I'm a 65 year-old Canadian. In 1993, I did a 4-year B.A. at UofT in American politics and government and politcal economy I listen to average Americans (like me, the average Canadian) on youtube. They don't understand how their own government works. They know nothing about economics. They don't understand why it's bad to lower the interest rates when inflation is high. They are rightly complaining about the price of groceries, but their carts of full if processed food. Does anybody cook?
I truly believe that Trump will make sure there is no 2026 midterm elections. If there are he will make sure the GOPs win by cheating by any means possible. He has already redecorated the White House and turned it into “the Orange House” AND he has already made his campaign hats, paraphernalia, signs for his 3rd term as “President”. I assure you he is planning on staying right where he is. Trump’s America will be modeled to that of Russia. They have “elections” but Putin always wins.
It is hard to fathom anyone not knowing many things about government since we were taught at many levels. Passing tests in it was a requirement in the classes, beginning in grade schools and progressing as we continued education. How did people pass the tests if they do not understand.
I do know people who complain about the prices, yet they voted for the one who causes such chaos and has no idea what buying groceries, gas, necessities, and healthcare is like for many American families and individuals.
Nope. Nobody cooks. Myself included. People work hard over here and are too tired to cook. Besides, we have too many places with good eats.
When I was young my family cooked most nights - my grandmother mostly. We ate out only on special occasions. Not any more. No one likes my cooking so we do takeout during the week days and eat out at a nice restaurant on the weekends. I expect most American families do the same judging by their girth.
Elon stole the election for Trump, that’s probably why he has this sudden pang of the mail in voting isn’t secure? I’m from Washington state, they vote by mail all the time. They have never had a problem with it.
How dare they issue "permission slips" for Texas Dem Reps to be tracked! They are not property! They are not animals that you put a chip in! So now we create a camp in their State Capitol?
I don't understand this use of federalization. The man-child came into office, claiming that he wanted to reduce federalization; the Repubs campaigned on this. But then they federalize the police??? They either create chaos or feign it. Sounds like they are talking out of two sides of their mouths, to no surprise of any of us. But we know what the true motive is: creating chaos to become the hero, to create martial law in order to stop voting and further his authoritarian causes.
There are concerns about the polls and problems he wants to cause voters. As Michael explained, we must be sure that Congress does not vote to allow a third term.
We need to pick up the narrative and bring people together. Here’s my proposal:
🗳️ The Arizona New Democracy Initiative
We need to be in the headlines and in the media, and in the thoughts of all thinking Americans! And this is the beginning!
Reclaiming Our Voice. Restoring Our Power.
A Major Event that begins with a large concert, which will inspire the youth’s attention as well as media coverage.
Why Arizona? This platform is just the beginning to spread the grassroots initiative nationwide.
Arizona is at the epicenter of America’s democratic crossroads. Our elections have faced unprecedented pressure—from disinformation and voter suppression to unchecked money and deepening distrust. But across our state, Arizonans are saying: Enough. It’s time to come together around popular, common-sense reforms to protect and strengthen our democracy—for everyone.
Hopefully Arizona will be the beginning of other states convening to create our vision of an America that works for everyone.
Many organizations such as Indivisible, Common Cause, Democracy Initiative,and Democracy 21 can be brought together to create the tenets of a New Democracy.
This Isn’t About Left or Right — Some possible tenets:
✅ Protect the right to vote—for rural, tribal, and urban communities
✅ End dark money and restore integrity to campaign finance
✅ Promote transparency, ethics, and accountability in government
✅ Ensure every voice and every vote truly counts
The Initiative: A United Front for Democratic Renewal
The Arizona Democracy Initiative is a nonpartisan, statewide effort to build momentum for democracy reform—our contribution will be rooted in Arizona’s unique challenges and strengths. By inviting our politicians as well as civic groups, tribal organizations, student coalitions, veterans’ groups, small business networks, and local leaders to co-create this platform we will inspire voters’ enthusiasm.
Our Next Step
🟠 Hosting the Arizona Democracy Summit – A statewide event in Phoenix bringing together advocates, organizers, and officials to ratify the Arizona Democracy Workshops to write a compact and chart a path forward.
🟠 Mobilizing for Change – From policy advocacy to ballot measures, we’ll organize across the state to enact real reforms—together.
If we share our process with other state leaders this can be replicated.
Democrats will have built the best party our country has ever had.
“Democracy doesn’t fix itself — we do it together.”
Why would any democrat sign those consent forms?! I can’t believe they did! And why doesn’t the democratic member stuck there call the damn police?! Tell them to break down the door, I’m locked in!? I don’t understand.
I agree with everything you say each day. but agreeing with you every day is not doing any good. why are the democratic states not doing what California is doing. I know not all states can do that but those that can..y r they not?? where are the democrats. why don't you talk about what democrats are doing..or are they not. why should we fight when our own party seems not to be giving us hope. trump seems to find all loop holes but democrats don't. why do we let this happen..what should we do, the American people can march we can right signs. don't be silent? push back? in what way
There have been a number of articles recently written about the states that are trying to redistrict and what they are up against. New York, for example, can’t change district lines because of the way they’ve written their state legislation. If you google it, you can read about who/what/where/why or why not. In the same vein, red states are also considering how they can grab an extra seat, so there’s a lot going on at the moment.
thank you for your response. I can't believe that only California may be able to pass legislation so they can possibly redistrict. I do realize that some blue states have their hands tied but why is there no publicity on this so democrats can feel there is a wave of resistance. these articles you talk about have not gotten a lot of publicity. all we seem to read about is the success of the republican's efforts. I listen to several speakers on substack other then micheal Cohen, and yes I don't listen to all each day, but I never hear them talking about blue state efforts to fight. as you can see I am very frustrated, so I apoligize. thank you for your insights.
I agree - there is little publicity regarding pushback, it’s very distressing. The problem is who owns the media and AI is the new overlord of the internet. It’s all designed to keep people uninformed. I wish I had an answer as to how to fix this but supporting independent media sources is the best thing we can do. Hang in there, I’m hopeful we’ll get through this.
You're not an alarmist! OMG. Before we totally freak out, how can you Americans change things at the mid-terms? You have to put all your chips on that and make a bold move. Bring out Obama. Tell him that he must come out of retirement. Greetings from 🇨🇦
If midterm voting will put a Democratic majority and other supporters of the same values in both houses of Congress, that would allow a Speaker of the House to be chosen to represent the majority party. More bills could be brought to a vote than the current speaker allows. A Senate Majority Leader would slso be helpful if we had enough people who believe as we do in office. At least the legislative branch would be able to function as needed in checks and balances as our founders planned. The following election on 2028 would determine the winners for the executive branch. If enough people want to save our republic and its democratic ideals, and they vote accordingly in a fair election, with the inaugurations to follow successfully, in time, it is hoped that the judicial branch will become dependable as intended by our Constitution. There are lots of people needed to understand, vote, and remain supportive. Much depends on the upcoming election. It is crucial to our survival. So are many factors leading up to the mid-term election.
Trump can do much better in helping Ukraine and Gaza with his power. The gluttony of power. History will remember what his man has done. Truth will prevail.
It means direct message. If you go on his page next to the subscribe button, there is an arrow when you click on that you can type your message to him requesting the book.
What does DM mean? Would you please explain? Some of us can text email, or make phone calls, but I have no idea what DM means. Does it require an app? If so, I will not be able to do that. I would really appreciate an explanation, please.
DM stands for direct message. You can send a DM by going to the top of Michael's Substack page. On the app, there's a little button that looks like a paper airplane on the right, next to the “Subscribe” tab. If you're using a laptop, access DMs by clicking on the MESSAGE button, roughly in the same place 👍🏻
I'm a 65 year-old Canadian. In 1993, I did a 4-year B.A. at UofT in American politics and government and politcal economy I listen to average Americans (like me, the average Canadian) on youtube. They don't understand how their own government works. They know nothing about economics. They don't understand why it's bad to lower the interest rates when inflation is high. They are rightly complaining about the price of groceries, but their carts of full if processed food. Does anybody cook?
I truly believe that Trump will make sure there is no 2026 midterm elections. If there are he will make sure the GOPs win by cheating by any means possible. He has already redecorated the White House and turned it into “the Orange House” AND he has already made his campaign hats, paraphernalia, signs for his 3rd term as “President”. I assure you he is planning on staying right where he is. Trump’s America will be modeled to that of Russia. They have “elections” but Putin always wins.
It is hard to fathom anyone not knowing many things about government since we were taught at many levels. Passing tests in it was a requirement in the classes, beginning in grade schools and progressing as we continued education. How did people pass the tests if they do not understand.
I do know people who complain about the prices, yet they voted for the one who causes such chaos and has no idea what buying groceries, gas, necessities, and healthcare is like for many American families and individuals.
Nope. Nobody cooks. Myself included. People work hard over here and are too tired to cook. Besides, we have too many places with good eats.
When I was young my family cooked most nights - my grandmother mostly. We ate out only on special occasions. Not any more. No one likes my cooking so we do takeout during the week days and eat out at a nice restaurant on the weekends. I expect most American families do the same judging by their girth.
Elon stole the election for Trump, that’s probably why he has this sudden pang of the mail in voting isn’t secure? I’m from Washington state, they vote by mail all the time. They have never had a problem with it.
How dare they issue "permission slips" for Texas Dem Reps to be tracked! They are not property! They are not animals that you put a chip in! So now we create a camp in their State Capitol?
I don't understand this use of federalization. The man-child came into office, claiming that he wanted to reduce federalization; the Repubs campaigned on this. But then they federalize the police??? They either create chaos or feign it. Sounds like they are talking out of two sides of their mouths, to no surprise of any of us. But we know what the true motive is: creating chaos to become the hero, to create martial law in order to stop voting and further his authoritarian causes.
Hopefully Trump will be dead by then.
I think we gotta hope Reps will just change their votes this time to Dem.
Fat chance, especially when Trump ‘federalizes’ all the voting locations. But switching parties at the polls? Well,that’s a nice hopeful thought.
There are concerns about the polls and problems he wants to cause voters. As Michael explained, we must be sure that Congress does not vote to allow a third term.
We need to pick up the narrative and bring people together. Here’s my proposal:
🗳️ The Arizona New Democracy Initiative
We need to be in the headlines and in the media, and in the thoughts of all thinking Americans! And this is the beginning!
Reclaiming Our Voice. Restoring Our Power.
A Major Event that begins with a large concert, which will inspire the youth’s attention as well as media coverage.
Why Arizona? This platform is just the beginning to spread the grassroots initiative nationwide.
Arizona is at the epicenter of America’s democratic crossroads. Our elections have faced unprecedented pressure—from disinformation and voter suppression to unchecked money and deepening distrust. But across our state, Arizonans are saying: Enough. It’s time to come together around popular, common-sense reforms to protect and strengthen our democracy—for everyone.
Hopefully Arizona will be the beginning of other states convening to create our vision of an America that works for everyone.
Many organizations such as Indivisible, Common Cause, Democracy Initiative,and Democracy 21 can be brought together to create the tenets of a New Democracy.
This Isn’t About Left or Right — Some possible tenets:
✅ Protect the right to vote—for rural, tribal, and urban communities
✅ End dark money and restore integrity to campaign finance
✅ Promote transparency, ethics, and accountability in government
✅ Ensure every voice and every vote truly counts
The Initiative: A United Front for Democratic Renewal
The Arizona Democracy Initiative is a nonpartisan, statewide effort to build momentum for democracy reform—our contribution will be rooted in Arizona’s unique challenges and strengths. By inviting our politicians as well as civic groups, tribal organizations, student coalitions, veterans’ groups, small business networks, and local leaders to co-create this platform we will inspire voters’ enthusiasm.
Our Next Step
🟠 Hosting the Arizona Democracy Summit – A statewide event in Phoenix bringing together advocates, organizers, and officials to ratify the Arizona Democracy Workshops to write a compact and chart a path forward.
🟠 Mobilizing for Change – From policy advocacy to ballot measures, we’ll organize across the state to enact real reforms—together.
If we share our process with other state leaders this can be replicated.
Democrats will have built the best party our country has ever had.
“Democracy doesn’t fix itself — we do it together.”
Why would any democrat sign those consent forms?! I can’t believe they did! And why doesn’t the democratic member stuck there call the damn police?! Tell them to break down the door, I’m locked in!? I don’t understand.
I agree with everything you say each day. but agreeing with you every day is not doing any good. why are the democratic states not doing what California is doing. I know not all states can do that but those that can..y r they not?? where are the democrats. why don't you talk about what democrats are doing..or are they not. why should we fight when our own party seems not to be giving us hope. trump seems to find all loop holes but democrats don't. why do we let this happen..what should we do, the American people can march we can right signs. don't be silent? push back? in what way
Hi Carole,
There have been a number of articles recently written about the states that are trying to redistrict and what they are up against. New York, for example, can’t change district lines because of the way they’ve written their state legislation. If you google it, you can read about who/what/where/why or why not. In the same vein, red states are also considering how they can grab an extra seat, so there’s a lot going on at the moment.
thank you for your response. I can't believe that only California may be able to pass legislation so they can possibly redistrict. I do realize that some blue states have their hands tied but why is there no publicity on this so democrats can feel there is a wave of resistance. these articles you talk about have not gotten a lot of publicity. all we seem to read about is the success of the republican's efforts. I listen to several speakers on substack other then micheal Cohen, and yes I don't listen to all each day, but I never hear them talking about blue state efforts to fight. as you can see I am very frustrated, so I apoligize. thank you for your insights.
I agree - there is little publicity regarding pushback, it’s very distressing. The problem is who owns the media and AI is the new overlord of the internet. It’s all designed to keep people uninformed. I wish I had an answer as to how to fix this but supporting independent media sources is the best thing we can do. Hang in there, I’m hopeful we’ll get through this.
You're not an alarmist! OMG. Before we totally freak out, how can you Americans change things at the mid-terms? You have to put all your chips on that and make a bold move. Bring out Obama. Tell him that he must come out of retirement. Greetings from 🇨🇦
If midterm voting will put a Democratic majority and other supporters of the same values in both houses of Congress, that would allow a Speaker of the House to be chosen to represent the majority party. More bills could be brought to a vote than the current speaker allows. A Senate Majority Leader would slso be helpful if we had enough people who believe as we do in office. At least the legislative branch would be able to function as needed in checks and balances as our founders planned. The following election on 2028 would determine the winners for the executive branch. If enough people want to save our republic and its democratic ideals, and they vote accordingly in a fair election, with the inaugurations to follow successfully, in time, it is hoped that the judicial branch will become dependable as intended by our Constitution. There are lots of people needed to understand, vote, and remain supportive. Much depends on the upcoming election. It is crucial to our survival. So are many factors leading up to the mid-term election.
I love the topics you discuss...they need to be brought out into the light. Thank you Michael!
I wish I could afford to pay. I would gladly buy your book!
Thank you, Michael!!
https://open.substack.com/pub/thiswillhold/p/she-won-part-vii-how-stephen-colbert?r=1z6geo&utm_medium=ios
Evidence of Trump cheating in the 2024 election. Please ask Malcolm Nance if anything can be done to correct this.
More evidence. Https://open.substack.com/pub/thiswillhold/p/ex-cia-whistleblower-the-nsa-audited?r=1z6geo&utm_medium=ios evidence.
Trump can do much better in helping Ukraine and Gaza with his power. The gluttony of power. History will remember what his man has done. Truth will prevail.
How do I get a signed copy of the book.
It means direct message. If you go on his page next to the subscribe button, there is an arrow when you click on that you can type your message to him requesting the book.
Heather, thank you! I tapped his name on the resolution, and if he receives my message, then it worked!
You are welcome!
DM him.
What does DM mean? Would you please explain? Some of us can text email, or make phone calls, but I have no idea what DM means. Does it require an app? If so, I will not be able to do that. I would really appreciate an explanation, please.
DM stands for direct message. You can send a DM by going to the top of Michael's Substack page. On the app, there's a little button that looks like a paper airplane on the right, next to the “Subscribe” tab. If you're using a laptop, access DMs by clicking on the MESSAGE button, roughly in the same place 👍🏻
Shyanne, thank you so much! I think it worked!
You're welcome! 😊
Michigan GOP trying to pass legislature to ban sex offender registration list requirements. Wtf???
Hmmm... is he a sex offender?