While Americans sleepwalk toward another election, Republican operatives quietly redraw democracy itself; locking in power before voters ever realize the game was already rigged.
I agree with you. WE do take the POS very seriously. However, there are too many of THEM (Magats) who truly think he is the most wonderful thing to happen to our country. Obviously, there are enough of them, or he wouldn't have been elected. Ever so slowly, the Magats are realizing that they might have been wrong. Some have lost their farms, some finally realized that tariffs are taxes we pay, some are displeased with the revolting and never-ending Epstein files, and many are opposed to the war in Iran. I see those as the sliver of hope that might save us. The one other important thing is that every one of us votes. No excuses.
This goes much further than just revenge. This is the beginning of true dictatorship. This time 77 million people cannot just sit home in November, because, if they do they can kiss democracy goodbye. How one evil man can create this much chaos in this country is beyond anything that I’m sure every American should tolerate. Get out there and shout as loud as you can to anyone and everyone to get out there and vote. Thank you Michael for telling us the truth every single day, even if we don’t like what we hear. You inspire me to be a more active citizen.
Sorry to say this, but Donald Trump lies like he breathes. He is also a self-centered malignant narcissist, who lacks the ability to empathize with anyone else. And of course he changed his mind at the last minute about the Iranian cease-fire, because he's disorganized, doesn't know what the heck he's doing, and makes it up as he goes along. And let us not forget the fact that five years ago on january 6th, Trump led an insurrection at the capitol, where many people died. There were people that, after attacking police, we're walking in the capitol building itself with confederate flags, shouting “Hang Mike Pence!” BecauseThe vice president wouldn't certify donald trump's lies about the election results. And the violence was so horrific that some people involved in defending the Capitol later committed suicide. Think about that. Then to make matters worse, trump pardons all the J6th rioters, many of which were members of right wing extremist groups like the "proud boys." Trump called them "true patriots" What a f****** joke. More presently, the fact that Pam Bondi's replacement immediately says, "let's just forget about the whole Epstein thing" shows how corrupt the entire system is. Trump has forced himself on countless women of ALL AGES throughout his life. Trump has also said, that if your famous and rich enough, "You can grab women by the p***y" He's also a pedophile, and has been mentioned in the Epstien files a record 38,000 times. Trump is a horrible human being, and he's incapable of empathy with any other human being, and only cares about himself. He's a spoiled brat, and has always used his daddy's connections to get out of the vietnam war, with his fake bone spurs b******t that he got his daddy's doctor to submit to the draft board. He and Epstein have raped countless girls aged only 11, 12, 13, and 14. Trump has cheated on every business deal he's ever made. He's cheated on every wife he's ever been married to. HE'S THE MOST IMMORAL AND WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES! Now he's started a war in the mid-east, where thousands of innocent people have been killed, including many children. The sooner he gets impeached, and/or removed from office due to health or other reasons, the better off the U.S. AND the world will be. Trump said he would keep the united states out of foreign war. He said he would lower the cost of living. What he has done is bomb Iran despite no imminent threat from them. And as one of the effects of this war, the cost of living for gasoline food, Medical care, housing and many other things continue to cost more. Trump is a clear and present danger to the United States, and the entire world. He needs to resign. The Republicans that have influence on him need to section 25, convince him to resign, and whatever, just get him the hell out of there! Sincerely David Morris, who was born one day long ago in Fort Wayne Indiana.
He will never resign. Trump is mentally ill, demented, and a danger to the entire world. No sane person would sit for hours and tweet out crazy shit like trump does. But, shhhh, NEVER say he's a sick and twisted animal. We all know trump and his next action. He has been enabled by his past, present and soon to be be, new loyalists. They ALL belong in prison.
I believe that even if a massive voter turnout happens, and the democratic nominees win in these gerrymandered states, Trump will call it rigged and overturn the election results. I also believe that his bought and paid for Supreme Court will let him do it. If that doesn’t lead to a civil war in this country, nothing will.
I already knew the system would be rigged when he was re-elected. I knew the midterms would not be a free and fair election but I had many doubting my concerns. I wonder what they think now?
I have also been saying this for a long time. That's why I'm cheering on high gas prices, expensive groceries, etc. The only way the Democrats have a chance if it the pain is so bad, MAGA stays home on election day. They certainly won't be voting for a Democrat if their lives depended on it. I'm just hoping the gerrymandering actually backfires since by weakening Democrat districts, they're also diluting their base.
I hope the gerrymandering backfires as well. I think this will be our only hope of getting Trump out. I hear you. I'm cheering on the high gas prices and high inflation as well. I feel a bit twisted because of it. Hell, I'm suffering with it too but still marvel in it. Does that makes sense?
Makes perfect sense. I certainly don't want to pay more, but I'll happily do it if the consequence is flushing this turd and his regime down the toilet.
I sacrificed things when I was working age. Now, I'm ok in retirement and have enough to weather some storms. IF the banking system and SS don't fully collapse. And, if that happens, we have way worse problems than my 401k evaporating. I will pay more, like you, and just hope there is stuff there if I need it and can pay. I see bad things arising.
I feel you, Barb. I'm not of retirement age yet but am self-employed. I have a SEP/IRA that I'm losing money on. My husband is a bit younger than me and has a very good job as an engineer. His pension and 401k is depleting as well. We are okay now but we have to tighten our belts. I fear our retirement accounts will disappear before long. I agree. bad things are coming, I sense this.
It isn't just Trump who doesn't learn from history. Two events come to mind. When Watergate hit the news, Congress did its job and held public hearings that I remember watching daily. When John Dean testified and told the truth, the people involved went to prison. Nixon should have gone to prison as well, IMO. The corruption was astounding. The second thing is that when Trump ran against Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election, a large number of the voting bloc that would have voted for Clinton stayed home. They thought the same thing I did. NO WAY could that POS win. Trump's insane and insatiable need for power was ignored. So, they didn't go to the polls (I obviously voted as I always do), and she lost. The apathy of our citizens was appalling. So, do we get moving and try to regain our democracy? Or do we decide we have lost before any election has happened? Is it already too late?
It's very simple. Two reasons. 1. The billionaire class owns the vast majority of the media, and the billionaires love their tax cuts, etc. People won't make noise if they don't know something is happening. 2. Sadly, even if this was being reported on, many Americans wouldn't care. It's "boring" - they want to watch the real housewives or Tik Tok.
Americans have always loved the con, the scam, the fist shooting from the dark. Personally, I believe there is a deep seated, maybe unconscious victim mentality among many of us. Instead of asking 'Why do we keep sending the same people into office while nothing changes?', we latch on to whatever toxin is spouted by our reps, who know well how to say, 'look at me I'm a victim too', put them right back into their seats in the hope that something will change this time. Isn't that the Thing about doing the same thing over and over while expecting change?
What do we want in a representative? I want someone who knows well the area in which I live. I prefer someone who has long lived in the area. I want them to have a vision and to be able to articulate it. I refuse to vote for someone because some political party says I should.
Gerrymandering as wrong. Districting may not be the right approach anymore. We are not the congruent farmer population that once dominated the land. Fight the political coup happening now, but keep in mind, we have to redefine and restructure what representation actually means.
I live in Pennsylvania just got back from voting you can only vote your party that your registered. Okay always been this way. But what was different today was ONLY REPUBLICANS GET TO VOTE FOR FEDERAL CONGRESS BRIAN FITZPATRICK. Only Republicans got to vote for state senators and congress Craig Statt
There were no federal election for democrats just the local stuff which is important how did this happen? I swear on a stack of bibles that this has never happened I’ve been voting since 1970 never missed an election I don’t get it?
Yes, terrifying. Thanks. The voting situation , for decades, has deteriorated. Maybe it's become so obvious by now, that that things can change? That's me being optimistic. One side of me, anyway.
This is why I hope gas prices go to $6 or $7 a gallon. MAGAs aren't suffering enough yet to give up voting for Republicans. Maybe the prices at the pump will get their attention. We will all suffer, regardless, as many already are.
The Democrats realize, they just can't do anything about it. Everything they try to do, the Republican courts throw them a curve ball. Republicans have 3 branches of government in control and they're all on the take.
This is the most depressing article I think you have ever written. To me it says the fight is over. To me it says the end is near and trump is winning and I am a stupid Democrat doing nothing about it. I hate the way it makes me feel like I don't have a chance in hell of winning and being able to put this nightmare behind me. Are we with you Michael? What does that mean? Do we hear you? Do we believe you? Of course we do! We can see with our own eyes exactly what he's doing and now, with your words of wisdom we know he will win. He will win because he has a plan that can't be broken. He's the winner and we are the losers. We might as well just give up and go home. Whether you intended to or not, you've told us what the future holds for us and I, for one, am so traumatized I want to die. Because this says there is no hope...you lost.
Agree with you and with KP Duncan reply to you. Here's a suggestion - I read Cohen to get fired up and focused, then i read 3 substacks for what's happening and possible things i could do - Democracy Docket (legal front), Scott MacFarlane (legislative front) and Heather Cox Richardson (historical perspective). Then I turn to postcards I've gotten from Postcards to Swing States and copy out their pre-approved messages for whatever upcoming elections during little bits of time throughout the day.. https://secure.ngpvan.com/bcp6GpoxVEC3b1bF0GqgZg2?emci=04ca262b-fa4a-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=4b46ed5c-4a4d-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=32011935
I also read or listen to Adam Kinzinger, who often rounds things up in an uncomplicated, talking-to-your-neighbor way.
Another substack that is great at things to do in terms of calling/writing your Rep is Jessica Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water, and also lists the good things that happened during the week every Friday (i think it's Fri).
Great suggestions, Bewickswren. I also like to add humor; it helps me at least. Either Andy Borowitz or Jeff Tiedrich if you don't mind the language. Tiedrich is on Bluesky for sure.
Mary Jo, this is exactly how "they" want you to feel. Please don't give in to it. I too suffer from this depression- there is actually a German word for it- Weltschmerz. It means mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state. I could bathe in "Weltschmerz"! There are many, many people fighting this outcome, in the Courts and elsewhere. We fought with our feet and our voices during the NO KINGS marches. There are WAAAY more of us than there are of them. These hounds are neither invincible nor even all that intelligent. All we need to do is NOT give in to despair and to keep fighting. This is my belief, and on a good day, like today, I am up for it. I wish you the very best.
There is a way I live in a small community in Bucks County Pennsylvania very heavy MAGA in my woods but within the last three months all the Trump shit is down I’m talking billboards that have been spray painted over house signs gone my neighbors nine homes we are the only democrats we hung our flag upside down and honest to god they started acting like real neighbors again “ They feel that they have been hoodwinked by Trump” I say to them change your party to democratic not independent you can always change back it’s a easy process and some of them do my 97 year old mother n law did god hopes she lives till the election
My theory is if Republicans that are piss off change their party all the gerrymandering won’t matter. Just think maybe no registered Republicans hmmmmm
There are two ways Democrats can win the midterms. One is the Democrats gerrymand tit for tat in the blue states like they have done in California. Two is Trump offends the sensibilities of enough former supporters that creates a blue tsunami. I believe the second is more likely.
What worries me the most is what Trump said yesterday. He said he would not rule out sending the National Guard or ICE to the polling stations at midterms "to prevent fraud."
Oh Michael I think we take Trump very seriously! He’s the most unethical crooked POS that’s ever occupied the WH.
What can we the people do ? Vote?
Is that enough?
Probably not.
No Kings Rallies enough?
Probably not?
Hopefully people will be so pissed in these gerrymandered districts that they go vote democrat and this all backfires.
Hopefully judges fight for the rule of law and the constitution and we get through this.
It’s going to be a rough 2 years.
God help us!
I agree with you. WE do take the POS very seriously. However, there are too many of THEM (Magats) who truly think he is the most wonderful thing to happen to our country. Obviously, there are enough of them, or he wouldn't have been elected. Ever so slowly, the Magats are realizing that they might have been wrong. Some have lost their farms, some finally realized that tariffs are taxes we pay, some are displeased with the revolting and never-ending Epstein files, and many are opposed to the war in Iran. I see those as the sliver of hope that might save us. The one other important thing is that every one of us votes. No excuses.
This goes much further than just revenge. This is the beginning of true dictatorship. This time 77 million people cannot just sit home in November, because, if they do they can kiss democracy goodbye. How one evil man can create this much chaos in this country is beyond anything that I’m sure every American should tolerate. Get out there and shout as loud as you can to anyone and everyone to get out there and vote. Thank you Michael for telling us the truth every single day, even if we don’t like what we hear. You inspire me to be a more active citizen.
I think that Donald Trump IS NOT A AMERICAN
Sorry to say this, but Donald Trump lies like he breathes. He is also a self-centered malignant narcissist, who lacks the ability to empathize with anyone else. And of course he changed his mind at the last minute about the Iranian cease-fire, because he's disorganized, doesn't know what the heck he's doing, and makes it up as he goes along. And let us not forget the fact that five years ago on january 6th, Trump led an insurrection at the capitol, where many people died. There were people that, after attacking police, we're walking in the capitol building itself with confederate flags, shouting “Hang Mike Pence!” BecauseThe vice president wouldn't certify donald trump's lies about the election results. And the violence was so horrific that some people involved in defending the Capitol later committed suicide. Think about that. Then to make matters worse, trump pardons all the J6th rioters, many of which were members of right wing extremist groups like the "proud boys." Trump called them "true patriots" What a f****** joke. More presently, the fact that Pam Bondi's replacement immediately says, "let's just forget about the whole Epstein thing" shows how corrupt the entire system is. Trump has forced himself on countless women of ALL AGES throughout his life. Trump has also said, that if your famous and rich enough, "You can grab women by the p***y" He's also a pedophile, and has been mentioned in the Epstien files a record 38,000 times. Trump is a horrible human being, and he's incapable of empathy with any other human being, and only cares about himself. He's a spoiled brat, and has always used his daddy's connections to get out of the vietnam war, with his fake bone spurs b******t that he got his daddy's doctor to submit to the draft board. He and Epstein have raped countless girls aged only 11, 12, 13, and 14. Trump has cheated on every business deal he's ever made. He's cheated on every wife he's ever been married to. HE'S THE MOST IMMORAL AND WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES! Now he's started a war in the mid-east, where thousands of innocent people have been killed, including many children. The sooner he gets impeached, and/or removed from office due to health or other reasons, the better off the U.S. AND the world will be. Trump said he would keep the united states out of foreign war. He said he would lower the cost of living. What he has done is bomb Iran despite no imminent threat from them. And as one of the effects of this war, the cost of living for gasoline food, Medical care, housing and many other things continue to cost more. Trump is a clear and present danger to the United States, and the entire world. He needs to resign. The Republicans that have influence on him need to section 25, convince him to resign, and whatever, just get him the hell out of there! Sincerely David Morris, who was born one day long ago in Fort Wayne Indiana.
He will never resign. Trump is mentally ill, demented, and a danger to the entire world. No sane person would sit for hours and tweet out crazy shit like trump does. But, shhhh, NEVER say he's a sick and twisted animal. We all know trump and his next action. He has been enabled by his past, present and soon to be be, new loyalists. They ALL belong in prison.
Perfectly said and written 👏 I will restack
Trump is going for feudalism government right before our eyes
I believe that even if a massive voter turnout happens, and the democratic nominees win in these gerrymandered states, Trump will call it rigged and overturn the election results. I also believe that his bought and paid for Supreme Court will let him do it. If that doesn’t lead to a civil war in this country, nothing will.
The turnout must be Hungary-level or higher, so enormous that it cannot be denied.
In PA, judges are elected with retention elections 10 years into their terms.
Our Dems on the state’s highest courts were up for retention last year. Republicons urged a NO vote with overwhelming signage.
Voters didn’t understand retention. We worked hard and got out the vote, and our Dem courts are on our side.
Never give up!
I already knew the system would be rigged when he was re-elected. I knew the midterms would not be a free and fair election but I had many doubting my concerns. I wonder what they think now?
I have also been saying this for a long time. That's why I'm cheering on high gas prices, expensive groceries, etc. The only way the Democrats have a chance if it the pain is so bad, MAGA stays home on election day. They certainly won't be voting for a Democrat if their lives depended on it. I'm just hoping the gerrymandering actually backfires since by weakening Democrat districts, they're also diluting their base.
I hope the gerrymandering backfires as well. I think this will be our only hope of getting Trump out. I hear you. I'm cheering on the high gas prices and high inflation as well. I feel a bit twisted because of it. Hell, I'm suffering with it too but still marvel in it. Does that makes sense?
Makes perfect sense. I certainly don't want to pay more, but I'll happily do it if the consequence is flushing this turd and his regime down the toilet.
It's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. 😉
I sacrificed things when I was working age. Now, I'm ok in retirement and have enough to weather some storms. IF the banking system and SS don't fully collapse. And, if that happens, we have way worse problems than my 401k evaporating. I will pay more, like you, and just hope there is stuff there if I need it and can pay. I see bad things arising.
I feel you, Barb. I'm not of retirement age yet but am self-employed. I have a SEP/IRA that I'm losing money on. My husband is a bit younger than me and has a very good job as an engineer. His pension and 401k is depleting as well. We are okay now but we have to tighten our belts. I fear our retirement accounts will disappear before long. I agree. bad things are coming, I sense this.
Kinda takes away the meaning of the word VOTE
It isn't just Trump who doesn't learn from history. Two events come to mind. When Watergate hit the news, Congress did its job and held public hearings that I remember watching daily. When John Dean testified and told the truth, the people involved went to prison. Nixon should have gone to prison as well, IMO. The corruption was astounding. The second thing is that when Trump ran against Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election, a large number of the voting bloc that would have voted for Clinton stayed home. They thought the same thing I did. NO WAY could that POS win. Trump's insane and insatiable need for power was ignored. So, they didn't go to the polls (I obviously voted as I always do), and she lost. The apathy of our citizens was appalling. So, do we get moving and try to regain our democracy? Or do we decide we have lost before any election has happened? Is it already too late?
This is so scary to me. I can’t understand why there is no noise about this. People should be up in arms.
It's very simple. Two reasons. 1. The billionaire class owns the vast majority of the media, and the billionaires love their tax cuts, etc. People won't make noise if they don't know something is happening. 2. Sadly, even if this was being reported on, many Americans wouldn't care. It's "boring" - they want to watch the real housewives or Tik Tok.
I agree with you. I am a Canadian. I am a political junky. Both sides of the border.
I sit here every morning reading these posts and others on Substack. And it blows my mind!
I can’t believe some Americans can be so naive. ( trying really hard not to say stupid). They seem oblivious to what’s going on around them. 😊
Which is why high gas prices are finally making a dent in the ignorance.
Americans have always loved the con, the scam, the fist shooting from the dark. Personally, I believe there is a deep seated, maybe unconscious victim mentality among many of us. Instead of asking 'Why do we keep sending the same people into office while nothing changes?', we latch on to whatever toxin is spouted by our reps, who know well how to say, 'look at me I'm a victim too', put them right back into their seats in the hope that something will change this time. Isn't that the Thing about doing the same thing over and over while expecting change?
What do we want in a representative? I want someone who knows well the area in which I live. I prefer someone who has long lived in the area. I want them to have a vision and to be able to articulate it. I refuse to vote for someone because some political party says I should.
Gerrymandering as wrong. Districting may not be the right approach anymore. We are not the congruent farmer population that once dominated the land. Fight the political coup happening now, but keep in mind, we have to redefine and restructure what representation actually means.
I live in Pennsylvania just got back from voting you can only vote your party that your registered. Okay always been this way. But what was different today was ONLY REPUBLICANS GET TO VOTE FOR FEDERAL CONGRESS BRIAN FITZPATRICK. Only Republicans got to vote for state senators and congress Craig Statt
There were no federal election for democrats just the local stuff which is important how did this happen? I swear on a stack of bibles that this has never happened I’ve been voting since 1970 never missed an election I don’t get it?
Read "Master Plan" from the Lever.
Yes, terrifying. Thanks. The voting situation , for decades, has deteriorated. Maybe it's become so obvious by now, that that things can change? That's me being optimistic. One side of me, anyway.
This is why I hope gas prices go to $6 or $7 a gallon. MAGAs aren't suffering enough yet to give up voting for Republicans. Maybe the prices at the pump will get their attention. We will all suffer, regardless, as many already are.
The Democrats realize, they just can't do anything about it. Everything they try to do, the Republican courts throw them a curve ball. Republicans have 3 branches of government in control and they're all on the take.
This is the most depressing article I think you have ever written. To me it says the fight is over. To me it says the end is near and trump is winning and I am a stupid Democrat doing nothing about it. I hate the way it makes me feel like I don't have a chance in hell of winning and being able to put this nightmare behind me. Are we with you Michael? What does that mean? Do we hear you? Do we believe you? Of course we do! We can see with our own eyes exactly what he's doing and now, with your words of wisdom we know he will win. He will win because he has a plan that can't be broken. He's the winner and we are the losers. We might as well just give up and go home. Whether you intended to or not, you've told us what the future holds for us and I, for one, am so traumatized I want to die. Because this says there is no hope...you lost.
Agree with you and with KP Duncan reply to you. Here's a suggestion - I read Cohen to get fired up and focused, then i read 3 substacks for what's happening and possible things i could do - Democracy Docket (legal front), Scott MacFarlane (legislative front) and Heather Cox Richardson (historical perspective). Then I turn to postcards I've gotten from Postcards to Swing States and copy out their pre-approved messages for whatever upcoming elections during little bits of time throughout the day.. https://secure.ngpvan.com/bcp6GpoxVEC3b1bF0GqgZg2?emci=04ca262b-fa4a-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=4b46ed5c-4a4d-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=32011935
I also read or listen to Adam Kinzinger, who often rounds things up in an uncomplicated, talking-to-your-neighbor way.
Another substack that is great at things to do in terms of calling/writing your Rep is Jessica Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water, and also lists the good things that happened during the week every Friday (i think it's Fri).
Hope this helps! We're all in it!
Great suggestions, Bewickswren. I also like to add humor; it helps me at least. Either Andy Borowitz or Jeff Tiedrich if you don't mind the language. Tiedrich is on Bluesky for sure.
Not on Bluesky but subscribe to Borowitz, for sure!
Absolutely! I do.
Mary Jo, this is exactly how "they" want you to feel. Please don't give in to it. I too suffer from this depression- there is actually a German word for it- Weltschmerz. It means mental depression or apathy caused by comparison of the actual state of the world with an ideal state. I could bathe in "Weltschmerz"! There are many, many people fighting this outcome, in the Courts and elsewhere. We fought with our feet and our voices during the NO KINGS marches. There are WAAAY more of us than there are of them. These hounds are neither invincible nor even all that intelligent. All we need to do is NOT give in to despair and to keep fighting. This is my belief, and on a good day, like today, I am up for it. I wish you the very best.
Thank you Katherine. It's caring people like you that keeps me going. Thank you for caring!
There is a way I live in a small community in Bucks County Pennsylvania very heavy MAGA in my woods but within the last three months all the Trump shit is down I’m talking billboards that have been spray painted over house signs gone my neighbors nine homes we are the only democrats we hung our flag upside down and honest to god they started acting like real neighbors again “ They feel that they have been hoodwinked by Trump” I say to them change your party to democratic not independent you can always change back it’s a easy process and some of them do my 97 year old mother n law did god hopes she lives till the election
My theory is if Republicans that are piss off change their party all the gerrymandering won’t matter. Just think maybe no registered Republicans hmmmmm
There are two ways Democrats can win the midterms. One is the Democrats gerrymand tit for tat in the blue states like they have done in California. Two is Trump offends the sensibilities of enough former supporters that creates a blue tsunami. I believe the second is more likely.
What worries me the most is what Trump said yesterday. He said he would not rule out sending the National Guard or ICE to the polling stations at midterms "to prevent fraud."
We all know that Trump is the King of Fraud that’s what is so exhausting
So basically Congress just gets an extended vacation on our dime. Nothing gets done on our behalf and the executive orders just keep coming!!
Why can’t the Dems do the same thing?! It’s so shameful and embarrassing to be American right now😞