because you believe you are safe and damn to those not. We have a responsibility as human beings to pay attention to! To take action to protect the most vulnerable. To give a damn about our children, grandchildren and future generations. Life dies not begin and end with you! So give a damn! Take action and stand up to this lunacy!
Barbara: That is a perfect response! I'm going to try to remember your words the next time someone says 'im not political' or chastises me for discussing the subject.
Once again, John has hit the nail on the head. That said, I recall a few essays back when he wrote about people on the edge being unable to withstand this emotional assault on their mental health. That gave me more understanding and patience with some who choose to withdraw from the news and subsequently from doing more. I myself am a senior citizen with physical health issues - marching is out of the question; and happily my representatives are "woke." I still have my Harris sticker on my car along with others like: "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention" - a small voice that may get my car keyed some day. Now I'm reminded to get to my checkbook to send another check to the ACLU, another to my Senator for his fight, another to Planned Parenthood. I have limited funds, but perhaps donating to organizations who do fight the fight for justice and democracy is something we can do. And, as I did the other day, question someone's political statement, evenif it occurs at Bible study! :0
I, too, keep wondering what it will take. I keep writing, calling, protesting, posting. I am most sickened by the silence of the Congressional GOP and our churches. Yesterday I found myself wondering, would this place provide sanctuary if someone entered seeking it? I no longer know.
Same here. So John, what else would you have me do? I’ve called and written those who actually have the power to stop this evil. I’ve donated to groups actively fighting in our courts. My 76-year old back and knees don’t allow protest matching as they once did. There are few maga people in my orbit.
That is my question exactly. In Wisconsin, more than 90% of people who contacted their legislators voiced opposition to a lame duck bill that would severely curb the current governor's power. MORE THAN 90%! And the extremely gerrymandered legislature and governor passed it. What are we to do when legislators refuse to listen to ALL of their constituents and not just those of their party? We can't force anyone to act in a certain way. The democratic legislators are trying, but I think we may be too far gone since the Supreme Court has pretty much abdicated their responsibilities.
Same. A lot of political historians are warning us all - please, please don't do anything stupid, resist the desire to get violent. And they are right to be concerned. Clearly, this administration and its private army of goon do NOT understand non-violent forms of resistance. GOP lawmakers are useless - we cand all keep writing and calling until our fingers bleed, and they are not doing anything. So, what are our options?
I agree - people generally don’t want violence. They want the government to DO ITS JOB. They don’t understand, because of the lack of transparency and honesty, the dangerous cuts being made and how they will affect everyone in the country.
But the mood is changing. The protests are demonstrating that. Those are angry Americans no matter what “party” if any. And this Administration has been in office just a short time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church (actually the most liberal wing) recently published a letter fervently condemning the horrors inflicted by this administration. I'm still hoping other churches will follow suit. Let's write our church leaders.
Just received a copy of a letter from the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, which has a long standing public/private relationship with the US government to support settlement of refugees. TEC is ending that partnership at the close of the government’s fiscal year and has refused the request to resettle 49 Africanner “refugees” in preference over others who have been waiting for years for placement and are in danger (eg those who assisted US interests in Iraq and Afghanistan and Myanmar)
I’ve quit all my social media accounts except three who aren’t owned by American oligarchs and that give politically to democrats. I refuse to financially support any corporation that has sided with this fascist republican nightmare. I’ve been to two political protest rally’s and plan on attending another one this month. I need to keep calling my Representatives/Senators to voice my opinion on issues as they come up.
It’s so disappointing and shocking that not enough people are pushing back to this fascist take over of our government. Besides staying informed on everything happening and speaking up if I see people acting evil I wish there was more I could do. Being an average nobody I don’t know what else to do?
This is where I am too. I’m in a blue state where both senators and my reps have been pushing back; one of them hard. I’ve attended a town meeting. I talk to neighbors and have engaged rationally with those in my circle I know voted for this. I started a daily practice that keeps me in touch with with my humanity and the humanity of those I know who are daily impacted by this. I am unable to physically march at this time and feel undone by that. Thanks for listening.
Angry. Gobsmacked. Exhausted. Watching the rot creep deeper into the fabric of the great experiment—deeper into our churches, our courts, our classrooms. It is metastasizing through procedure, through propaganda, through apathy. And I find myself, again, giving voice to the cry from a place that feels increasingly like national torture:
No fascism in America.
And yet, it’s already here—fanged, suited, hashtagged, flag-wrapped. And where is the righteous outcry? Where are the stewards of this democracy we were told would check the worst of us? I see them. Skulking, spineless. The issue of darkness, slicked in cowardice and spit, terrorizing the helpless with silence while the boot hits bone.
This isn’t just about Trump. It’s about the millions who’ve made themselves small enough to fit in his pocket—or worse, who remain politely inert while the country is being shoved off the ledge.
I used to believe there was a line—some unbearable moral threshold—that once crossed, would wake people up. I believed it would take just one egregious cruelty, one constitutional obscenity, to rattle good Americans out of their sleepwalk. But we’ve passed that line. Hell, we’ve buried it under ash and we’re laying new pavement over the bones.
He’s arresting political opponents. He’s gutting public health. He’s floating the suspension of habeas corpus like it’s a reasonable brainstorm at a policy retreat. And what do we hear from the pews? The dinner tables? The statehouses?
Crickets.
A nation that once stormed beaches in Normandy now won’t storm a school board meeting if it means uncomfortable conversation with a neighbor. A people who once prided themselves on moral courage now ask whether the fight is “worth the drama.” And meanwhile, the most vulnerable among us? They’re living inside the nightmares you still call hypotheticals.
To the silent: we hear you. Loudly.
Your silence is not neutral. It’s not polite. It’s not mature.
It’s a howling endorsement of the regime.
I don’t care if you’ve never been political. I don’t care what party your parents voted for.
If your humanity hasn’t kicked in by now, then maybe it was never as sturdy as you thought.
You are either with him or you are with Humanity.
You either speak, or you let this moment crush what’s left of the republic.
You either show up now—or history will record that you didn’t.
I’m tired. But I’m not done.
And I will not go quiet while this country is swallowed in procedural evil, legislative cowardice, and the slinking complicity of people who once swore they’d never let this happen.
Read. Share. Speak. Fight. And stop pretending silence is anything but consent.
One thing that is helping me stay positive and cheered despite the daily discovery of yet another unfathonable action by Trump is the weekly rally against Trump and Rep. Tom Emmer. For two months now, a rally has been held every Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00. It started with about 100 people showing up, lining up along a heavily traveled road, carrying signs and cheering as cars when by and honked in support. The crowd keeps growing each week. We know have 250 to 350 people each week. For April’s nation wide rally we had 1,000 show up. We stretched about a quarter of a mile along the road. At one rally we had a supporter fly his small plane over our route emitting blue smoke. I love these rallies! I’ve found my community - I’m surrounded by good hearted people who are committed to spending one hour each week trying to make a change. And the response from those driving by with their honking, thumbs up and cheering out their windows shows we have a lot of support. If there are rallies like this being held near you, give it a try! I guarantee you’ll love the experience and will leave with renewed energy and hope.
There are days I want to scream from the rooftops "People Pay Attention", so I understand this feeling of frustration about the silence. When is enough? What is your red line; what has to happen for you to care? But then it's important to remember this is all happening very fast. This government takeover has been years in the making and the speed is by design, to overwhelm and catch us off guard. We are not off guard though, are we? We see them. The people will catch up, we have to believe that otherwise we are giving in, obeying in advance. And that is never, ever acceptable. To quote Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a reckoning will come. So we continue to stand out, to do what we do every day and never, ever give up. The followers will come, slowly at first and then it will seem, all at once.
Reading the comments drives home the crux of the problem with calling people to action: All of us are already doing what we can. The people who need to be reached will never read this substack, they will never pull their heads out of the Fox News Ass they’re stuck in, they will never care about or even understand the threats, pain, and suffering of anyone who doesn’t look like them, think like them, or vote like them. They are how we got here and they don’t give a flying fuck.
You will never know when something you write or say strikes to the heart of someone who needs to hear it. Keep talking. Keep writing. Keep calling. If you are doing what you can, others will take heart and start moving too.
During Nazi Germany, there were army’s to fight back. We, the citizen’s of America, are it. As always, so right John. It is all so upsetting. Thank you.
The magas have been planning all this for years and have produced it in 2025. They got a front person who will do and say anything for them as long as they keep the cameras and spotlight on him. They have organized Christian Nationalism with Christ as focus claiming they are his followers without following anything He taught. The rest of us have no strong leadership or plan to deter them. We depended on our institutions/Constitution/leaders to keep us safe. All are failing us.
I just shared with someone who doesn’t want to get involved, among so many friends and relatives. Is it fear? I would hope it is and not complete lack of care and love, basic humanity. I always wondered how so many Germans continued their daily activities while people burned in camps. How was that possible, I agonized over and over. Now I witness it every day. It’s demoralizing. Thank you, again.
Yes, you‘re right. It‘s just like Germany during Nazi Regime.
But, I don‘t know how it is in the US right now, a lot people back then in Germany agreed with the policy. And the idea was indeed similar to Maga, because the Germans thought they were treated unfairly after WW I, neglecting that they started the war.
They were treated unfairly in terms of war reparations and Hitler used that … just as the Felon and the MAGAnuts have used the “border” to create hate and fear to allow for his takeover of our country …. I. “Owning the Libs” they have sold their country …..
I, too, agonize each day and although it is sometimes a relief to go about daily life and have people say cheerfully, "Have a good day!" I wonder what is wrong with them. A few times I've brought up the crisis we're in and they nod and turn away. I get it that we need to find the daily joys and beauty. If not, we would go insane, but please, what is wrong with our fellow Americans...not even the Maga ones, I'm talking about, but those who did not vote for him. I hate protesting, but I do...we need one another like never before.
Right now I'm awake on the west coast as per usual.. I sent my mother and sister one more thing yesterday to see if perhaps they could understand me... I don't know why I still try because it had ALWAYS been futile.. but I heard a speech by Mallory Mcmorrow.. from a few years back and it completely designated with me... So I sent it along with a few words. Basically asking them what is so wrong with me... And ending it with .. I have learned to hate myself...
But I've never learned to hate others...
No response
I am so sorry. You are not alone.
I wasn't looking for advice, thank you. Just because I am afraid and distraught (and I am, since I am a naturalized Ukrainian American, a female, and a neurodivergent... oh... and someone with Jewish heritage... and LGBTQ) doesn't mean I don't do my part. I have my own social media presence and my own set of topics I strive to cover daily, in addition to regularly contacting my representatives, even though I didn't vote for them and they are about as useful as a third boob. I follow a number of knowledgeable people for news and other information (Jay Kuo, Heather Cox Richardson, Aaron Parnas, etc.) So... please don't assume when someone expresses distress and solidarity they are looking for you to teach them what to do about it. Maybe ask first? "Are you looking for advice or just blowing off steam" IS a legitimate question you know.
I promise to delete this shortly. And will refrain from further comment in John's community for a while. Your response speaks volumes and maybe it was good that I hit reply to the wrong person.
I know and I apologize Maria, my response was meant for Peggy.
I wish I would have deleted the statement and copied in response to Peggy. I am truly sorry. I know better and generally don't act so childish in my assumptions.
I hope you still don’t hate yourself, Peggy. You are too valuable. Your comments on this site help us over and over again.
Thank you..
I am sorry.
Malachi 3:5 NIV
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.
I get frustrated with essays like this one, feeling chastised and guilty for not doing enough. But enough what, exactly? I give money. I stay very informed, especially about medicaid cuts which could destroy the life of someone I care for. I had planned to protest in April, but suddenly my brother and nephew were killed in an accident. But the truth is, I'm typical of a lot of people that activists seem to be mad at - 70 yo, mobility issues big enough to need physical support walking, live alone in an apartment, isolated. I went to a Town Hall. My elected officials are blue and loud. The few friends I have live far away. I know one young person (35) whose mother told me NOT to send a book on fascism because it would upset her. (Geez and BS). If there is anyone who wants to get more people to a protest - give me a ride, please. And where the heck are the "younger than boomer" people? There are 65,000 college students 5 miles away on campus. Where are they?
Yes. I'm a bit peeved at this essay, too. I'm doing what I can as a 75 year-old with the usual bad knees and whatnot (And vertigo of all things. I was going to go to the protest in the beginning of April, but I'd spent the much of the day before in the ER).
I did my part protesting when I was young and vigorous, I just can't do that anymore. The Gen Xers, Millennials, all the rest keep telling us Boomers to move aside and let them have their day. Well here it is, kids. Your turn. Except that they aren't taking over for us. Maybe they truly don't have the time or are afraid of repercussions at their jobs, but maybe they just don't realize the scope of the problem.
I have a few friends in that post Boomer age group but due to things like COVID I rarely see them in person these days. But we interact on Facebook, and I try to keep them informed about what is really going on, not just what they see (or don't see) in the mainstream media. (Sometimes I think longingly of the times when the "uninformed" were those who watched nothing but Fox News.)
My main response to this essay (after my first upset reaction) is to realize that he's NOT talking to me and all the other Boomers who are doing all they are physically, financially, and emotionally able to do.
A secondary response is to think if there might be something more I can do, like get over my innate introvertness and e-mail or call my Senators (no point in contacting my MAGA US Rep, or any of my MAGA state legislators), find the financial wherewithal to donate to some cause (but which?), and maybe, now that the weather is better and my vertigo is under control, join the 20 or so Boomers who stand around with signs every Tuesday at a busy intersection in town.
There is a point in contacting your MAGA US Rep, or any of your MAGA state legislators: if they don't hear from you they can continue to believe their actions are acceptable to you
Yes, I know. And there is a group of people in my area that make it a daily ritual to contact (or rather TRY to contact) our US Rep.
But he doesn't care if people in his district don't like his actions, so long as trump likes his actions. He knows darn well that there is a large group of voters in his geographically large district who object to his actions, that's one of the reasons he's rarely in the district and hasn't had a town hall since 2017. But as long as the yahoos in the rural parts of the district keep voting for him rather than the very liberal Democrats that the urban dems keep putting up against him, he doesn't care, and won't change his tune.
You might consider writing postcards. They're to get out the vote especially in strategic races. It's a powerful way to contribute that doesn't require extroverts with young knees
You make good points. I hardly know what to do at age 79, though I do read and share information with friends.
One suggestion for your vertigo... try physical therapy with someone who specializes in vertigo. Took time... but mine is gone.
I did see a physical therapist. I couldn't get in to see him until nearly a month later, by then I was coping fairly well as long as I took it really easy. I had 2 visits with him, with some at-home therapy between the sessions, and the vertigo is 99% gone. I still get a bit of vertigo when I move from sitting to laying down at night, and when I first get out of bed in the morning, but if I move slowly enough, I'm fine. My doctor wants me to have an MRI to rule out any problems other than inner ear disturbances (therapist said there might be), she's trying to get my insurance to agree with her that I need the MRI.
It's worth ball your efforts. Good luck
I finally read the "5calls" website about calling our congressional reps. I am in tx so don't know if it will do anything but I've got to do something other than just donate $$$. It gave a great hint: call after normal business hours and leave a VM. Those are counted just as much as calls that reach a person. And you don't have to have a conversation with someone who most certainly disagrees with you. They give you a script so you can just read it.
Susie, I am in the same boat as you, only older (82). I have serious mobility and balance issues, live alone with closest friends far away. I could go on, as I’m sure you could, too. But I am not giving up on sites that tell me I should be doing more. What I CAN do is write comments to encourage people who need the encouragement. I’m doing the best I can and that’s what matters.
Thank you, that IS encouraging.
I am so so sorry for your loss and I understand the mobility issues dude, I too do everything I can and I think you for doing the same
Erase dude . Don't know how that jumped in there
This is so true. It really boils my blood when someone says”I am not political! Or I do not watch news!” Really, well that is the definition of privilege. Lucky you I say because you believe you are safe and damn to those not. We have a responsibility as human beings to pay attention to! To take action to protect the most vulnerable. To give a damn about our children, grandchildren and future generations. Life dies not begin and end with you! So give a damn! Take action and stand up to this lunacy!
Amen
Barbara: That is a perfect response! I'm going to try to remember your words the next time someone says 'im not political' or chastises me for discussing the subject.
Once again, John has hit the nail on the head. That said, I recall a few essays back when he wrote about people on the edge being unable to withstand this emotional assault on their mental health. That gave me more understanding and patience with some who choose to withdraw from the news and subsequently from doing more. I myself am a senior citizen with physical health issues - marching is out of the question; and happily my representatives are "woke." I still have my Harris sticker on my car along with others like: "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention" - a small voice that may get my car keyed some day. Now I'm reminded to get to my checkbook to send another check to the ACLU, another to my Senator for his fight, another to Planned Parenthood. I have limited funds, but perhaps donating to organizations who do fight the fight for justice and democracy is something we can do. And, as I did the other day, question someone's political statement, evenif it occurs at Bible study! :0
Thank you. Your persistence is inspiring.
Teresa, good for you.
I, too, keep wondering what it will take. I keep writing, calling, protesting, posting. I am most sickened by the silence of the Congressional GOP and our churches. Yesterday I found myself wondering, would this place provide sanctuary if someone entered seeking it? I no longer know.
Same here. So John, what else would you have me do? I’ve called and written those who actually have the power to stop this evil. I’ve donated to groups actively fighting in our courts. My 76-year old back and knees don’t allow protest matching as they once did. There are few maga people in my orbit.
I’ve posted and shared. So, now what?
That is my question exactly. In Wisconsin, more than 90% of people who contacted their legislators voiced opposition to a lame duck bill that would severely curb the current governor's power. MORE THAN 90%! And the extremely gerrymandered legislature and governor passed it. What are we to do when legislators refuse to listen to ALL of their constituents and not just those of their party? We can't force anyone to act in a certain way. The democratic legislators are trying, but I think we may be too far gone since the Supreme Court has pretty much abdicated their responsibilities.
Same. A lot of political historians are warning us all - please, please don't do anything stupid, resist the desire to get violent. And they are right to be concerned. Clearly, this administration and its private army of goon do NOT understand non-violent forms of resistance. GOP lawmakers are useless - we cand all keep writing and calling until our fingers bleed, and they are not doing anything. So, what are our options?
I agree - people generally don’t want violence. They want the government to DO ITS JOB. They don’t understand, because of the lack of transparency and honesty, the dangerous cuts being made and how they will affect everyone in the country.
But the mood is changing. The protests are demonstrating that. Those are angry Americans no matter what “party” if any. And this Administration has been in office just a short time.
Comment on here and encourage those who are physically able to do more.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church (actually the most liberal wing) recently published a letter fervently condemning the horrors inflicted by this administration. I'm still hoping other churches will follow suit. Let's write our church leaders.
Just received a copy of a letter from the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, which has a long standing public/private relationship with the US government to support settlement of refugees. TEC is ending that partnership at the close of the government’s fiscal year and has refused the request to resettle 49 Africanner “refugees” in preference over others who have been waiting for years for placement and are in danger (eg those who assisted US interests in Iraq and Afghanistan and Myanmar)
Same.
I’ve quit all my social media accounts except three who aren’t owned by American oligarchs and that give politically to democrats. I refuse to financially support any corporation that has sided with this fascist republican nightmare. I’ve been to two political protest rally’s and plan on attending another one this month. I need to keep calling my Representatives/Senators to voice my opinion on issues as they come up.
It’s so disappointing and shocking that not enough people are pushing back to this fascist take over of our government. Besides staying informed on everything happening and speaking up if I see people acting evil I wish there was more I could do. Being an average nobody I don’t know what else to do?
This is where I am too. I’m in a blue state where both senators and my reps have been pushing back; one of them hard. I’ve attended a town meeting. I talk to neighbors and have engaged rationally with those in my circle I know voted for this. I started a daily practice that keeps me in touch with with my humanity and the humanity of those I know who are daily impacted by this. I am unable to physically march at this time and feel undone by that. Thanks for listening.
Being able to talk rationally is your gift …. I can’t even look at some of my family members …
Movements start small …. Like a single pebble signaling an avalanche … I used to be afraid ….
Keep doing what you are doing. Don’t give up!
You are already doing a lot!
A good piece, John.
And here I am again.
Angry. Gobsmacked. Exhausted. Watching the rot creep deeper into the fabric of the great experiment—deeper into our churches, our courts, our classrooms. It is metastasizing through procedure, through propaganda, through apathy. And I find myself, again, giving voice to the cry from a place that feels increasingly like national torture:
No fascism in America.
And yet, it’s already here—fanged, suited, hashtagged, flag-wrapped. And where is the righteous outcry? Where are the stewards of this democracy we were told would check the worst of us? I see them. Skulking, spineless. The issue of darkness, slicked in cowardice and spit, terrorizing the helpless with silence while the boot hits bone.
This isn’t just about Trump. It’s about the millions who’ve made themselves small enough to fit in his pocket—or worse, who remain politely inert while the country is being shoved off the ledge.
I used to believe there was a line—some unbearable moral threshold—that once crossed, would wake people up. I believed it would take just one egregious cruelty, one constitutional obscenity, to rattle good Americans out of their sleepwalk. But we’ve passed that line. Hell, we’ve buried it under ash and we’re laying new pavement over the bones.
He’s arresting political opponents. He’s gutting public health. He’s floating the suspension of habeas corpus like it’s a reasonable brainstorm at a policy retreat. And what do we hear from the pews? The dinner tables? The statehouses?
Crickets.
A nation that once stormed beaches in Normandy now won’t storm a school board meeting if it means uncomfortable conversation with a neighbor. A people who once prided themselves on moral courage now ask whether the fight is “worth the drama.” And meanwhile, the most vulnerable among us? They’re living inside the nightmares you still call hypotheticals.
To the silent: we hear you. Loudly.
Your silence is not neutral. It’s not polite. It’s not mature.
It’s a howling endorsement of the regime.
I don’t care if you’ve never been political. I don’t care what party your parents voted for.
If your humanity hasn’t kicked in by now, then maybe it was never as sturdy as you thought.
You are either with him or you are with Humanity.
You either speak, or you let this moment crush what’s left of the republic.
You either show up now—or history will record that you didn’t.
I’m tired. But I’m not done.
And I will not go quiet while this country is swallowed in procedural evil, legislative cowardice, and the slinking complicity of people who once swore they’d never let this happen.
Read. Share. Speak. Fight. And stop pretending silence is anything but consent.
One thing that is helping me stay positive and cheered despite the daily discovery of yet another unfathonable action by Trump is the weekly rally against Trump and Rep. Tom Emmer. For two months now, a rally has been held every Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00. It started with about 100 people showing up, lining up along a heavily traveled road, carrying signs and cheering as cars when by and honked in support. The crowd keeps growing each week. We know have 250 to 350 people each week. For April’s nation wide rally we had 1,000 show up. We stretched about a quarter of a mile along the road. At one rally we had a supporter fly his small plane over our route emitting blue smoke. I love these rallies! I’ve found my community - I’m surrounded by good hearted people who are committed to spending one hour each week trying to make a change. And the response from those driving by with their honking, thumbs up and cheering out their windows shows we have a lot of support. If there are rallies like this being held near you, give it a try! I guarantee you’ll love the experience and will leave with renewed energy and hope.
There are days I want to scream from the rooftops "People Pay Attention", so I understand this feeling of frustration about the silence. When is enough? What is your red line; what has to happen for you to care? But then it's important to remember this is all happening very fast. This government takeover has been years in the making and the speed is by design, to overwhelm and catch us off guard. We are not off guard though, are we? We see them. The people will catch up, we have to believe that otherwise we are giving in, obeying in advance. And that is never, ever acceptable. To quote Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a reckoning will come. So we continue to stand out, to do what we do every day and never, ever give up. The followers will come, slowly at first and then it will seem, all at once.
Reading the comments drives home the crux of the problem with calling people to action: All of us are already doing what we can. The people who need to be reached will never read this substack, they will never pull their heads out of the Fox News Ass they’re stuck in, they will never care about or even understand the threats, pain, and suffering of anyone who doesn’t look like them, think like them, or vote like them. They are how we got here and they don’t give a flying fuck.
Trying my best. Having to watch out for my mental wellbeing as well. Kind of a balancing act.
Ah yes, the sacred silence of the lawn-mowing moderates.
Nothing says moral courage like checking the HOA bylaws while fascism checks IDs.
John’s right: silence isn’t neutrality—it’s collaboration with a mute button.
If you're still “not political” in 2025, you’re not apolitical—you’re apocalyptic.
There’s no spiritual bypass big enough to skip this one. No “love and light” mantra will un-arrest the innocent or un-ban a book.
You don’t need a perfect opinion. You need a pulse.
Speak now—or keep pretending the smoke’s incense.
—Virgin Monk Boy
You will never know when something you write or say strikes to the heart of someone who needs to hear it. Keep talking. Keep writing. Keep calling. If you are doing what you can, others will take heart and start moving too.
You will see it in the glacially slow change.
During Nazi Germany, there were army’s to fight back. We, the citizen’s of America, are it. As always, so right John. It is all so upsetting. Thank you.
The magas have been planning all this for years and have produced it in 2025. They got a front person who will do and say anything for them as long as they keep the cameras and spotlight on him. They have organized Christian Nationalism with Christ as focus claiming they are his followers without following anything He taught. The rest of us have no strong leadership or plan to deter them. We depended on our institutions/Constitution/leaders to keep us safe. All are failing us.